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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Elissa McCarthy, MA, Linda K. Frisman, PhD, Hsiu-Ju Lin, PhD, and Eleni Rodis, MS. CT Dept Mental Health & Addiction Services, Research Division MS # 14 RSD, PO Box 341431, 410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06134, 860-418-8729, elissa.mccarthy@uconn.edu

Homelessness is a complex and pressing social problem, especially since a large subgroup of homeless individuals also have addictive disorders. The present study examined the effect of direct and indirect working alliance ratings as well as the impact of racial matching between clients and their case managers on case management health outcomes. Methods: Participants were selected for this sub-study if they reported having a case manager at baseline and if demographic characteristics were collected on their case manager (N=90). Working alliance ratings and demographics were collected at baseline and health outcomes (mental and physical health, substance use) were collected at baseline, 3-month, 9-month, and 15-month interviews. We analyzed the relationship between each of these variables and the working alliances at baseline and the effect of the working alliances and the impact of racial matching on health outcomes over time. Results: At the time of the first interview, while participants were new to the program, working alliance appears to have a positive impact on early outcomes. However, when followed over time working alliance does not appear to impact outcomes significantly. A high working alliance among racially matched client and case manager generally leads to better outcomes. However, when participants are not racially matched, working alliance may even have a detrimental effect. Conclusions: Future studies of working alliance among case managers need to focus on the long- term effects of working alliance as well as the independent effects of racial matching.

Learning Objectives:

• have a greater understanding of the role of direct and indirect working alliance on health outcomes over time for homeless mothers with addictive disorders.
• have an increased information about the impact that racial matching between clients and case managers has on health outcomes over time for homeless mothers with addictive disorders.

Keywords: Mental Health, Homelessness

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation