Clinical Topics & Methods Category

Expanding Access to and Use of Behavioral Health Services for People Experiencing Homelessness

3.5 CE Hours
421 members have taken this course
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About the Course

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 online article, Expanding Access to and Use of Behavioral Health Services for People Experiencing Homelessness created by SAMHSA in 2023.

Publication Details

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.

Course Creator

Allison Brown, LCSW 149014591

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.

Target Audience

Counselors, marriage and family therapists,nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for all levels of knowledge.

Learning Objectives

After taking this activity, you should be able to:

  1. 1 Identify and Describe Key Evidence-Based Interventions
  2. 2 Develop Strategies for Engaging Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
  3. 3 Analyze Case Studies for Practical Application

Disclosure to Learners

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.

Material Authors

Any relevant financial disclosures for course material authors can be found in the article.

Course Creator

Allison Brown, LCSW 149014591 – No relevant financial relationships.

Commercial support

There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.

New Mexico Board of Psychologist Examiners

3.5 CE credit hours
Eligible until Feb 1st, 2028
Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.
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Joint Accreditation (JA)

3.5 Psychologist CE credit hours
3.5 Social Worker CE credit hours General
3.5 IPCE CE credit hours
3.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CE credit hours
3.5 Nursing CE credit hours
Eligible until Feb 1st, 2028
In support of improving patient care, CE Learning Systems, LLC, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
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Logo: Jointly Accredited Provider (tm) - Interprofessional Continuing Education

American Psychological Association (APA)

3.5 CE credit hours
Eligible until Feb 1st, 2028
Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.
More Info
Logo: American Psychological Association

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References begin on page 49.

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