Eviction, Homelessness, and Mental Health
Eviction is a disruptive life event with cascading effects on mental health, family stability, and service use. This study links court eviction filings with Medicaid claims and shelter records across three cities to examine changes in mental health diagnoses and emergency mental health visits before and after eviction events. Using longitudinal linkage and event‑study methods, we document increases in depression and anxiety diagnoses and elevated emergency mental health utilization in the year following eviction. Qualitative interviews with affected families reveal stress, housing instability, and barriers to continuity of care that exacerbate mental health needs. The findings support framing eviction prevention and legal representation as public health interventions and call for integrated housing and behavioral health supports to mitigate harms.
Introduction
Eviction destabilizes households and is associated with adverse mental health outcomes. This paper quantifies mental health impacts of eviction and explores mechanisms linking housing loss to increased service use and diagnoses.
Methods
We linked eviction filings to Medicaid claims and shelter records and used event‑study models to estimate changes in mental health diagnoses and emergency visits before and after eviction. Interviews with affected families provided context on stressors and service barriers.
Results
Evicted individuals had higher rates of depression and anxiety diagnoses and increased emergency mental health visits in the year following eviction. Interviews highlighted financial strain, disrupted care, and trauma as mechanisms.
Discussion
Eviction prevention, legal representation, and integrated behavioral health supports can reduce mental health harms. Policies that prevent displacement and ensure continuity of care are public health priorities.
References
- Desmond M. Evicted. Crown; 2016.
- Rogers A, et al. Housing instability and mental health. Soc Sci Med. 2019.
- Fowler PJ, et al. Eviction and child health. Pediatrics. 2018.