MENTAL-HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE-ABUSE TREATMENT SERVICES FOR DUALLY DIAGNOSED CLIENTS - RESULTS OF A STATEWIDE SURVEY OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS

Findings are presented from a survey of administrators of county depar tments of mental health and alcohol and drug programs in California re garding services for individuals with co-occurring mental and substanc e abuse disorders. A total of 47 counties responded (84% response rate ). The survey findings indicate that collaboration across county menta l health and alcohol and drug services primarily occurs through inform ation sharing, coordination of services, and joint projects. Fewer tha n one-half of the counties responding provide integrated programs, and the most frequently provided services are outpatient counseling and c ase management. Administrators cited historical differences between th e two service systems and societal stigma as the greatest barriers to service delivery. Two opposing strategies for state action were sugges ted, either establishing specific funding set-asides or blending fundi ng for services. Counties varied widely in their ability to estimate u nmet service needs. Implications for policy development related to the dually diagnosed are discussed.