Outcomes of psychosocial interventions for homeless individuals with mental illness: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Homelessness creates a significant social and economic burden in the society. Homelessness and mental illness are two interconnected social issues that poses challenges to individuals and communities across the globe. This systematic review aims to synthesize the existing literature on interventions for the homeless persons with mental illness. Objectives: To systematically review the existing literature on psychosocial interventions for homeless persons with mental illness. Search methods: Five databases including PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, OVID, and Google Scholar were searched using homelessness, psychosocial interventions, mental ill, residential mental health facility, and case management for experimental studies published from January 2000 to December 2022. Study selection: Abstract review was conducted for the screened studies, and full-text review was done for studies which met inclusion exclusion criteria. Data extraction and analysis: Among the 6,387 studies screened 20 studies were selected which fulfilled inclusion criteria. The full text review yielded data of 12,174 homeless persons with mental illness who undergone intervention. Results: The major psychosocial interventions found including critical time intervention, case management, housing support intervention, assertive community treatment, and life skills training. These interventions were helpful in sustaining housing stability, preventing relapse, reducing hospitalizations, and improving quality of life of the homeless persons with mental illness. Conclusion: Targeted and integrated interventions addressing homelessness and mental illness are required to tackle the social problems of homelessness and mental illness. Further research is required to explore the most effective strategies that address homelessness and mental illness.