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Open Access 01-08-2023 | Care | Original Paper

Behavioral Health Care Delivery Through Street Medicine Programs in California

Authors: Kimberly Y. Su, Brett J. Feldman, Corinne T. Feldman, Sonali Saluja, Alexis M. Coulourides Kogan, Michael R. Cousineau

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 2/2024

Abstract

Mental health and substance use disorders are prevalent among people experiencing homelessness. Street Medicine can reach unhoused people who face barriers to accessing healthcare in more traditional medical settings including shelter-based clinics. However, there is little guidance on best practices for mental health and substance use treatment through Street Medicine. The aim of the study was to describe behavioral health care through Street Medicine by analyzing data from the California Street Medicine Landscape survey and follow-up qualitative interviews. Most street medicine programs utilize non-psychiatrists to diagnose and treat mental health and substance use disorders, though the capacity to provide the level of care needed varies. There is a lack of street-based psychiatric clinicians and programs have difficulty making referrals to mental health and addiction services. This report shows that Street Medicine could serve as a strategy to expand access to behavioral health care for the unhoused.

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Title: Behavioral Health Care Delivery Through Street Medicine Programs in California
Authors: Kimberly Y. Su
Brett J. Feldman
Corinne T. Feldman
Sonali Saluja
Alexis M. Coulourides Kogan
Michael R. Cousineau
Publication date: 01-08-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Care
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 2/2024
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-023-01169-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Behavioral Health Care Delivery Through Street Medicine Programs in California

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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