Addressing Co- occurring Disorders in a Rural Setting; What are they and what types of resources are available?

Comorbidity is a topic that patients, family members, physicians and stakeholders frequently ask about. Roughly 9.2 million American adults have a co-occurring disorder, meaning they simultaneously suffer from a mental disorder and a substance abuse disorder.  There is a great deal of stigma attached to both mental illnesses and addictions.  Stigma is the greatest barrier to helping individuals with mental illness. Many people mistakenly think that people with mental illness are dangerous or that people with substance abuse disorders have a moral failing. In fact, the majority of people with mental illness pose no threat to others. And regardless of moral beliefs, addiction is a disease that impairs a person’s health, social function, and ability to control substance use.

This misunderstanding causes feelings of shame and fear among people with co-occurring disorders. Many people isolate themselves to avoid embarrassment or deny that they need mental health treatment. Stigma in our society also prevents people in need from receiving help. Cultural rejection can prevent individuals with addiction from finding work, maintaining stable housing, and providing for themselves.

Join us virtually for a lunchtime discussion on this topic on March 9th at Noon.

Erin Massey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is employed by Clearwater Valley Health as a Behavioral Health Consultant. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2012, and went on to get her Clinical licensure.   She currently works at Clearwater Valley Health providing Behavioral Health services through an Integrated Behavioral Health program at the clinic, where she works in collaboration with other providers to provide a team- based approach to healthcare.

Jamie Rundhaug has been in the Behavioral Health field since 1982.  She has a B.S. in Psychology, and a M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.  She is an LCPC and NCC (National Certified Counselor), and is currently a Behavioral Health Consultant for St. Mary’s clinics.

Jamie has gained a wide variety of clinical, administrative, and educational experience through work in numerous environments.  She has worked as a therapist in community counseling centers, psychiatric inpatient hospitals, primary care clinics, private practice, and employee assistance programs for a large company. She has also worked as an a