Homelessness and Mental Health (Studies in Social and Community Psychiatry)

As homelessness becomes an increasingly serious issue, the mental health of homeless people is beginning to appear on the agendas of politicians and policy makers, as well as health care workers. In contrast to the popular "Skid Row" stereotype that the word "homeless" tends to trigger, many are in fact families and young single people. The health needs of these different kinds of people are, of course, varied. This volume brings together the experiences of mental health teams from around the world in addressing the problems of mental illness in the homeless. The difficulties in assessment and treatment are discussed at length with an emphasis on the application of existing knowledge in health care. By addressing social policy implications and clinical management as well as providing models and definitions of homelessness in different cultures, this book will offer practical support for all those who work with the homeless.