Testing the feasibility of telemental health services in permanent supportive housing

ABSTRACT

Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is an evidence-based intervention to end homelessness but programs can vary widely in their type and intensity of supportive services. This study tests the feasibility of implementing evidence-based psychosocial interventions (e.g. motivational interviewing or cognitive behavioral therapy) through Telehealth (TH) to PSH residents in an urban setting. PSH tenants who lived in 3 separate buildings were eligible for TH services. Service engagement was assessed by documenting recruitment efforts and referrals and by tracking enrollment and frequency of service utilization. TH implementation challenges were monitored whereby providers noted any difficulties they experienced either recruiting participants or implementing TH. Only 27% of enrolled clients (n = 26) completed this program, largely due to technology issues; however, completion rates improved to 83% once technology issues were resolved. Adequate access to internet connectivity, along with organizational support, should be included in policies to expand PSH in order to fairly provide access to technology-based services.

KEYWORDS:

• Housing first
• homelessness
• evidence-based therapy
• Telehealth
• Mental Health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by funding from the University of Southern California Gehr Family Center for Health Systems Science & Innovation at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Notes on contributors

Benjamin F. Henwood

Benjamin F. Henwood, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California.

Danielle R. Madden

Danielle R. Madden, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California.

John Lahey

John Lahey, MSW, is the Director of Resident Programs at Skid Row Housing Trust.

Hannah M. Thomson

Hannah M. Thomson, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California.

Nadia Islam

Nadia Islam, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Clinical Practice in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California.