The term “Co-occurring disorders” refers to when a person has both a mental health and a substance use disorder. When addressing this condition, an integrated care approach is highly recommended. The clinical staff at TTC screens and assesses every new patient for both a history of substance use as well as any underlying mental health condition. Such screenings and assessments result in a better quality of care for both disorders
Co-occurring disorders treatment is integrated into the levels of care for mental health treatment and substance use disorders treatment at TTC. The combination of utilizing evidence-based practices and a holistic approach enables TTC to deliver a truly integrated program of care to our patients.
Studies have shown that people with co-occurring disorders are far more likely to be hospitalized than people with only a mental health condition or a substance use disorder. Hence, such integrated treatment provides the coordination needed to help ensure a path to long-term recovery.
Experience with patients struggling with co-occurring disorders has shown that integrated treatment leads to more successful outcomes, improving quality of life:
- Reduction of psychiatric symptoms and improved functioning
- The discontinuation of substance use as a form of self-medication
- Decreased hospital visits and hospital stays
- More effective medication management and medication efficacy
Given such potential outcomes for patients, treatment for co-occurring disorders is an ongoing priority for TTC.