New Evidence-Based Practices KITs
By Virginia Hartman
Part of the Knowledge Information Transformation (KIT) series, two new Evidence-Based Practices KITs are available from SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). One is on Supported Employment, and one is on Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders. Available in CD/DVD or online (PDF) formats, these KITs are for states, communities, and organizations interested in moving best practices into the field.
For many people, having a job is a source of pride and a means of providing for oneself. For people with mental illness, being in the working world offers the same satisfactions, and can be one of the steps to recovery. Supported Employment (SE) helps people with serious mental illnesses obtain competitive work and provides supports that ensure success.
The primary goal of Supported Employment is to find a natural fit between individuals and jobs. SE services are integrated with comprehensive mental health treatment, and follow-along supports are continuous.
The KIT provides practitioners with tools that will help them set up and maintain an SE program and includes specific advice about hiring and tools for training staff. It includes the literature showing what works and provides an informational brochure in both English and Spanish, a PowerPoint presentation showing stakeholders what SE is all about, and an introductory video demonstrating the power of SE in the lives of several consumers.
For people with both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, the merging of two types of treatment works best. In Integrated Treatment programs, individuals receive combined treatment from the same practitioner or treatment team.
Recovery from dual diagnoses happens in stages, and practitioners are trained to address each stage of recovery with tools such as active listening, motivational interviewing, practical assistance, goal setting, assessment, and treatment planning. Individuals develop regular contact and a trusting relationship with their treatment providers.
SAMHSA’s Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders KIT provides specific information for developing and sustaining an Integrated Treatment program. The KIT contains advice about getting started and sustaining and evaluating the program.
Training materials include a brochure, a PowerPoint presentation, and two videos about integrated counseling and treatment.
To order the CD/DVD versions of these two Evidence-Based Practices KITs, call 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727).
Family Psychoeducation (SMA09-4423). This KIT focuses on recovery by giving consumers and their families information about mental illnesses, helping them to build social supports, and enhancing problem-solving, communication, and coping skills.
Illness Management and Recovery (SMA09-4463). This KIT emphasizes helping people to set and pursue personal goals and to implement action strategies in their everyday lives.
The EBP KITs provide innovative, engaging, and effective learning tools to help shape mental health services toward recovery. Call 1-877-SAMHSA-7.