A follow-up study of people with severe mental illness treated by a specialist homeless team

Abstract

Aim and method. To follow up homeless people with psychoses treated by a dedicated team: changes in accommodation, risk behaviour, menial state and psychiatric care were examined. Results. Service uptake improved as did symptomatology and residential stability. However, substance use and criminality continued to be prevalent and a minority remained homeless. Clinical implications. Specialist psychiatric teams are a valuable adjunct to mainstream services in areas with high levels of homelessness.