Faculty member contributes to book on Critical Time Intervention

Stacey Barrenger, Ph.D., M.S.W., assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and member of the Health Services Research Focus Area, was a contributing author to a recently released book, titled Critical Time Intervention: Mobilizing Supports for People During Transitions.

Critical Time Intervention (CTI) is a short-term model of care coordination designed to support people as they transition between systems of care. This evidence-based intervention was initially developed by researchers in New York City to aid in transitioning individuals from homeless shelters into supported housing. Studies showed that not only did people stay in their housing longer, but they also were more connected to mental health treatment and other supportive services.

Since its inception, CTI has been adapted for use with other populations in diverse settings. Dr. Barrenger, along with colleagues, Liat Kriegel, assistant professor at University of Washington, and Beth Angell, dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan, co-authored a chapter on the use of CTI in criminal-legal settings for individuals with serious mental illnesses.

“CTI is a great example of an evidence-based intervention designed to address the social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities in marginalized populations," explained Dr. Barrenger. "Through the provision of practical assistance and emotional support, people are connected to existing services and supports. CTI strengthens their community bonds and ensures that individuals don’t fall through the cracks”

Developing and testing interventions, like CTI, is a type of health services research focused on reducing health disparities and improving health care.

- submitted by Lucky Tisch, director, Communications & Development, BeST Center