UCLA Dual Diagnosis Program

by Debbie Sarig

Overview

In 1998, the UCLA (University of California of Los Angeles) Dual Diagnosis program was set up to train health-care professionals in the treatment of individuals suffering from both substance abuse and mental illness, also known as dual diagnosis patients or co-occurring disorder (COD) patients.
The Problem

Individuals with a dual diagnosis are sometimes only treated for one of their problems or are treated for both problems, but in two different systems. Problems arise because of the need to coordinate between the two systems, often leading to the patient not receiving appropriate care. In addition, substance abuse counselors are not sufficiently trained in treating mentally ill patients. Alternatively, mental health counselors are not appropriately trained in treating substance abuse-dependent patients. Substance dependency often times mimics the symptoms of mental illness and the counselors must be able to differentiate and decide whether the patient's behavior is the symptom of an addiction, a mental illness, or a co-occurring disorder.

Solution

The UCLA Dual Diagnosis program is meant to provide an answer for providing better treatment for patients with a dual diagnosis. Combining the treatments also reduces the load on the healthcare system and reduces costs.
History

The program was set up in 1998 by UCLA Extension, which is a higher education program for adults, together with Los Angeles County's Health Services/Alcohol and Drug Program Administration and Mental Health Departments.
Statistics

In the general population, 3-4% of the population has both substance abuse dependency and a mental illness. 40-60% of mentally ill patients also have a substance abuse problem, while 50-60% of substance abuse patients also have a mental health disorder.
Course Objectives

The students in the Dual Diagnosis program learn how to conduct assessments for mental illnesses and substance abuse. They also learn about detoxification, medications for mental illnesses and substance abuse problems, and how to run groups for COD patients. The students also acquire experience in consultations and patient assessment in the psychiatric emergency department and the outpatient clinic.