Integrated versus parallel treatment of co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders

The study examines 1-year treatment outcomes of 216 individuals with co-occurring severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders who were assigned to an integrated or parallel treatment condition. Comparisons indicated that the integrated group achieved greater reductions in the incidence of psychiatric hospitalization and arrest. The results of this study support the enhanced effectiveness of integrated treatment in decreasing the use of higher cost crisis-oriented services in clients with severe mental illness and substance use disorders.