Evidence-Based Effectiveness of a Private Practice Intensive Outpatient Program With Dual Diagnosis Patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of a freestanding intensive outpatient program (IOP) in a private practice setting for the treatment of dual diagnosis substance-abusing patients. Pre- and post-treatment Symptom Checklist 90–Revised, Global Assessment of Functioning, and patient functional rating scales were analyzed. Reliable change indices and clinically significant change measures were utilized. Trajectories of change for depression and number of days substances were used were analyzed, based on weekly Brief Symptom Inventory and substance use data reported by patients. Client satisfaction was also assessed at the end of treatment. Although patients started treatment with psychiatric symptoms comparable to those found in inpatient settings and 56% presented with suicidal or homicidal ideation, all symptom scales, functional impairments, and number of days used were significantly reduced by the end of treatment. Effect size statistics, reliable change indices, and statistically significant results indicated that 56% to 74% of patients treated in this program may be expected to improve, depending on the stringency of the criteria utilized. It is clear that dual diagnosis substance-abusing patients can be safely and effectively treated in a private practice IOP setting.

KEYWORDS:

• Outcomes
• evaluation
• treatment
• program
• co-morbid
• dual diagnosis
• intensive outpatient
• evidence-based
• effectiveness

The author wishes to acknowledge his appreciation for statistical consultations to Dr. David Streiner, who provided invaluable guidance and tutelage.