Behavioral Health
The stress of experiencing homelessness can amplify previous mental illness and trigger anxiety, depression, fear, substance use, and sleeplessness.
UCSF BHHI behavioral health research focuses on people’s access to permanent housing, mental health services, shelters, and substance abuse support to prevent and end homelessness in the United States.
Related Resources
Our Research
Managed Alcohol Programs: An Innovative and Evidence-Based Solution for Adults with Severe Alcohol Use Disorder Who Are Experiencing Homelessness
NEJM
April 25, 2023
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are common among those experiencing homelessness. Managed alcohol programs (MAPs) are an evidence-based solution for helping people with AUD experiencing homelessness. Researchers examined and evaluated MAPs in Canada and California. They found that MAPs have successes and stabilization effects.
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Our Research
Cluster Analysis of the Highest Users of Medical, Behavioral Health, and Social Services in San Francisco
Journal of General Internal Medicine
April 1, 2023
Our Research
Cluster Analysis of the Highest Users of Medical, Behavioral Health, and Social Services in San Francisco
Journal of General Internal Medicine
April 1, 2023
This study from BHHI researchers describes five distinct subgroups of the highest users of the health care system in San Francisco with differential comorbidities, health care needs, and social determinants of health, spanning from patients with medical comorbidities solely using medical services to patients grappling with housing insecurity, incarceration, substance use disorder, and mental health comorbidities. Frequent users of the health care system are not a homogenous population as previously thought. This study sheds new light on how to help the most vulnerable patients and inform clinicians and care coordination teams on making sure patients get the care they need the most.
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Our Research
Tobacco use Behaviors and Views on Engaging in Clinical Trials for Tobacco Cessation Among Individuals who Experience Homelessness
Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications
February 19, 2023
Our Research
Tobacco use Behaviors and Views on Engaging in Clinical Trials for Tobacco Cessation Among Individuals who Experience Homelessness
Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications
February 19, 2023
Over 70% of people experiencing homelessness report current tobacco use, compared to 14% in the general population. One of the structural barriers that hinder cessation attempts among people experiencing homelessness is inadequate access to health care and other smoking cessation services. Researchers in this study aimed to explore tobacco use behaviors and factors influencing acceptability of engaging in a clinical trials. Researchers found that participants had attempted to quit smoking, and were interested in engaging in clinical trials as a method to quit smoking.
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