The psychologist's role in mental health care for people experiencing homelessness

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze, in the scientific literature, the role of psychologists in mental health care for people experiencing homelessness, considering the specificities of territorial care. To this end, a bibliographic study with a qualitative and exploratory approach was conducted, based on studies published between 2021 and 2026 in the SciELO, Virtual Health Library (BVS), with emphasis on the Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), and Google Scholar databases. After applying the temporal delimitation and established selection criteria, 11 studies were selected, whose thematic analysis enabled the identification of four recurring axes: (1) psychological practice beyond the traditional clinical model; (2) mental health from a psychosocial perspective; (3) bonding, welcoming, stigma, and access; and (4) territory, networking, and intersectorality. The results indicated that psychological practice with people experiencing homelessness goes beyond the traditional clinical model, involving territorialized practices, the development of bonds, qualified listening, and coordination among different services and public policies. It was also identified that social and historical conditions, stigma, violence, human rights violations, and barriers to accessing services are factors that affect mental health care for this population. Coordination among professionals, services, and public policies was identified as a recurring strategy in the studies, particularly given the complexity of the demands presented.