NCJ Number
209181
Date Published
2005
Length
590 pages
Annotation
This Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP), which was developed by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, provides information on new developments in the field of co-occurring substance use and mental disorders and profiles the state-of-the-art in the treatment of people with co-occurring disorders.
Abstract
This TIP focuses on a protocol to be followed by the clinician in treating substance-abusing clients with co-occurring mental disorders. A diagnosis of co-occurring disorders (COD) occurs when at least one disorder of each type can be established independent of the other and is not a cluster of symptoms that stem from one disorder. This TIP identifies key elements of programming for COD in substance abuse treatment agencies. Although the needs and functioning of substance abuse treatment are emphasized, the elements described are relevant to mental health agencies and other service systems that coordinate mental health and substance abuse services for clients who need both types of services. The screening process is designed to identify clients presenting for substance abuse treatment who also show signs of mental health problems that warrant further attention. Easy-to-use screening instruments will achieve this purpose and can be administered by counseling staff with minimal preparation. A basic assessment involves obtaining information that will provide evidence of COD and mental and substance use disorder diagnoses; assess readiness for change; and collect data to guide decisions regarding the necessary level of care. This manual identifies and details the categories and items for intake information. A chapter on strategies for working with COD clients reviews guidelines for counselors in managing feelings and biases that could arise when working with such clients and describes techniques that are effective in counseling them. Remaining chapters address traditional settings and models for treating COD clients, special settings and specific populations, specific mental disorders and cross cutting issues, and substance-induced disorders. A 832-item bibliography and appended supplementary information