The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65134

Sarah Hunter, PhD and Katherine Watkins, MD. RAND Drug Policy Research Center, 1700 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90407, 310-393-0411 Ext. 7244, sarah_hunter@rand.org

Epidemiologic and clinical data suggest that many individuals in substance abuse treatment have a co-occurring mental health disorder. If unrecognized and untreated, co-occurring disorders often lead to poorer treatment outcomes—outcomes that could improve if effective treatments were delivered. However national data indicate that few individuals in substance abuse treatment are recognized as having a co-occurring disorder, and that the quality of mental health care provided by outpatient substance abuse programs is poor. This study developed and evaluated an intervention to improve the quality of mental health care provided in outpatient substance abuse treatment facilities. We hypothesized that a clinic-level intervention would lead to improved detection and treatment of mental health disorders and improved client outcomes. Data on the impact of the intervention on counselor and program characteristics, and on the characteristics of clients enrolled in the study are presented. Clients entering three large publicly funded substance abuse treatment programs in Los Angeles County were enrolled in the study if they screened positive for mental illness (N=88 from the intervention clinic; N=105 from two comparison clinics). Interviews with counselors and program directors at each of the sites were conducted throughout the intervention. Process data from staff interviews are presented along with data describing the demographics, substance use, and mental health status of clients. Our data indicate that many clients in substance abuse treatment programs suffer from multiple mental health disorders and few are currently receiving mental health treatment. Six month follow-up data and implications for treatment are discussed

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
• Describe key elements of COD treatment;
• Report outcomes of this program across 3 outcome domains: mental health, substance abuse and social functioning: and
• Identify key client characteristics associated with outcomes of COD treatment.

Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Mental Health Services

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.