This article focuses on assessment and treatment of psychiatric disord
ers within the alcohol and drug treatment and recovery system. Inasmuc
h as women are represented in all categories of psychiatric disorders,
the article begins with a discussion of basic principles of assessmen
t and treatment, examines some of the barriers to good practice, and o
ffers recommendations for reducing them. The article then reviews in g
reater detail the psychiatric disorders most frequently found in women
seeking help in alcohol and drug treatment settings, adding considera
tions relevant to those particular disorders. A brief review of key el
ements to facilitate planning, ongoing monitoring, and evaluation by t
reatment and recovery service providers is provided.