PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES TO HIV POSITIVE AND HOMELESS YOUTH. L. Chase, MSW, LICSW, E. Goodman, MD, P. M. Keenan, RN, BSN, R. Garcia, MSW, LICSW, V. Price, MEd, J. Paradise, MD, P. Wilson, M. Kiwanuka, MSW, LCSW, R. O’Brien, MD, E. R. Woods, MD, MPH, Boston HAPPENS Network Sites, Boston, MA.

Introduction: Adolescent HIV model programs must address the complex needs of HIV positive and homeless youth. Their mental health and substance abuse problems include depression, suicidal ideation, denial, self-destructive behavior, and anxiety. They may be difficult to engage in care. This study provides a program evaluation of mental health and substance abuse services in an adolescent HIV model program.

Design: Data were collected from demographic and service information from each visit. The association between having discussed one of four target emotional and/or substance abuse problems during a health site visit and the provision at least one of seven target services at the program was evaluated.

Results: There were 1,038 individuals with sufficient information for this report. Mean age at initial contact was 19.6 ± 3.0 years, 38.3% were male, 51.7% were White, 20.8% were Black, 14.3% Hispanic, 3.8% Asian, 9.5% Other/missing; 4.1% self-identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual; and 6.3% were homeless. 38% discussed mental health issues (22% hassles, 19% emotional problems, 15% substance use, 12% living with HIV). Of the total population, 15.3% received at least one of the target services (12% Individual Counseling/Therapy, 5% Substance Abuse/Mental Health Screen, 4% Crisis Intervention, 1% Group Counseling/Therapy, 1% Family/Couple Counseling/Therapy, <1% 12 Step Program and <1% HIV Support Group). 28.6% of youth who discussed mental health or substance abuse issues received services at the program.

Conclusions: Although over one-third discussed mental health issues, only a quarter of these adolescents were known to engage in mental health/substance abuse services in our program. A new model which integrates mental health and substance abuse multidisciplinary services into medical visits is necessary to serve the critical needs of these disenfranchised at-risk youth.

Related Information:

Evaluation Of A Model Health Care For Homeless, At Risk And HIV Positive Youth
The Evolution Of An Adolescent-Specific Network Of Care For HIV-Positive, Homeless And At-Risk Youth
Health Service Needs For HIV Positive And At-Risk Young Women
Mental Health And Substance Abuse Services For HIV Positive, Homeless, And At-Risk Youth
Do High Risk Youth Use Targeted HIV Testing Services: Experience Of A Program Of Care For High Risk Youth
Youth Involvement In The Boston Happens Program

Evaluation and Dissemination Center: Innovative Models of Adolescent HIV/AIDS Care 1993-1998