Abstract

SOUZA, Maria Isabel Vázquez. The mental health unit for the homeless mentally ill. Estud. psicol. (Natal) [online]. 2011, vol.16, n.3, pp. 353-362. ISSN 1413-294X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-294X2011000300019.

The aim of this article is to describe an innovative mental health unit running in Madrid city since May 2003. The main purposes of this unit is to provide sociosanitary attention, going to their own enviroment- the streets-, to all those homeless persons suffering severe mental disorders. This unit provide a transitional care and engagment to mainstream social and sanitary services that usually they can't reach. It's described the theoretical models sustaining this work (outreach, Assertive Community treatment and Recovery) and also the team's daily practices. As well we described some of the challenges and barriers to face working in this particular job.

Keywords : homeless; severe mental illness; outreach; assertive comunity treatment.