ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH PSYCHIATRIC COMORBIDITY IN CONNECTICUT ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAMS 2002 Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services New Hampshire Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center Supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Contract No. 270-99- 7070. Principal investigator: Mark P. McGovern, New Hampshire Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, 2 Whipple Place, Suite 202, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766. (603) 646-9217.
[email protected] EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BACKGROUND Significant policy, research, training and treatment efforts have advanced the care of persons with co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorders in mental health settings. For persons with a dual diagnosis in addiction treatment settings, there are few established evidence-based practices to transfer to the community. Meanwhile at the national level, SAMHSA is encouraging integrated treatment for persons with co-occurring disorders, while trying to preserve the integrity of the mental health and addiction treatment delivery systems. It is therefore advisable for both systems to develop enhanced service capability to effectively treat persons with co-occurring disorders. PURPOSE The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services of the State of Connecticut (DMHAS) seeks to improve the quality of care for persons with co-occurring disorders in both the mental health and addiction treatment delivery systems. Relative to other states, Connecticut has long been recognized as a leader in this mission. The present project assessed the current practices with co-occurring disorders in Connecticut’s addiction treatment programs. This assessment is intended to improve upon anecdotal and historical information, by producing an evidence-base for strategic planning and system enhancement.