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Abstract

This study explored training issues relevant to work with comorbid clients (those with both psychiatric and substance abuse diagnoses) among members of a psychiatric hospital clinical staff (N=147). Respondents reported that they had received limited training for working with comorbid or substance abusing clients; they perceived comorbid clients as presenting with particular concerns, especially regarding referral to treatment services and management of acting-out behaviors; and they attached great importance to the need for training in comorbidity. With high proportions of clients at psychiatric hospitals being comorbid, it is imperative that staff members receive training to deal with substance abuse and comorbidity. These results suggest that such training has not been available, but it is needed and wanted.

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Brems, C., Johnson, M.E., Bowers, L. et al. Comorbidity Training Needs at a State Psychiatric Hospital. Adm Policy Ment Health 30, 109–120 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022581001193

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