Mental Health Issues In Tulsa's Homeless Community

Tulsa has a growing population of homeless people living in shelters and on the streets. Many of Tulsa’s homeless population suffer from untreated mental health issues that prevent them from becoming self-sufficient members of society. Making mental health treatment available to the homeless is not only imperative to their rehabilitation but a needed foundation to be productive in society. As a result of untreated mental health issues, it has created additional barriers for homeless individuals to overcome, which further complicates their ability to be successful and productive citizens within the community. While there are available resources for homeless individuals, they are not being effectively utilized. Creating additional resources,

These disorders were rampant among the clients that were seeking help at the Tulsa Day Center. Combined with the lack of personal space, good hygiene, wellness, stress and lack of natural supports these disorders put these clients at a higher risk for other diseases and health related problems. According to an article published by the Institute of Medicine, “Not only can homelessness be a consequence of mental illness, but a homeless life may cause and perpetuate emotional problems. ….. The major mental illnesses, principally schizophrenia and the affective disorders (bipolar and major depressive disorders), are unlikely to result from the trauma of homelessness. Rather, they cause a level of disability and impaired social functioning in some people that, in the absence of adequate treatment and support, may lead to homelessness, which will then exacerbate these conditions (Fischer and Breakey, 1986)” (Institute of Medicine). This article links an individual’s mental health to the state of being homeless and the snowball effect it has on the struggles in their

There is a program called “A Way Home for Tulsa,” “a collaboration of nearly two dozen agencies focused on ending long-term homelessness. One of its facets is an intensive case management method called “Pathways,” that includes mental health treatment when needed” (Simons). One new program that shows a lot of potential is the Mental Health Court. The Mental Health Court is available to offenders with mental health issues. As a condition of their probation, they must attend counseling and get medical treatment of their mental health disorder. The downside to the Mental Health Court Program is in order for consideration, the participant is facing criminal charges. Organizations such as the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma offers a referral line to free clinics and available resource. Many homeless in need are not receiving the help they so desperately needing to regain control of their lives and maintain a safe and gainful existence as part of