Co-Occurring Disorders
It is increasingly more common that people who seek services will present with both mental health and substance use disorders, known as co-occurring disorders. Providing integrated care that addresses both is critical to achieving sustainable recovery. It is important that providers coordinate community partnerships, treatment services, and recovery supports that facilitate balanced care for multiple behavioral health diagnoses.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of identifying and treating all presenting disorders simultaneously
- Recognize common risk factors as well as the role trauma plays in developing co-occurring disorders
- Explore screening, care coordination, and treatment options for co-occurring disorders
- Provide trauma-informed care and healing-centered engagement for persons with co-occurring disorders
- Support change behaviors for individuals with co-occurring disorders
Trainer
Ann Claude, RN, BSN is a nurse educator and healthcare professional with experience in behavioral health, addiction medicine, public health, and community-based care. She has worked across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings, with a particular focus on substance use disorders, co-occurring conditions, recovery support, and reducing barriers to care. Ann serves as a clinical nursing instructor/educator, educating and mentoring nursing students in behavioral health and community health settings. In addition to her clinical and educational work, she is the founder of Access & Care Recovery Home and is actively involved in developing recovery-oriented and behavioral health services throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She is passionate about providing practical, evidence-based education that helps professionals better understand and support individuals with substance use and mental health needs.
