Understanding the Importance of Care Coordination for Individuals with Serious Emotional Disturbance or Serious Mental Illness who are Homeless

The intersection of serious mental illness (SMI), serious emotional disturbance (SED), and homelessness presents complex challenges for health and behavioral health professionals.  This 1.5-hour webinar, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will provide an in-depth exploration of care management and care coordination as essential approaches to improve continuity of care, engagement and health outcomes for this population. Participants will examine the core components of care coordination, learn how to integrate the voices of lived experience and peer support and explore trauma-informed, responsive engagement strategies that improve trust and collaboration. Through reflection and practical guidance, attendees will expand their understanding of their role in care management and strengthen their skills to support behavior change and recovery for individuals with SMI/SED who are homeless.

By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

1. Describe key principles and components of effective care coordination and care management for individuals with SMI/SED who are homeless.
2. Identify strategies that support health behavior change using motivational, strengths-based and person-centered approaches.
3. Explain how integrating peer support and lived experience enhances engagement, trust-building and service effectiveness.
4. Apply trauma-informed, responsive engagement practices to strengthen relationships and improve care outcomes for homeless individuals with SMI/SED.