Issues and outcomes in integrated treatment programs for dual disorders

In an integrated, dual disorder treatment program delivered at two sites, the authors address numerous barriers to delivering services to dually diagnosed consumers and employ a set of multidimensional indicators to assess outcome. Consumers who received services through the well-implemented, integrated services program for 12 months were functioning better in the community. There was a cost shifting from mental health to drug and alcohol services, as well as a one-third increase in the total costs of care by the end of the first year of treatment. Program implementation issues are described and the clinical management implications for more effectively serving dually diagnosed consumers through integrated treatment programs are discussed.