Service Delivery for Vulnerable Populations: New Directions in Behavioral Health

[This book] provides a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities for all of us working with vulnerable populations to develop thoughtful, workable programs. The topics presented are not limited to the severely mentally ill, but it is an encyclopedia of resources and creative options for service to veterans, the homeless, the elderly. This book challenges us to think creatively and develop programs and services for the people in our society who are most often overlooked and forgotten."

Alan E. Siegel, Ed.D.
Chief, Mental Health Service, MIT
Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology,
Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

[This book is] the perfect primer for anyone seeking to understand the latest trends in psychiatric care for vulnerable people today."

Ted Houghton
Supportive Housing Network of New York

It is rare for a single book to discuss innovative practices that affect such a broad array of vulnerable groups, including children and families, older people and people with severe mental illness. Together, these essays allow readers to identify similarities and differences with regard to the needs of these populations, the conditions that may exacerbate their problems, and the adequacy of the programs and services designed to address their needs. It also may help readers identify lessons from innovations targeted at one group that may be helpful in another policy arena.

Michael K. Gusmano, PhD
Research Scholar
The Hastings Center

Vulnerable populations typically present with multiple overlapping issues, such as poverty, substance abuse, mental illness, or other health issues that require varying services and treatments. This book provides students and professionals in health care and service delivery with innovative programs and models to address the needs of these vulnerable populations.

This essential text offers new approaches to program design, service delivery, evaluation, and funding. Strategies for introducing these innovations-such as cross-system coordination and blended funding-are described in detail, using real, evidence-based programs from around the country as examples. Experts from across program delivery systems, as well as from academia and government, share their practice experience.

• Addresses innovative services for children and youth with multiple mental health and/or substance abuse needs
• Describes health care needs for LGBTQ youth and adults
• Examines housing issues for persons with psychiatric disabilities, veterans, and older adults
• Offers innovative program approaches for refugees, older adults, and the disabled
• Discusses the impact of new media, health literacy, and the consumer/survivor movement on service delivery