Considerations in providing shared‐care psychological treatment for clients who have alcohol or other drug misuse problems

Abstract

Background

Many people who have alcohol or other drug (AOD) misuse problems also have comorbid psychosocial and behavioural problems such as depression, anxiety, unstable treatment motivation, sleep disorders, chronic pain, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and suboptimal medication adherence. Agencies which provide treatment for such people commonly have limited resources for effectively addressing these problems.

Methods

A telephone survey of psychologists and clinical psychologists in 12 New South Wales (NSW) postcode areas was conducted to investigate attitudes towards providing treatment for AOD clients.

Results

The participation rate was 67%, and 61% of participants indicated they were “definitely” (52%) or “probably” (9%) interested in providing services for AOD clients. Thirty‐nine per-cent of interested participants indicated that they would always be willing to bulk‐bill Medicare to cover services for AOD clients, and only 7% of interested psychologists indicated that they would never be willing. Almost two thirds of interested participants indicated a delay of no more than one week to see new clients.

Conclusions

It would be worthwhile and feasible for private‐practice psychologists and clinical psychologists to develop shared‐care arrangements with AOD treatment providers and other related health services. We believe they should endeavour to do so, and we offer suggestions to assist in addressing that goal.

Abstract

Key words:

• alcohol and other drug treatment
• comorbidity
• Medicare
• shared care
• substance abuse

Funding: An anonymous charity.

Conflict of interest: None.

Funding: An anonymous charity.

Conflict of interest: None.

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the valuable contribution of Julia Purchas to the project which this article arose from, and helpful comments from Suzanne Czech on an earlier version of the article. The project was supported by funding provided by an anonymous charitable institution, by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, and by the New South Wales Department of Health.

Notes

Funding: An anonymous charity.

Conflict of interest: None.

Additional information

Funding

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre

New South Wales Department of Health