Support Beyond Services: Examining the Role of Neighbor Relationships, Housing Staff, and Place in Mental Health Recovery

This dissertation explores the role of non-clinical support for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Through three interconnected manuscripts, this dissertation highlights the importance of housing staff support, places in the community, and neighbor relationships in fostering recovery for individuals with SMI. The first manuscript analyzes how housing staff support influences residents' well-being through an ecological lens. This study found that staff support is associated with reduced loneliness, higher residential satisfaction, and increased sense of community. This study also considers the role of self-determination as a moderator, demonstrating the importance of resident agency in maximizing well-being outcomes. The second manuscript synthesizes literature on the relationship between place characteristics and community integration for individuals with SMI, addressing the physical, social, and psychological dimensions of place. The final manuscript examines the impact of neighbor support on recovery, investigating the mechanisms through which supportive housing facilitates relationships with neighbors. This study found that increased neighbor support was associated with recovery and considered whether frequency of contact and housing tenure influenced that relationship. Together, these manuscripts underscore the value of non-clinical sources of support in facilitating recovery and integration, offering actionable insights for housing providers, policymakers, and mental health practitioners. The findings highlight the need for supportive environments that promote autonomy, meaningful relationships, and social inclusion, contributing to a broader understanding of recovery-oriented care for individuals with SMI.