Needs of homeless people for mental healthcare

Abstract

Aims and methodTo assess the individual needs for psychiatric services of a representative sample of homeless men living in hostels. A standardised procedure was used to assess the needs of 101 randomly selected homeless men.ResultsThe main mental health needs of the study sample were for psychiatric and social assessments and for alcohol and drug services. Men with psychotic problems had a high level of needs for psychiatric services and a higher proportion of unmet needs.Clinical implicationsOur findings support the need for community-based multidisciplinary services that work specifically with homeless people to meet their needs. These services should incorporate psychiatric, social and substance misuse services.