For more information, contact communications@thenationalcouncil.org or 202.684.7457.

Participants will develop capacity, skills to better serve individuals with both mental illnesses and addictions

Washington, DC, (November 8, 2011)—The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, in partnership with MTM Services and Hazelden, has selected 10 community behavioral health organizations to participate in its new Co-Occurring Disorder Learning Community. This initiative will enable participating organizations to enhance their ability to provide effective integrated and comprehensive care to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
 
Up to 75% of people struggling with addictions also have a mental illness, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Likewise, up to 50% of those with mental illnesses have a substance use problem.

“Such high prevalence of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders points to the need for improved capacity to treat these individuals with multiple needs in a competent manner – not in the segmented manner all too common in American delivery systems,” said Linda Rosenberg, MSW, President and CEO of the National Council. “The Co-Occurring Disorder Learning Community will improve competency in integrated care and support leaders in the field.”

The Co-Occurring Disorder Learning Community members include:

ADAPT, Inc. (Oregon)
Area Mental Health Center (Kansas)
Centerstone (Indiana)
Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health (Florida)
Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. (Missouri)
Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources (Mississippi)
Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center, Inc. (Michigan)
Tropical Texas Behavioral Health (Texas)
Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services (Maryland)
United Community Services, Inc. (Iowa)

Through February 2013, the 10 selected organizations will receive technical assistance from national experts, helping participants develop clinical processes to support the following Learning Community goals:

• Improve the ability of participating organizations to treat individuals with both mental health and substance use disorders by providing effective, integrated co-occurring disorder assessment and treatment. After going through a readiness assessment, each organization receives a customized plan for change, with goals and action objectives to address co-occurring disorder service delivery capacity needs.
• Implement change plans, including clinical process flows, that support a fully integrated co-occurring disorder service delivery model.
• Provide a unique opportunity for mental health and substance use organizations to participate in a shared, mutually beneficial learning experience, where participating organizations engage in open discussions to learn from each other. 

The National Council is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) association of 1,950 community healthcare organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental illnesses and addiction disorders to nearly 6 million adults, children and families in communities across the country. Learn more at www.TheNationalCouncil.org.