Citation

Hurtado SL, Crain JA, Simon-Arndt CM, Highfill-McRoy RM. Mil. Med. 2012; 177(9): 1049-1057.

Affiliation

Behavioral Sciences and Epidemiology Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA 92106-3521, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23025134

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine mental health screening practices and attitudes from both counselor and client perspectives in the U.S. Marine Corps substance abuse program. METHOD: This study examined mental health screening practices and attitudes of 23 substance abuse counselors and 442 clients from six Marine Corps substance abuse counseling centers. RESULTS: After receiving training on screening and enhanced counseling practices, 76% of counselors reported that they almost always screened their clients for post-traumatic stress symptoms. Seventy-three percent of clients agreed that substance abuse counselors should ask about their clients' stress concerns. CONCLUSION: Overall, implementing screening for common mental disorders was feasible in this setting. Counselors may need further support to increase collaboration with mental health professionals and adapt treatment plans to address co-occurring mental health conditions.

Language: en