Let’s Talk Health: Answers and homes for those with mental illness

Last week, I shared the story of Evelyn Santiago, a Merced resident who has had a hard time finding housing for her 33-year-old schizophrenic and asthmatic brother.

Her brother, who was first diagnosed at 18, has bounced around the Merced County Department of Mental Health system for services. Most recently, a counselor at the Merced Adult Wellness Center, part of the Mental Health Department, helped him find an apartment, Santiago said.

But the conditions of the apartment her brother was moved into were alarming, she said. Her brother moved out within three weeks, and they lost $830, including rent and deposit.

Santiago said she has had some stressful last weeks trying to find a clean and affordable apartment for her brother. She worries that the constant moving around is not good for his health.

I opened last week’s column to questions, welcoming anyone with similar stories to share their concerns. I received a few. One reader wanted to know how one even gets started with services from the department. One mother from Winton wanted to know what is in a psychiatric evaluation. She said her mentally ill son was deemed capable of making his own decisions, although she feels otherwise.

I also received an email from a reader who, on the other end, was concerned about the supervision given to these mentally ill patients after they are housed. She said some apartment complexes have too many patients who become disruptive if not supervised.

As promised, I took these questions to Yvonnia Brown, the director of the county’s Mental Health Department. Here is what I was able to gather:

Q: How are apartments for the mentally ill chosen?

A: Apartments for the mentally ill are parts of bigger housing programs – housing through Mental Health is available through five different programs in Merced County. Clients in the mental health system choose whether they want to participate in the housing programs. Permanent and transitional housing programs are available. Patients will usually go, accompanied by a counselor, to check out the apartment. If they approve, they can sign a lease. It is not obligatory for the families of the patients to be notified, and are only contacted with the consent of the patient.

Q: Can the Mental Health Department help with unresponsive landlords of apartment complexes they have recommended?

A: Yes. If the patient is participating in one of the county’s five housing programs, department officials can help advocate for the patient. Those who are not part of the department’s housing program, but are receiving other department services, can bring up their housing situation during counseling and, if permission is granted, mental health officials can also try to help. Mental health officials have regular meetings with property managers of units they work with.

Q: What is the average rent/costs of these units?

A: Prices vary and depend on the income level. There is not really an “average” cost, Brown said. Some patients are able to contribute, but the majority are completely covered through housing development grants.

Q: What can family members do to support their mentally ill loved ones during this transition (of moving from one place to another)?

A: Do not give up; continue to be there for them, Brown said. Patients with support from family members tend to do better. Family members are asked to encourage their loved ones to take their medication and follow their counseling appointments. Keep helping, even if they say they don’t want the help.

Q: How can a mentally ill patient be considered capable of making his/her own housing decisions?

A: People are screened through an interview-style assessment, Brown said. A group of counselors and clinicians determine a patient’s treatment and ability levels. People are screened for their thought processes, planning abilities, analytical abilities, and the ability to reach out and find support when needed.

Q: What can the department do about housing complexes with mentally ill patients who “disturb the peace” in a neighborhood?

A: There are many facilities throughout Merced that are not run by the county. There are private treatment programs, for example. But if the unit does belong to the county, mental health officials can engage the property owner and try to come up with a resolution.

For more information, call the Mental Health Department at: 209-381-6800.

This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 6:39 PM with the headline "Let’s Talk Health: Answers and homes for those with mental illness."