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Housing Preferences and Choices Among Adults with Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: A Qualitative Study

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Abstract

Housing is a crucial issue for adults with severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders, as this population is particularly susceptible to housing instability and homelessness. We interviewed 40 adults with dual disorders, living in either supervised or independent housing arrangements, to examine housing preferences, decision making processes surrounding housing choices, and perceived barriers to housing. We found that many clients indicated their housing preferences had changed over time, and some clients related housing preferences to recovery. Although the majority of clients preferred independent housing, many also described benefits of supervised housing. Clients’ current living situations appeared to be driven primarily by treatment provider recommendations and availability of housing. Common barriers to obtaining desired housing were lack of income and information. These findings have implications for supported housing models and approaches to providing housing for clients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Jack Tsai, Gary R. Bond, Michelle P. Salyers & Jenna L. Godfrey

  2. Connecticut VA Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06514, USA

    Jack Tsai

  3. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Michelle P. Salyers

  4. ACT Center of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Michelle P. Salyers

  5. Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA

    Jenna L. Godfrey

  6. Thresholds Institute, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA

    Kristin E. Davis

  7. 950 Campbell Ave., Bldg. 36, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA

    Jack Tsai

Authors
  1. Jack Tsai
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  2. Gary R. Bond
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  3. Michelle P. Salyers
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  4. Jenna L. Godfrey
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  5. Kristin E. Davis
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Correspondence to Jack Tsai.

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Tsai, J., Bond, G.R., Salyers, M.P. et al. Housing Preferences and Choices Among Adults with Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: A Qualitative Study. Community Ment Health J 46, 381–388 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-009-9268-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-009-9268-6

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