Meta-analysis of Interventions With Co-occurring Disorders of Severe Mental Illness and Substance Abuse: Implications for Social Work Practice

Abstract

Objective: A quantitative analysis of 15 empirical studies is conducted to determine effective interventions with the dually diagnosed. Method: Client and practitioner characteristics, types of interventions, and treatment effectiveness are examined through meta-analytic techniques. Results: (a) Age of client was positively correlated with effect size, (b) there were no statistically significant correlations between practitioner training or practitioner-to-client ratio and effect size, (c) intensive case management was associated with the greatest effect size, and (d) a small positive effect size was found for standard aftercare with outpatient psychoeducational treatment groups. Conclusions: Social work practice implications, based on the results of the quantitative analysis and trends identified in the studies, are that there is a unique role for practitioners in advocating for linkage of resources, additional supports for clients, and the dismantling of barriers that impede resource access.