Comparison of clinicians' housing recommendations and preferences of homeless mentally ill persons

Housing recommendations made by two clinicians for 86 homeless mentally ill consumers were compared with the consumers' own housing preferences. Clinicians recommended independent living much less often than did the consumers. The two groups varied less on specific housing features such as eagerness for consumers to leave the shelter and consumers' need for part-time staff help. Only one of the clinicians took into account some aspects of social background and health status in formulating housing recommendations. The authors conclude that housing providers should encourage clinicians to work together with consumers to identify appropriate placements.