Bridging the Gap: Implementing Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry for Mental Illness in Unhoused Populations

Abstract

Background and Objectives: California has one of the largest unhoused populations in the United States, a crisis compounded by the prevalence of untreated mental illness among those living on the streets. In this Perspective, we elucidate the critical importance of addressing mental illness within California's and other states' unhoused populations, who often are overlooked and not connected to psychiatric services. Methods and Results: We propose the consultation-liaison (C/L) psychiatrist as a bridge between community outreach teams and psychiatric services, in addition to their traditional roles in inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. Drawing upon clinical experience, literature review, and community insights, we underscore the urgent need for comprehensive mental health interventions to mitigate the profound impact of psychiatric disorders on unhoused individuals and consider the C/L psychiatrist to be particularly skilled in this endeavor. Discussion: We highlight the safety concerns, improved quality of life, and other benefits of timely recognition and treatment of mental illness in unhoused populations.