Components of an effective transitional residential program for homeless mentally ill clients

Review of clinical records of 228 former clients of a Transitional Residential Program for severely, persistently mental ill homeless persons was conducted to examine Program results for completers and noncompleters. Of the 228 clients, 110 (48.3%) completed the Program: they became psychiatrically stabilized, found secure housing, and began receiving disability pensions. Completers participated in significantly more activities than noncompleters. Psychiatric diagnosis was unrelated to successful Program completion. Individuals who left against advice had significantly fewer previous hospitalizations.