This article is an evidence-based resource guide prepared by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The guide offers strategies and implementation considerations aimed at behavioral health providers and other practitioners who work with people experiencing homelessness. The guide emphasizes the importance of initiating mental health and substance use disorder treatments during the period when individuals are still homeless, whether sheltered or unsheltered. It outlines five key evidence-based interventions, including Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Intensive Case Management, Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA), and Peer Support, providing practical advice on how these can be implemented to improve behavioral health outcomes. The guide also highlights the importance of engaging with individuals in their current environments and presents case studies to illustrate successful applications of these strategies.
This course is based on the reading-based online article, Expanding Access to and Use of Behavioral Health Services for People Experiencing Homelessness created by SAMHSA in 2023.
Publication Date:
SAMHSA Publication No. PEP22-06- 02-003. National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory.
Course Material Author
SAMHSA
SAMHSA, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is dedicated to improving the quality and availability of treatment and rehabilitative services for individuals with mental and substance use disorders. The National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory within SAMHSA focuses on fostering the development, implementation, and dissemination of evidence-based practices to enhance mental health and substance use outcomes across the nation.
SAMHSA authored the material only, and was not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.
Allison Brown holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice with a Psychology focus and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently works at a Long-Term Insurance company bringing clinical experience to claim processes. Additionally, she developed and continues to lead the Continuing Education Program for Social Workers and Nurses and often leads complex process improvement projects Prior to this, her primary focus was in mental health and worked in both the outpatient and inpatient settings providing support to adults with mental illness.
Recommended For:
Counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for all levels of knowledge.
Course Objectives:
After taking this course, you should be able to:
Identify and Describe Key Evidence-Based Interventions
Develop Strategies for Engaging Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Analyze Case Studies for Practical Application
Disclosure to Learners
Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited
Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity –
including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial
relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).
The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and
the reviewer:
Planners and Reviewers
The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.
Allison Brown, LCSW 149014591 – No relevant financial relationships.
Commercial support
There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.
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