The Burnaby treatment center for mental health and addiction, a novel integrated treatment program for patients with addiction and concurrent disorders: results from a program evaluation

BACKGROUND: Patients with addictions and concurrent disorders constitute the most underserved population in the system of care. There are numerous reasons why this population has so much difficulty accessing services, including behavioural issues, criminal engagement, and non-compliance with outpatient services. To improve services to this population which is marked by multiple morbidities, high mortality and insufficient access to health care, the government of British Columbia, Canada developed a program for people with both substance use disorder and one or more mental disorders who have not benefited from previous therapies. METHOD: In July 2008, the Burnaby Treatment Centre for Mental Health and Addiction (BCMHA), a specialized and integrated tertiary care facility, was opened. The current article provides a description of the treatment program and a clinical profile of the population. RESULTS: The target population is being served, at intake clients present with high rates of psychopathology, childhood and adult trauma, and substance use. CONCLUSION: While preliminary, these results indicate, that the novel approach of the Burnaby Centre may constitute a new path towards providing effective recovery for this population.