Screening and Assessment of Co-Occurring Disorders in the Justice System E297

Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

Relative to the general population, the prevalence of mental health and substance use disorders is significantly greater among incarcerated individuals and those involved with the criminal justice system in the community. The needs of justice system-involved people who present with co-occurring disorders (CODs)—both mental health and substance use disorders experienced by one person at the same time—pose a unique challenge for clinicians working in the criminal justice system. The complexity of both the disorders, their interaction with one another, and the environmental context of carceral institutions necessitates a thoughtful approach to assessment and intervention. Clinicians need to be aware of the signs and symptoms, general presentation, and strategies for effective assessment of CODs in the specific context of the criminal justice system in order to be able to provide effective care and advocacy.

There are several important outcomes to focus on in clinical intervention for individuals who are justice system-involved and living with CODs. The symptoms of both the mental health disorder as well as the substance use disorder require treatment. Clinicians need to identify the symptoms that will be most ameliorated by treatment and to determine the order in which symptoms should be addressed. Discerning the interaction between the two illnesses is an important part of creating and implementing an effective treatment plan. In addition to these outcomes, a key goal is reducing recidivism and promoting exit from the criminal justice system. Throughout this material the focus is on interventions and processes that are most likely to promote desistance of involvement in criminal activity and criminal punishments.

This learning material, designed for social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and counselors, explains the prevalence and nature of CODs within the criminal justice system, as well as the points of contact at which assessment can be made. It outlines how to develop a comprehensive assessment protocol within the context of the justice system that can identify and allow for intervention with CODs. The learning material examines signs and risk factors, as well as describes special concerns, such as suicidality, obtaining accurate information, addressing trauma, and enhancing treatment motivation. Cultural competence relating to the specific concerns of CODs within the justice system is discussed and tools are provided for enhancing effective practice. Case examples offer practical insights into how these concepts can be applied to work with real clients. 

Course Format

This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test. When you’re ready, purchase the course by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe co-occurring disorders and their prevalence within the justice system. 
2. Explain the importance of screening and assessment for this population. 
3. Identify key information to address in screening for CODs. 
4. Recognize the importance of screening for suicide risk and other special clinical considerations for CODs in this population. 
5. Explain considerations related to treatment motivation and engagement in this population. 

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Overview of Co-Occurring Disorders
  • Risk Factors
  • Substance Use Disorders
  • Mental Health Disorders
  • Distinguishing Between Co-Occurring Disorders
  • Symptom Interaction Between Co-Occurring Disorders
• Prevalence and Significance of Co-Occurring Disorders in the Justice System
  • Opportunities for Screening and Assessment
  • Development of a Comprehensive Screening and Assessment Approach
  • Screening
  • Assessment
  • Areas for Review in Assessment
• Key Information in Screening and Assessment for Co-Occurring Disorders
  • Role Clarification
  • Accuracy of Information in Screening and Assessment
  • Collateral Information
• Special Clinical Considerations
  • Risk Assessment
  • Suicide Risk Screening
  • Traumatic Nature of Criminal Justice Settings and Trauma-Related Disorders
  • Restricted Housing
  • Criminal Risk
• Cultural Considerations
• Treatment Motivation and Engagement
• Summary

Author

Jessie Timmons, LCSW

Jessie Timmons, LCSW, is a seasoned therapist and teacher of social work, with experience in addressing both mental illness and addictive disorders. Her teaching has included undergraduate, graduate and professional development courses. Jessie is experienced in working with individuals with co-occurring disorders both during incarceration and while living in the community with justice system involvement. Her teaching and professional development have focused on ethical and competent clinical social work practice, social determinants of health, and clinical supervision.

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/8/24-8/8/27.

Social workers completing this course receive 3 clinical continuing education credits.

This course has been approved by CE4Less.com, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #91345, CE4Less.com is responsible for all aspects of the programing.

We are committed to providing our learners with unbiased information. CE4Less never accepts commercial support and our authors have no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.