Cultural Competence
Consumers and providers are multicultural beings. Culture is a broad concept that exceeds the limits of ethnicity and language and expands to gender, sexual orientation, religion, and other core aspects of identity. Cultural competence plays a critical role in providing effective services to consumers with co-occurring disorders. ICOCE develops and conducts trainings in the area of cultural competence that include didactic and experiential components. In addition to training, consultation and technical assistance are provided to assist providers in understanding the impact of culture on health outcomes, help-seeking behaviors, and treatment. Integral to the recovery of consumers is also a promotion of the culture of wellness. ICOCE emphasizes a strengths-based and wellness approach for providers and consumers in the context of culturally competent care.
HIV/AIDS
Consumers that have a diagnosis of a mental illness and a diagnosis of a substance use disorder are at increased risk for HIV infection. Research has demonstrated a link between individuals with mental illness engaging in high-risk behaviors including substance abuse and risky sexual activities. ICOCE provides training, consultation, and technical assistance to providers to facilitate a deeper understanding of the relationship between mental health, substance use disorders, and HIV/AIDS. A primary goal of ICOCE’s work in this area is to promote collaboration between multiple providers and ultimately systems integration to address the unique needs of consumers with co-occurring diagnoses of HIV infection, mental illness, and substance abuse.
Trauma
Traumatic experiences can increase an individual’s vulnerability to mental illness or substance disorders. Traumatic experiences may include, but are not limited to, child abuse, sexual assault, homelessness, military combat, domestic violence, and a range of other distressful events. Research has demonstrated strong links between trauma, mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness, and incarceration. It can be difficult to engage and retain consumers with a trauma history in treatment. ICOCE provides training, consultation, and technical assistance to providers in an effort to highlight the complicated clinical picture of this special population and promote best practices for service design, engagement, and treatment.
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