CIP Training Brief | An Introduction to Integrated Co-Occurring Treatment (ICT) Part 1

By Mike Fox, LPCC-S CCDCIII | Consultant and Trainer/Research Associate

Integrated Co-Occurring Treatment (ICT) Model Overview The Integrated Co-Occurring Treatment (ICT) model, an evidence informed practice, uses an intentionally-integrated and domain-guided treatment approach, which aligns with the Intensive Home Based Treatment (IHBT) design. The reciprocal interactions of co-occurring substance use and serious emotional disabilities are addressed directly, with each considered ‘primary’.

System of Care (SOC) core values, [EDITORIAL NOTE: OR?] Guiding principles include:

– A developmentally mindful and resiliency-oriented approach, strong family partnering, intentionally integrated screening and assessment, integrated and stage-matched treatment design, and ongoing safety and risk assessment.
– Youth, family and community engagement is emphasized and evaluated at all phases.
– ICT therapists receive weekly coaching and consultation in order to stay on top of the multi-faceted challenges and evolving areas of focus.

Youth with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues and their families are harder to engage in treatment, and much harder to retain in treatment.

The youth served by ICT are at risk of out-of-home placement (residential treatment, juvenile detention, child-protective removal etc.), and often experience and display significant risks (to themselves and/or others). Frequently, they and their families have engaged in multiple previous treatment attempts and have experienced great frustration with, and even rejection by, traditional treatment programs.

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With an intensive home/community-based approach, ICT strives to increase possibilities for engagement with youth and families, thereby increasing chances for treatment retention, overall risks reduction and meaningful change. The types of services provided are also flexible, and very importantly, provided by a single therapist.

The goals of ICT are to reduce risks for the youth and family, retain the youth in the home, stop the loss of personal and family resources, and start to aid in building inner capacities and resiliencies.

An Introduction to Integrated Co-Occurring Treatment (ICT)

Combining experiences from mental health and substance abuse direct treatment, systemic and contextual coordination, and teaching with research-driven data, Mike works with demonstrated practices to assist professionals and communities decrease risk to individuals and help families.

He provides educational training and consultation to professionals working with youth and families with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues, including the Integrated Co-Occurring Treatment Model (ICT) model developed by the Center for Innovative Practices.

Previously, Mike worked in the addictions field of counseling with adults and later provided treatment to co-occurring youth in home-based settings. Mike also teaches college courses in psychology, addictions and human development.