Housing preferences and choices among adults with mental illness and substance use disorders: a qualitative study

Community Ment Health J. 2010 Aug;46(4):381-8. doi: 10.1007/s10597-009-9268-6. Epub 2009 Nov 7.

Abstract

Housing is a crucial issue for adults with severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders, as this population is particularly susceptible to housing instability and homelessness. We interviewed 40 adults with dual disorders, living in either supervised or independent housing arrangements, to examine housing preferences, decision making processes surrounding housing choices, and perceived barriers to housing. We found that many clients indicated their housing preferences had changed over time, and some clients related housing preferences to recovery. Although the majority of clients preferred independent housing, many also described benefits of supervised housing. Clients' current living situations appeared to be driven primarily by treatment provider recommendations and availability of housing. Common barriers to obtaining desired housing were lack of income and information. These findings have implications for supported housing models and approaches to providing housing for clients.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bipolar Disorder / diagnosis
  • Bipolar Disorder / psychology
  • Bipolar Disorder / rehabilitation*
  • Case Management
  • Chicago
  • Choice Behavior
  • Decision Making
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / rehabilitation*
  • Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry)
  • Female
  • Group Homes
  • Halfway Houses
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Housing*
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons / psychology*
  • Independent Living / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Preference*
  • Population Dynamics
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / rehabilitation*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*