Unrecognized and untreated trauma and mental health challenges are contributing factors to housing instability, homelessness, and returning to shelter. Families experiencing homelessness must overcome a range of mental health challenges as they work toward permeant housing, from unhealthy coping behaviors and substance use borne of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorders, mild situational depression, to severe anxiety disorders. Yet family shelters do not have the dedicated, clinical resources needed to identify and respond to these needs. The City Council can rectify this with legislation directing the Department of Homeless Services to fund clinical mental health services to be provided by Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners in all family shelters. DHS should fund at least one clinician per 50 families in shelter to provide:
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- Psychotherapy, prescription refills, and treatment oversight for clients receiving medical care for a diagnosed mental illness.
- Walk-in counseling and therapy for clients who are exploring, learning about, and taking the first steps toward receiving regular mental health care.
Support to existing social workers in diagnosing mental illnesses and in intervening and de-escalating crises.