Dual diagnosis care for severe and persistent disorders. A comparison of three methods.

People with severe and persistent mental illnesses frequently suffer from addictive disorders as well. Managed care plans and at-risk providers who care for people with these conditions must understand, authorize, and provide evidence-based and cost-effective care. The authors of this article evaluated three specialized interventions for treating people with co-occurring severe mental illness and substance abuse. Treatment of both disorders was found to be essential. In addition, a behavioral skills training was found to improve outcomes and reduce total healthcare costs when compared with intensive case management and 12-Step recovery interventions. Supplemental supportive services further increase the overall value of care. Implications for managed care and at-risk providers are discussed.