Dual Diagnosis
Protocols for the treatment of clients with Complex Needs.
The Nelson Trust recognises that the term Dual Diagnosis refers to a combination of mental health problems and substance misuse. It is also recognised that Dual Diagnosis/Complex Needs covers a broad spectrum of mental health and substance misuse problems that an individual might experience concurrently.
What we offer:
1. An integrated treatment approach via a client focused treatment plan.
2. Best possible care and monitoring of any prescribed psychiatric medication or recommended interventions by working in partnership with GP’s and Community Mental health teams.
3. A context in which to understand the psychological impact of life events.
4. A bio/psycho/social approach to treatment in line with the Recovery Model.
5. MI and CBT models of treatment delivered alongside other psychological models found within the skill mix of the clinical team.
6. We also offer (dependant upon staff availability, etc.) horticultural and equine therapy, mindfulness and focusing workshops, creative writing, furniture making, pottery, art and music workshops, yoga and other outward bound activities alongside other educational and training opportunities.
Initial screening of Mental Health needs begin with our admissions team requesting all available relevant reports, up to date CPA’s etc. from the professional making the referral. This is vital to enable us to offer the client an appropriately informed assessment. Face to face assessments are essential.
The admissions and clinical teams will liaise to establish the needs of the client and the challenges of integration into the community as a whole.
Collaborative or Shared Care.
This will normally be co-ordinated within the CPA framework in order that we work collaboratively and achieve the best possible outcome for the client. In the event of the client not being subject to a CPA and a clear mental health diagnosis, we may still reserve the right to admit the client within the Dual Diagnosis tariff. Due to changes in the Mental Health services nationally and locally, it may be necessary for Care Managers to liaise with their local Mental Health Services and Services within this area. This is due to a further cost implication that is outside of our remit.
It is expected that:
• All clients will enter treatment with an up to date care plan including crisis management and emergency discharge plan. This will have been previously agreed by the care manager, care co-ordinator and our mental health worker or clinical lead.
• The client will have planned reviews with the psychiatric team, either face to face or by telephone.
• The Nelson Trust will work closely with the care co-ordinator and assist, when requested, in setting up a CPA review.
Sharing of Information and Monitoring
• Clients will need to consent to the sharing of all relevant information between the professionals involved in the client’s Recovery process. This can be reviewed as and when necessary.
• The Nelson Trust complies with the National Treatment Data Monitoring System and Treatment Outcomes Profiling which enable the tracking of service users.
• The Nelson Trust has it own confidentiality policy which is available on request.
Not all clients will be suitable for this Treatment Centre and, should this be the case, we will always endeavour to make this clear as early as possible in the process. All clients with Mental Health needs who are accepted into the programme will still be on an agreed 4 week suitability appraisal and continual assessment period. This is to make sure that they can effectively work with and integrate into the programme we offer in a safe and appropriate way within the normal limitations of the resources available to us.
