title: "I hope I can make it out there": perceptions of women with severe mental illness on the transition from hospital to community.
abstract: This study explores the experience of women with severe mental illness in transition from psychiatric hospital care to the community. Three focus groups were conducted among women with severe mental illness from transitional residences at two state psychiatric hospitals. Focus group transcripts and notes were coded according to women's perceived challenges and facilitators of transition. Participants described several challenges including fear of insufficient treatment support, safety concerns, social isolation, stigma, and lack of resources to meet daily needs. The supports that women described as important were an orientation to the neighborhood and residence, access to treatment support with flexibility, and connection to social supports.
authors: School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1001 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23223, USA. jmanuel3@vcu.edu
authors: Jennifer I
authors: JI
authors: Manuel
authors: Kinjia
authors: K
authors: Hinterland
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Conover
authors: Daniel B
authors: DB
authors: Herman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012934:Social Isolation; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult