Integrating Mental Health/Substance Use Services

Nearly 1.4 million people in New York State suffer from co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders; however, individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders rarely receive services that effectively address both of these issues. For years, the mental health and substance use systems of care have operated separately, and regulatory and financial barriers have restricted integration of these services. Not surprisingly, poor health outcomes are associated with co-occurring disorders in the absence of integrated care and individuals with co-occurring disorders are at higher risk for other serious medical problems, homelessness, violence, social isolation, and early death. NYSHealth has set as a priority area the integration of mental health and substance use services in New York State, and is dedicated to advancing potential solutions. As a component of this priority area, NYSHealth has identified returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and their families as a high-need, sub-population whose broad mental health needs are not being met.

Click here for Foundation Goals and Key Initiatives for Integrating Mental Health/Substance Use Services, and click here for more information on the NYSHealth Initiative for Returning Veterans and Their families.