Co-creating the healing partner: An examination of the feasibility and acceptability of a boundary spanning and provision shifting clinician.

Abstract

Young adults experiencing homelessness have high mental health needs but low service utilization due to barriers such as lack of insurance, transportation, and mistrust of systems. Many struggle to recognize or acknowledge their mental health needs which impacts engagement in care. The point of transition into housing presents a key opportunity to connect young adults with mental health support, yet housing programs do not systematically integrate these services. To address this gap, we developed the Healing Partner (HP) role through a participatory approach that integrated mental health support into a congregate transitional housing to rapid rehousing program for young adults. The HP role was adapted from existing evidence informed models and designed to provide time-limited mental health support in nonclinical settings. A feasibility pilot (n = 8) tested the intervention, with qualitative feedback from young adults and staff. The HP model included a six-month phased approach, beginning with weekly sessions and transitioning to biweekly meetings, then ending with a celebratory "level-up" session. The HP used a flexible transdisciplinary approach based on young adult needs with sessions focused on building coping skills and processing daily stressors and situations. Participants appreciated the HP's accessibility, flexibility and relational approach, noting that the HP met them where they were, both physically and emotionally. Findings from interviews suggest that the HP role was feasible to implement and acceptable to participants and staff. By extending care beyond clinical settings, the HP model offers a promising approach to engaging young adults in mental health support during key life transitions.