Special Projects
The following six projects focus on recognizing and addressing the needs of individuals with dual diagnosis. These initiatives are made possible through grant funding from the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) in partnership with the California Department of Developmental Services.
SUBSTANCE USE DELIVERY EXPANSION PROJECT
This project aims to improve substance use disorder (SUD) services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and mental health concerns. In partnership with Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center, we will focus on the development of provider training, peer mentoring, as well as resources and partnerships, to improve substance use services for the I/DD population. The goals are to: (1) develop an E-learning Certification Program to increase the capacity of providers working with individuals dually diagnosed with I/DD and SUD, and (2) develop a Peer Mentoring Program for individuals with I/DD and SUD to support their immediate needs, facilitate social connections, and establish links to local recovery groups.
Peer Mentoring Program for Adults with Disabilities in Recovery – Refer Here
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE PROJECT
The Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) for Dual Diagnosis Project aimed to increase the competencies of mental health providers through trainings on EBPs for individuals with dual diagnosis. EBPs are treatments that have been shown through clinical research to produce positive outcomes for clients and their families. The goals were to: (1) increase clinical knowledge and improve understanding of the adaptive applications of evidence-based interventions in the mental health treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities, and (2) measure individual client outcomes based on EBPs self-reported by clinicians. These outcomes included: decreased child maladaptive behaviors, improved social competence, increased parental competence , decreased stress, and a higher level of parental self-efficacy in handling home and work responsibilities.
To encourage statewide replication of this project, we created a PROJECT BLUEPRINT. This blueprint outlines a step-by-step action plan for each component of the project serving as a guide that includes the project’s overview, goals, implementation, and evaluation.
PROJECT UNITE
This project addressed the needs of transition-age youth (TAY) by focusing on prevention, early intervention, and the provision of mental health supports for young adults with co-occurring mental health disorders and their family members. The goals were to: (1) implement mental health screenings and sustain the efforts of the TAY Collaborative, and (2) develop and implement the Wellness/Drop-In Center and the Parent Mentor Program.
To encourage statewide replication of this project, we created a PROJECT BLUEPRINT – a comprehensive guide with a step-by-step action plan for each component of the project. This blueprint includes an overview of the project, its goals, implementation, and evaluation.
LA TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH SERVICE INTEGRATION PROJECT
This project addressed the needs of transition-age youth (TAY) with co-occurring developmental disabilities and mental health disorders. We conducted a targeted needs assessment of TAY between the ages of 14 and 25 and coordinated outreach efforts with individuals and agencies working with dually diagnosed TAY residing in Western and Northern Los Angeles County. The goals were to: (1) develop a profile of TAY with dual diagnoses, identifying both the needs and strengths of this population, including the barriers faced during the transition to adulthood, and (2) augment interagency partnership by increasing skills and knowledge, providing a forum for collaboration, developing shared language, exchanging information, and increasing community capacity to serve TAY with dual diagnoses.
To encourage statewide replication of this project, we created a PROJECT BLUEPRINT – a comprehensive guide with a step-by-step action plan for each component of the project. This blueprint includes an overview of the project, its goals, implementation, and evaluation.
LA MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TOOLS FOR ASSESSING QUALITY OF SERVICES PROJECT
This project aimed to improve assessment and treatment services for clients with dual diagnoses of mental health conditions and developmental disabilities. We developed a needs assessment to describe current services and the needs of individuals with dual diagnoses. Next we created indicator tools designed to gauge the quality of assessments and treatments for clients with dual diagnoses. We aimed to provide guidance on appropriate access, assessment, and treatment strategies to families, caregivers, clinicians and other health professionals involved in managing dual diagnosis. The goals were to: (1) identify the assessment and treatment models currently utilized for individuals with dual diagnosis, (2) develop quality assessment tools to evaluate best practices, and (3) improve integrated systems of care for clients with dual diagnosis.
A blueprint manual for the project, which includes all project materials and links to the guidebook, and checklist tools are provided below. We hope that these quality indicator tools will be useful for anyone interested in promoting and enhancing high quality mental health care for individuals with co-occurring developmental disabilities and mental health conditions.
LA MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES EDUCATION PROGRAM
This program consisted of a series of training sessions for staff from regional centers, Department of Mental Health agencies, behavioral health agencies, school districts, physicians, psychologists, and occupational, physical and speech therapists. The program culminated in an area-wide conference. The goals were to: (1) educate participants on recognition, screening, referral, evaluation, treatment, and supports for children and adults with dual diagnoses of developmental disability and mental health disorders, and (2) establish and maintain collaboration among agencies, clinicians, service providers and families of individuals with dual diagnoses.
This project manual provides an overview, including an outline of the steps involved in developing and implementing the program, and information about the Training Collaborative Series and Southern California Stakeholders’ Conference.