Conclusions

Abstract

The devastating association between homelessness and mental illness must be approached at all levels of governmental policy in each country considering levels of homelessness and resources allocated accordingly. There needs to be joined-up approach across departments. It is of paramount importance to enable homeless people with mental illness to easily access mental health services. The rates of mental illnesses across nations, be they high-income countries or low- and middle-income countries, are broadly similar. A significant improvement in the health of these persons like others depends upon early detection of and early intervention for psychiatric disorders. In view of the great vulnerability to which the homeless are exposed, the specialized psychological treatments they need is obvious. Chronic pain, dental issues, and COVID-19 are most serious examples of clinical conditions that may make treatment of the homeless more difficult than that of the general population. Every nation needs to develop optimal models of social care and rehabilitation that rely on the particular local research-driven needs of homeless people with mental illnesses.