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The number of people suffering from both mental health and substance use disorders is skyrocketing, with approximately 21.5 million adults in the United States experiencing these co-occurring conditions, according to SAMHSA’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Unfortunately, the result of experiencing both disorders can be tragic. WJCS, the largest provider of licensed outpatient mental health services in 

Westchester is here to help. It now offers comprehensive integrative, evidence-based treatment for Westchester residents experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.

“People suffering from co-occurring mental health and substance use problems often experience severe and chronic challenges regarding their medical and emotional health, social relationships, work, and financial stability. The interactions between the two disorders can worsen the course of both. As each condition impacts the other, it’s most effective that they be treated with a comprehensive integrated approach that addresses both simultaneously,” says W. Andrew Mullane, Ph.D., Director of Innovation, Integration, and Community Partnerships at Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS).

The tragic reality is that more than half (52.5%*) of people with co-occurring disorders receive neither  mental health nor substance use treatment. Just about a third (34.5%*) of those with both conditions receive mental health care only. Just 9.1%* receive both mental health and substance use treatment. And less than five percent (3.9%*) only receive treatment for substance use.

“Our goal is to remove barriers to treatment,” Dr. Mullane. “Unfortunately, many people with co-occurring conditions don’t know where to go for treatment. We want all people in Westchester who are suffering with mental health and substance use challenges toknow we are here for them. Whereas many substance use treatment organizations do not accept insurance, WJCS makes the highest quality comprehensive evidence-based treatment affordable by participating in a number of commercial and government sponsored insurance plans, assuring both substance-involved individuals and their families receive the support they need and deserve.

The co-occurring disorders of mental health and substance use don’t discriminate in terms of age or socioeconomic background. More than 20% of Americans, including youth, teens, and adults are living with a mental illness.  More than 20 million Americans 12 years and older are affected by substance use disorder. According to the National Association of Mental Health, 50% of U.S. adults with mental illness will also develop a substance use disorder in their lifetimes. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 37.9% of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders also have mental illness.

WJCS is proud to offer a comprehensive treatment program for adolescents, adults & families impacted by substance use & co-occurring disorders. “WJCS strives to meet all our patients where they are at and find the best programs to fit their needs,” says WJCS Medical Director John Douglas, M.D., MBA, MS. “Our robust outpatient substance abuse treatment services are an important addition to our continuum of care serving the needs of Westchester. ”People who seek treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders at WJCS are offered the following treatments and supports:

• 6-week Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program for those aged 18 and older

• Encompass, a modular evidence-based treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns, comprised of motivational interviewing, CBT, motivational enhancements to reward progress in recovery, and psychopharmacological treatment

• Psychiatric evaluation and treatment, including Medication Assisted Treatment

• CRAFT family treatment program

• Overdose prevention training and supplies

• Peer support services

• Case management

• Vocational and educational counseling

To learn more about WJCS programs for co-occurring disorders, contact Sam Mogilensky, LMHC, Encompass Coordinator, at 914-949-6761 x2447; smogilensky@wjcs.com *Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse