Near & Far Video, Introduced by Richard Kemp: The Road to Recovery 2013: Prevention and Early Intervention in Behavioral Health: Promising Practices

Description

Ivette Torres, Associate Director for Consumer Affairs, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

There is a strong consensus that prevention and early intervention for mental and substance use disorders is a highly effective public health strategy. Are we reaching young people with effective prevention messages? For young people and adults who show signs of having a mental or substance use disorder, are we able to intervene effectively and prevent a major problem from developing? What role can family and friends play in prevention and early intervention for mental and substance use disorders? One of the more promising developments in this field is the emergence of defined screening techniques to detect problems. When integrated into primary health care systems, school settings, and community-based programs, screening can lead to early interventions that can help individuals before problems arise. This show will examine the use of screening techniques in behavioral health care and point to the positive elements of screening, prevention practices, and intervention in the context of health reform.

If you have questions or comments about this program, please contact Richard Kemp at rtkemp@aol.com.