Public Policy
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. 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.