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Date of Award

Spring 2024

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Diana Hawthorne

Abstract

The homeless population are known to be more vulnerable to severe mental health conditions and substance abuse due to multiple deficits with the social determinants of health which are comprised of economic stability, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, social and community context, and education access and quality. Due to these deficits many homeless citizens underutilize primary care services which is often a first step for patients when addressing mental health concerns. Primary care is also essential for the monitoring of conditions and prevention of other diseases in the future. This analysis aims to provide essential information for health care providers on how to improve health care delivery and patient retention when addressing the mental health needs for homeless patients in primary care.

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Providing Mental Health Services to Homeless Patients in the Primary Care Setting

The homeless population are known to be more vulnerable to severe mental health conditions and substance abuse due to multiple deficits with the social determinants of health which are comprised of economic stability, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, social and community context, and education access and quality. Due to these deficits many homeless citizens underutilize primary care services which is often a first step for patients when addressing mental health concerns. Primary care is also essential for the monitoring of conditions and prevention of other diseases in the future. This analysis aims to provide essential information for health care providers on how to improve health care delivery and patient retention when addressing the mental health needs for homeless patients in primary care.