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Abstract
This report examines the distribution of specialized programs or groups for dual diagnosis clients in substance abuse treatment facilities across the United States and the availability of services often needed by this client population at these facilities. Data from the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N‐SSATS) were used to assess the geographic distribution and the characteristics of facilities that offer dual diagnosis treatment programs/groups and to examine the other clinical, social, and health services available in these facilities. Overall, 49.9% of all U.S. substance abuse treatment facilities offered dual diagnosis programs/groups. There were no clear regional variations on availability of these services. There were, however, clear variations based on facility ownership and treatment modality. Facilities owned by the federal, state, and local governments, and those offering inpatient treatment were more likely than were other facilities to offer dual diagnosis programs/groups. A large proportion of facilities with specialized dual diagnosis programs/groups did not offer mental, social, or health services often needed by dual diagnosis clients. It is concluded that specialized programs for dual diagnosis clients are offered in many different substance abuse treatment facilities, attesting to the growing recognition of the special needs of this group of clients. However, dissemination of comprehensive services often needed to meet the special needs of these clients has not kept pace with the spread of specialized programs, highlighting the need for establishing and implementing standard evidence‐based guidelines for dual diagnosis treatment programs in these settings.