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POQI: Dual Diagnosis - Introduction

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Dual Diagnosis Project Survey Instruments
3. Data Collection and Reporting
4. Reports, Analyses, and Presentations

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) jointly funded four demonstration projects designed to integrate treatment and services for clients diagnosed with both a severe mental illness and a substance abuse problem, commonly referred to as "dual diagnosis."

The four projects were selected from among 31 proposals submitted in response to a Request for Application to implement Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs, issued in November 1996. The proposals were reviewed and the choices announced in March 1997. The four counties selected were Contra Costa, Merced, San Diego and Santa Cruz.

The programs were originally funded for three years, starting in mid 1997, and expected to end in mid 2000; however, one additional year of funding was requested to provide a longer follow-up period for data collection. This funding was approved and the projects continued through June 2001.

A program evaluation was included as part of each demonstration project. Independent consultants are completing the evaluations with oversight from the State's Project Evaluation Director for the Dual Diagnosis Projects. The independent consultants were hired by the individual counties conducting the demonstration projects.

The goal of the evaluation was to provide accurate and comprehensive data on the comparative effectiveness of integrated treatment on clinical outcomes, consumer satisfaction, client quality of life, cost and cost savings/avoidance in the areas of physical health care and criminal justice.

Description of Treatment Models

The treatment model outlined in the Request for Application (RFA) was very broad in its description. It emphasized that projects had to integrate services for persons with a dual diagnosis into a common system of care with one coordinated "Plan of Care" for the clients. They must be able to access needed services for the dual disorders at a single full service program rather than requiring clients to access two or more separate programs.