May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize and address the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. According to the 2023 Point-in-Time count, over 31% of the homeless population nationwide reported having a serious mental illness. Among those who chronically experience homelessness, the percentage is even higher. Often, it can be very difficult for unhoused persons to see mental health professionals consistently due to lack of insurance, accessibility, or complications in engaging with health care providers. In addition, they are an exceptionally vulnerable population, experiencing higher rates of victimization, incarceration, hospitalization, and premature death. The importance of mental health support for people experiencing homelessness is essential.
At Christ House, we are helping our patients overcome these challenges and hurdles every day. Last year, over 72% of our admitted patients had a mental health diagnosis. Tending to the mental health of our patients is one of our highest priorities. For several years, we have partnered with Unity Health Care to provide psychiatric care at Christ House. Thanks to this partnership, patients can talk to our psychiatrist, Dr. Khin, once a week and be prescribed the necessary medication for their mental health needs. When patients who have never seen a psychiatrist before first arrive at Christ House, they will initially be evaluated by Dr. Khin. Once they receive their diagnosis there are different avenues that our patients will most likely take.
If a patient is needing support to treat depression or anxiety, Christ House’s primary care providers can start a prescription and provide continuous evaluation. Because Christ House offers around-the-clock care, our staff are uniquely well positioned to monitor how patients adjust to new medications. If a patient has more complex mental health needs, they can continue seeing Dr. Khin if necessary.
If a patient’s mental health needs are more significant, our Case Managers help make referrals to Community-based Service Providers, a robust outpatient mental health services program funded by the DC government. There are 20+ community-based mental health providers throughout the city that have a contract with the DC Department of Behavioral Health that our patients can be referred to. They provide psychiatric care and occasionally, talk therapy. By partnering with these Community-based Service Providers, our patients are able to establish relationships with mental health providers and continue their treatment after being discharged from Christ House.
Oftentimes, serious mental illness and homelessness can be intertwined with each other. For example, a person experiencing both homelessness and untreated mental health issues can struggle to make real progress toward stability and independence on their own. When our patients arrive at Christ House, it’s one of the many complex needs that we address through our compassionate and comprehensive care. With appropriate mental health care, our patients are better equipped to achieve progress with their physical health, substance use recovery, and obtaining permanent housing.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s crucial to highlight the dire need for mental health support among the homeless population, where over 31% report serious mental illness according to the 2023 Point-in-Time count. Christ House exemplifies an effective response by prioritizing mental health care, illustrated by their collaboration with Unity Health Care to provide psychiatric services, including regular consultations with Dr. Khin. Their comprehensive approach ensures continuous evaluation and tailored care, from initial psychiatric assessments to community-based service referrals. This model not only addresses mental health but also facilitates overall progress in physical health, substance use recovery, and securing permanent housing, showcasing the profound impact of integrated and compassionate care for the homeless.