Ethical Arguments for Providing Access to Mental Health Care through Longitudinal Relationships

Abstract

A focus on access to mental health care is critical for beneficent and just care of individuals experiencing homelessness. The delivery of this care is strengthened through building longitudinal relationships between clinicians and persons experiencing homelessness—relationships that are best understood, perhaps, through the lens of attachment theory. In this paper, we look at the prevalence of mental illness among individuals experiencing homelessness and the history of deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill. We then evaluate how three modern-day interventions—street medicine, community health clinics, and supportive housing programs—play integral roles in providing mental health care and constructing a trusting relationship. We conclude with a call for increased funding to support the expansion of these essential mental health care interventions, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Keywords

• homelessness
• homeless
• mental health
• mental health services
• mental disorders
• psychiatric disorders
• public health
• supportive housing
• street medicine
• community health clinics