Smith Published in Research on Social Work Practice
Associate Professor Melissa Smith, PhD, and colleagues had their research "Is It Safe? Community Integration for Individuals With Serious Mental Illnesses" published in Research on Social Work Practice.
Abstract
Community integration is a key component of recovery for individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMIs). The goal of the current study is to explore the nature and impact of safety concerns for experiences of communities for individuals with SMIs.
Findings:
Participants described various unsafe encounters related to neighborhood disorder, homelessness, traumatic experiences, substance use, stigma, and loss of relationships and multiple strategies to manage their safety. Many saw mental health services as a sanctuary from the dangers of their environment, providing support, resources, and coping skills. For many, future communities were envisioned within the context of safety.
Conclusions:
Service providers should consider safety as a critical issue that impacts how individuals experience their current and future communities.
Pahwa R, Dougherty RJ, Kelly E, Davis L, Smith ME, Brekke JS. Is It Safe? Community Integration for Individuals With Serious Mental Illnesses. Research on Social Work Practice. August 2020. doi:10.1177/1049731520951628