Abstract
This study explores the experience of women with severe mental illness in transition from psychiatric hospital care to the
community. Three focus groups were conducted among women with severe mental illness from transitional residences at two state
psychiatric hospitals. Focus group transcripts and notes were coded according to women’s perceived challenges and facilitators
of transition. Participants described several challenges including fear of insufficient treatment support, safety concerns,
social isolation, stigma, and lack of resources to meet daily needs. The supports that women described as important were an
orientation to the neighborhood and residence, access to treatment support with flexibility, and connection to social supports.
community. Three focus groups were conducted among women with severe mental illness from transitional residences at two state
psychiatric hospitals. Focus group transcripts and notes were coded according to women’s perceived challenges and facilitators
of transition. Participants described several challenges including fear of insufficient treatment support, safety concerns,
social isolation, stigma, and lack of resources to meet daily needs. The supports that women described as important were an
orientation to the neighborhood and residence, access to treatment support with flexibility, and connection to social supports.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Brief Report
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10597-011-9442-5
- Authors
- Jennifer I. Manuel, School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
- Kinjia Hinterland, Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, CN 6, 42-09 28th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101-4132, USA
- Sarah Conover, Departments of Psychiatry and Epidemiology, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health and New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 100, New York, NY 10025, USA
- Daniel B. Herman, Departments of Psychiatry and Epidemiology, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health and New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 100, New York, NY 10025, USA
- Journal Community Mental Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2789
- Print ISSN 0010-3853