Reflections on Implementing Multidisciplinary Mental Healthcare with Sheltered Transitional Age Youth.

Abstract

This paper describes the authors' experiences providing mental healthcare at a youth shelter. The authors provided therapy services one day a week at a multidisciplinary clinic for youth living at a shelter in the southern United States. Lessons learned include discussions on informed consent, rapport, retention, and creation of a mother's group. Providing clear information on patient rights, confidentiality and addressing current challenges with humility and compassion improves the therapeutic relationship and can lead to better retention. We hope to direct other clinicians working in this setting for limited hours per week, or on multidisciplinary health teams, guidance for engagement with youth in a shelter setting.