Young people living on the streets are commonly believed to suffer from a range of mental health problems that influence the decisions they make on the street and their ability to transition from the streets into more stable housing. In a recent study conducted in Los Angeles with homeless young injection drug users (IDUs), 58% of the sample reported that they had ever been diagnosed with a mental health problem by a mental health professional. The overwhelming majority of the sample reported having ever been diagnosed with multiple mental health problems, including substance abuse. While the cause of these mental health problems is debated among professionals working with youth, there tends to be a general consensus that they would benefit from increased access to psychological and psychiatric services. This paper draws on data gleaned from a qualitative study conducted with sixty young IDUs that identified an array interpersonal, social, economic and institutional factors and relationships influencing pathways to the street and changes in drug use. The sample was recruited from streets and service agencies in Hollywood, California and surrounding areas. Findings indicate that the respondents’ past and current experiences with mental health professionals and institutions were pivotal in their individual identity formation. While they tended to resist diagnoses from authority figures, these same diagnoses were sublimated into their self-perception and everyday lives. Other major themes will be discussed, and recommendations for reaching out to young people who may benefit from supportive mental health services will be presented. See NA
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1)Identify the perceptions that homeless young adults have of mental health diagnoses and conventional methods of treatment. 2) Apply the information presented towards the development and delivery of low-barrier mental health services for people without permanent shelter. 3) Recognize the broader contexts and relationships that influence pathways to the street and barriers to transitioning into more stable housing.
Keywords: Youth at Work, Mental Health Services
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: NA
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.