Research Project

Illinois Training Initiative to Support People with Dual-Diagnosis

This project works to identify state priorities in services for people with dual diagnosis of mental health and developmental disabilities (DD), develop sustainable training to promote ongoing collaboration between the DD and mental health, and consider any needed changes in policies and practices to promote access to services.

Principal Investigator: Heller, Tamar
Start Date: 2021-09-01
End Date: 2026-08-31
Research Area(s): Active Projects; DHD Research; Disability
Co-Investigators: Hsieh, Kelly; Crabb, Caitlin; Marks, Beth
Funding Source: Administration of Community Living grant

Abstract

The Illinois Training Initiative to Support People with Dual-Diagnosis (website) is a collaboration between the UIC University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), Department of Disability and Human Development, and the UIC Center on Mental Health Services Research and Policy (CMHSRP), Department of Psychiatry. The aims of this 5-year initiative are

to identify needs and service gaps for people with dual-diagnosis including underserved communities through an environmental scan
develop an action plan to improve coordination between service providers
develop, implement, and disseminate sustainable training
sustain cross-systems integration

The initiative has formed a Consortium Action Network (CAN) with members from state stakeholders, services providers, and people with disabilities. The CAN will work to identify state priorities in existing services for people with dual diagnosis, develop sustainable training to promote ongoing collaboration between the IDD and mental health systems, and consider any needed changes in policies and practices to promote access to services.