Behavioral Treatment for Substance Abuse in People with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness: A Handbook for Mental Health Professionals

The correlation between schizophrenia and substance abuse in psychology is recognized as a growing issue, yet it is one that many practitioners are often ill-prepared to address. Behavioral Treatment for Substance Abuse in People with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness addresses the specific challenges faced by the clinician treating individuals with co-occurring schizophrenia and substance abuse disorders. Designed as a treatment manual for mental health professionals, the book incorporates various treatment components, from motivational interviewing and social skills training to education, problem solving, and relapse prevention. The book presents clearly established guidelines for these treatment modes and utilizes both case examples and fictional situations to present a practical, hands-on approach. Readers will profit directly from the lessons in the book, which offers the clinician an invaluable model from which to base a treatment plan.

About the Author

Alan S. Bellack, Ph.D., ABPP , is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Division of Psychology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Director of the Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center in the VA Capital Healthcare Network.

Melanie E. Bennett, Ph.D. , is Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Jean S. Gearon, Ph.D. , is a clinical psychologist with a private practice and consulting business in Washington, D.C.