How to overcome the gap between mental health and social services

BACKGROUND: Accessibility to treatment for persons with dual disorders (mental illness and substance use disorders) is restricted, in part depending on barriers between organisations. Without a coordinated examination and treatment do these persons receive no or insufficient treatment, resulting in a deterioration of health and life situation. METHOD: Mental health, social services and primary care established a multi professional team on a one year trial to examine possible comorbidity between mental illness and substance use disorder. Examination results, including diagnoses and psychosocial needs, were presented in a ‘systemic meeting’ in the presence of the client, as well as professionals belonging to the future treatment network. The ‘systemic meeting’ method promotes people to reflect together, identify problems and resources and find fruitful manners to use resources to solve problems. RESULTS: Data are qualitative and results will be presented in January 2008. We have the impression that much of the comorbidity problems found were highlighted for the first time, and that network and patients appreciated the possibility to meet and to make common plans for future treatment. CONCLUSION: A coordinated examination will probably lead to a coordinated treatment, resulting in an improvement of health and life situation in dual disorder clients.