This resource was selected by SMI Adviser content partners and approved by the SMI Adviser clinical expert team for inclusion in the knowledge base.
Youth homelessness is a poorly-understood and complex social phenomenon. This paper addresses the risk factors for homelessness in youth and underscore the unique mental health concerns that so often perpetuate the cycle of poverty and housing instability among these high-risk youth. The paper also discusses the gaps that exist in mental health treatment for homeless youth, and identify potential solutions to addressing the existing barriers to care.