Clinical Implications for MICA Clientsand their Co-Occurring Disorders

Kristen GruenfelderSilver School of Social Work

New York University

MICAstands for…

MICAstands for…

M Mental I IllnessC ChemicalA Addiction / Abuse

MICAstands for…

M Mental I IllnessC ChemicalA Addiction / Abuse

What does that mean?

MICA clients suffer from co-occurring disorders or dual

diagnoses, which are defined as…

MICA clients suffer from co-occurring disorders or dual

diagnoses, which are defined as…

“…having a diagnosis of a mental illness along with a substance abuse disorder.”

(Woldin, 2015)

MICA clients suffer from co-occurring disorders or dual

diagnoses, which are defined as…

“…having a diagnosis of a mental illness along with a substance abuse disorder.”

(Woldin, 2015)

What separates dual-diagnosis clients from non-MICA clients?

MICA clients require more:Emotional support- may lack this due to

stigma of one or both conditions

- empoweringMedication managementUnique sensitivity and empathy to their situations- Many combinations of

mental illnesses and chemical addictions

Cognitive considerations

MICA clients are often:More receptive to treatment- ex: have had previous

experiences with a helping professional

Cohesive together- know they relate through

their mental illnesses- feel safe, trustingImpacted by medication- drowsiness, over

stimulated, lack of focus

Has there been an increase in awareness of mental illness and

treatment options within the past few decades?

Has there been an increase in awareness of mental illness and

treatment options within the past few decades?

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FOR EXAMPLE: The amount of college students seeking mental health treatment is growing rapidly!

20.2 million adults with substance abuse disorders7.9 – 8.9 million adults with co-occurring disordersA little less than half of all substance abusers suffer from mental illnesses!

STATISTICS!

8.9 million U.S. adults with co-occurring disorders44% received substance abuse OR mental health treatment13.5% received both treatments37.6% received NO TREATMENTS!

STATISTICS!

For those in treatment:-- dual-disorder treatment unavailable-- many locations provide mental health services but not substance abuse services-- ex: only 10% of agencies providing mental healthservices provide dual treatments (Gotham, 2013)

For those not in treatment:-- dual-disorder treatment uncommon

For those in treatment:-- dual-disorder treatment unavailable-- many locations provide mental health services but not substance abuse services-- ex: only 10% of agencies providing mental healthservices provide dual treatments (Gotham, 2013)

For those not in treatment:-- dual-disorder treatment uncommon

What is keeping these individuals from seeking out treatment?

Case Example #1 – Justin

Case Example #2 – Alisha

Case Example #3 – Shellie

Benefits of Dual Treatment• Seeing separate specialists for both diagnoses,

coordination of care and team collaboration• Development of coping skills for both disorders• Awareness on the importance of medication

management, and understanding how using may intensify mental health symptoms• Receive supportive therapy that reinforces self-

esteem and builds self-confidence• Inclusive treatment options: bringing in partners,

children, and etc. for counseling and education

Why does this matter?

• You’re now informed of a population that is often overlooked in terms of funding

• General lesson: can’t intervene or treat everyone the same way

• Your awareness can allow you to advocate for a group that may be unable to advocate for itself

For more information

http://www.samhsa.gov/

http://oasas.ny.gov/http://omh.ny.gov/

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