Project Summary

Bella Schanzer, M.D. (Young Investigator 2005) of New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, aims to study whether a two-pronged, psychological intervention provided to homeless adolescents will help them psychologically and provide them with the skills to obtain housing. Homeless adolescents, whose numbers have risen dramatically in the past two decades, are at high risk for mental health problems, such as depression, suicide, substance use disorders, violent behaviors and personality disorders. It is hypothesized that the psychological problems of homeless adolescents contribute to their inability to attain and maintain stable housing. Therefore, Dr. Schanzer is proposing a unique, combination intervention for this population: dialectical behavioral therapy, a cognitive behavioral therapy that to targets self-harming and self-defeating behaviors; and critical time intervention, a long-term case management model that eases the transition from the street to more stable residence. Combining DBT and CTI should address the psychopathology and self-harming behaviors and the difficult transition from street to shelter or housing. This study will use a randomized, controlled trial design to evaluate the benefits of this intervention in decreasing levels of psychopathology while increasing length of time in stable housing as compared to treatment as usual.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Unipolar Depression\Conduct Disorder

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