Outline:
Section 1: Introduction A. About This Course B. Learning Objectives Section 2: The Basics A. Meet Amy B. Definition: Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders C. A Working Definition D. Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders E. Abuse and Dependence F. Substance Use Disorders G. Meet Ahote H. Summary Section 3: Risk and Protective Factors A. Why Are Co-Occurring Disorders Common? B. Which Disorder Is Worse? C. More about Ahote D. Risk Factors E. Protective Factors F. What Does This Information Mean for DSPs? G. Review H. Summary Section 4: Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders A. Complexity of Treatment B. Standalone Treatment vs. Multi-modal Methods C. Review D. Medications in the Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders E. Treatment Strategies F. Integrated Treatment G. Which Treatment Is Best? H. Let's Practice! I. Motivational Interviewing J. The Stages of Change Model K. Toward Rehabilitation and Recovery L. Defining Recovery M. Ahote’s Outcome N. Summary Section 5: Conclusion A. Summary B. Course Contributors C. Resources D. References E. Congratulations! F. Exam

Naju Madra, M.A. is an internal subject matter expert and clinical content writer for Relias' Behavioral Healthcare library. She earned her Master's degree in Psychology with specific study in neuropsychological assessment for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. She brings with her a wealth of experience in clinical assessment, along with expertise in large-scale clinical research project management, recruitment, training, as well as in-person and web-based curriculum development.

In addition to scholarly activities such as writing manuals and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, Ms. Madra has over 15 years of behavioral healthcare experience ranging from crisis counseling and job coaching for individuals with severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders, to community college instruction, and trauma specialist at the Veterans Health Administration. In her current role, Ms. Madra has contributed authorship to over 100 behavioral healthcare course offerings for both licensed and non-licensed professionals in the Health & Human Services market.

Disclosure: Naju Madra, M.A. has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

Jeremy King has over ten years of experience providing management and training to professionals in the field of behavioral health. Mr. King is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor in the state of New York. He also holds a BS in Economics from Fordham University and is a Certified Training Provider for the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. For the past ten years, Mr. King has provided training and technical assistance to human service organizations in the following areas: Substance Use Disorders; Trauma Informed Services; Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Cultural Competence; Group Facilitation Skills; CCAR Recovery Coach Academy; Motivational Interviewing; Tobacco Dependence; Confidentiality; Working through Resistance; Screening and Assessment for Mental Health Disorders; Theories of Human Development; and The Client/Counselor Relationship. Disclosure: Jeremy King, LCSW, CASAC has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.