Organizational correlates of access to primary care and mental health services in drug abuse treatment units

Peter D. Friedmann, Jeffrey A. Alexander, Thomas A. D'Aunno

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Primary care and mental health services improve drug abuse treatment clients' health and treatment outcomes. To examine the association between clients' access to these services and the characteristics of drug treatment organizations, we analyze data from a national survey of the unit directors and clinical supervisors of 618 outpatient drug abuse treatment programs in 1995 (88% response rate). In multivariate models controlling for client characteristics and urban location, public units, units with more human resources, and methadone programs delivered more primary care services. Public units, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations- accredited units, nonmethadone units, and units with more staff psychiatrists or psychologists delivered more mental health services. We conclude that organizational factors may influence drug abuse treatment clients' access to primary care and mental health services. Changes in the treatment system that weaken or eliminate public programs over-burden staff, de-emphasize quality standards or lessen methadone availability may erode recovering clients' tenuous access to these services.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)71-80
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1999

Keywords

  • Delivery of health care
  • Health service needs and demands
  • Mental health services
  • Substance abuse treatment centers
  • Substance dependence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Phychiatric Mental Health
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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