ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET: IMPROVING MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM SKILLS AT CRISIS STABILIZATION UNITS

Abstract

Four of every ten individuals who experienced chronic homelessness lived in California; 85% of those experiencing chronic homelessness in California were unsheltered. The State of California Mental Health Services Act reports that “in any year, between 5% and 7% of adults have a serious mental illness. A systematic review was conducted to explore the research regarding barriers to utilization of access for mental health resources for persons experiencing chronic homelessness and severe mental illness. Results of the research revealed that persons experiencing severe mental illness would benefit integration of treatment services, treating mental illness and substance use concurrently, discharge planning and the coordination of services for incarcerated persons experiencing severe mental illness is needed to decrease rates of recidivism. The above research informed the social innovation that is this training series. A needs assessment was conducted with the administrator and multidisciplinary staff of a crisis stabilization unit in San Bernardino. Based on the needs assessment, trainings for the staff at the crisis stabilization unit will include engagement, case management, recovery-oriented screening, a biopsychosocial spiritual assessment, treatment, and discharge planning while ensuring that the team understands best ethical and clinical practices. A pilot of the training was conducted on June 7, 2023 and an appropriateness, acceptability and feasibility measure was used to evaluate the training. The training was determined to be appropriate, acceptable and feasible.