Evaluation of Homeless Mental Health Treatment Programs

EMT partnered with a private non-profit agency to evaluate their six month residential substance use and mental health program for homeless men and women with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. The evaluation examined implementation and fidelity to the expected dosage of services to be provided and tracked changes in outcomes at multiple time points using the National Outcomes Measures (NOMs), and additional standardized assessments including the PCL-C to measure trauma symptoms, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) to measure mental health symptoms, and the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) to measure substance use, psychological, and criminal justice risk factors. A client satisfaction form including closed and open-ended questions was also administered. Evaluation staff shared fidelity and outcome data with project staff in multiple formats including biannual reports and presentations. Open-ended client satisfaction responses were thematically organized and provided to staff. Outcome data presentations emphasized changes in mental health, substance use, and behavioral indicators. Qualitative data collection included twice a year focus groups with clients using a fish-boning diagramming technique that incorporated the client perspective on how to prioritize the themes discussed by the group. Annual staff focus groups were also conducted, along with annual staff interviews.

For additional information, please contact EMT at (916) 983-6680 or email us at info@emt.org.