Although the testing and refinement of
specific interventions, the development
of treatment matching, and strategies
to overcome nonresponsiveness are
important issues, progress toward integrating
mental health and substance abuse
services has been minimal. Barriers
exist at all levels (e.g., organizational,
financial, and educational) and public
policy at the Federal, State, regional,
and local levels has thus far failed to promote
widespread adoption of either
integrated treatments for dual disorders
or other evidence-based practices in the
mental health and substance abuse treatment
systems (Goldman et al. 2001).
Clinicians, patients, and family members
can advocate for effective services,
but training and even successful
demonstration programs will not be
sustainable if policymakers do not
eliminate restrictions and provide the
incentives and reinforcements for evidence-based
practices.