This article reports on the research methodology and results from a study that examined treatment needs and gender differences among rural Massachusetts drug treatment courts with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
The research study described in this article presents findings that suggest gender-responsive implications for specialty court management of participants with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (CODs) in rural areas. The article provides recommendations for drug treatment court (DTC) staff and integrated behavioral health practitioners, including how they might approach assessment, treatment planning, and innovative ways of augmenting evidence-based care in rural areas that have limited access to services. The sample population included substantial criminal justice histories and lifetime behavioral health and medical needs, which included anxiety, depression, opioid use disorder, and sharing needles; and physical health needs which included chronic medical conditions, Hepatitis C, and dental care. Social support needs included unstable housing at intake and unemployment. Population members also included experience with alcohol use, trauma, and sexual abuse. The article presents findings which have implications for specialty court management, treatment planning, and integrating treatment hand in hand with DTCs in order to holistically address participant treatment needs.