The Supported Accommodation Needs of People With Mental Health and Substance Use Issues: A Perspective From Service Providers

ABSTRACT

This paper presents data on the experiences and recommendations of providers of supported accommodation services concerning the needs of people with co-morbid mental health and substance use issues. Forty-two service providers were surveyed in New South Wales, Australia. Their responses highlight discrepancies between current services and ideal service. Half of the participants believed that their services did not effectively meet the needs of those with a dual diagnosis; this was the case particularly among services that offered shared accommodation facilities and limited supervision. The service providers recognized a need for accommodation services that simultaneously offer treatment, as well as greater interagency networking. Given the dearth of research specifically on the accommodation needs of people with a dual diagnosis, these insights have the potential to aid policy development and increase the effectiveness of service provision in the accommodation sector.

KEYWORDS:

• Supported accommodation
• housing
• psychosocial rehabilitation
• dual diagnosis
• service providers

The authors would like to express gratitude to The Richmond Fellowship of New South Wales, the Dual Diagnosis Project Advisory Group, the Dual Diagnosis Project Expert Panel, and the research participants who gave their time and support in contributing to the project.