Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
June 28, 2007, Vol. 07-99

Two New Briefs Outline Evidence-Based Practices and Care in Non-Traditional Settings for Those with Co-Occurring Disorders

Two new short papers from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration help treatment professionals, policymakers and others understand and address the needs of people with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders.

Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders in Non-Traditional Service Settings: Overview Paper 4 and Understanding Evidence-Based Practices for Co-Occurring Disorders: Overview Paper 5 continue a series of brief introductions to state-of-the-art knowledge from SAMHSA's Center for Co-Occurring Excellence.

Only about half of all people with a co-occurring disorder receive any substance abuse or mental health treatment, but they may come in contact with those in public health, public safety and social welfare organizations. Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders in Non-Traditional Service Settings: Overview Paper 4 describes how professionals who work in primary health care, public safety and criminal justice, and social service settings can identify and respond effectively to people with co-occurring disorders. The paper explains how these initial contacts, if handled with sensitivity, can increase the likelihood that people with co-occurring disorders will take advantage of treatment.

Understanding Evidence-Based Practices for Co-Occurring Disorders: Overview Paper 5 provides an overview of evidence-based practices and their use in treating people with co-occurring disorders. Although the treatment of co-occurring disorders is a relatively new field, several program- and treatment-level interventions have been developed and tested. This paper identifies how evidence is used to determine if a given practice should be labeled as evidence-based and provides brief examples. In addition, Overview Paper 5 clarifies the advantages of employing evidence-based practices and the meaning of related terms, such as promising practices, model programs and best practices.

SAMHSA is creating these training materials as part of its response to the November 2002 Report to Congress on the Prevention and Treatment of Co-Occurring Substance Abuse Disorders and Mental Disorders. SAMHSA's Co-Occurring Center for Excellence works to expand the knowledge base about treatment advances, build treatment capacity, and foster evidence-based practices.

Previously published short papers address definitions and terms; screening, assessment and treatment planning; and overarching principles to address the needs of people with co-occurring disorders. More information about the Co-Occurring Center for Excellence and the short papers can be found on the Web at http://www.coce.samhsa.gov/.

Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders in Non-Traditional Service Settings: Overview Paper 4 is available on the Web at http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17655 and Understanding Evidence-Based Practices for Co-Occurring Disorders: Overview Paper 5 at http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17656. Copies may be obtained free of charge by calling SAMHSA's Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727). Request inventory number SMA 07-4277 for Paper 4 and SMA 07-4278 for Paper 5. For related publications and information, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/.

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The Center for Mental Health Services is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services.