Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) Program

Comprehensive Mental Health and Addiction Services for Adults

The UCSD Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) Treatment and Research Program administered through the Department of Psychiatry began in 1997 as a Demonstration Project funded thorough SAMHSA and the California State Departments of Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Services. Due to its effectiveness, the Project was jointly funded by the County of San Diego Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Services in 2001 as an ongoing program.

The COD Program is a client-centered intensive outpatient treatment, rehabilitation and recovery program, designed to address the complex and individual needs of people with interacting mental and substance use disorders. The COD Program implements a stage-wise approach to recovery and rehabilitation based on individual capacities and needs followed by an individualized aftercare plan.

The initial phase engages the patient in a constructive working alliance; helps to stabilize a safe and stable home situation when needed and assures that basic needs are met. This phase also addresses beginning stabilization of psychiatric symptoms while working toward or maintaining sobriety. The middle phase works toward maintaining stabilization of symptoms and sobriety, strengthening bonds to family and community and developing interpersonal, emotional and behavioral regulation skills. The final phase is based on the aftercare plan and can include ongoing psychotherapy, weekly relapse prevention group,  and involvement in self-help groups.

Services are provided by UCSD Department of Psychiatry faculty psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, recovery counselors, marriage and family therapists, and mental health professionals in training. 

• Individual and Family Therapy
  Clients participate in a comprehensive assessment and collaborate with staff in designing an individualized treatment plan. The Program utilizes a harm reduction approach that helps the patient work towards sobriety by using motivational interviewing principles and “stages of change” model. Treatment approaches include dialectical behavior therapy, Seeking Safety, cognitive behavior therapy, schema-focused therapy, mentalization- based psychotherapy, and expressive art therapies. A Mindfulness-Based approach toward daily living is emphasized and meditation and relaxation techniques are taught. Family and significant others are included as an integral part of the recovery process.
• Community Linkages
  The client is also helped to attain financial assistance, housing, food, and physical health services. Assistance is provided to obtain community detoxification and residential recovery living if needed.
• Group Therapy
  Group therapy is provided to support, educate, and develop skills in coping with cravings, depression, anxiety, and relationships. Participants in the program can attend daily groups to match their individual needs.  Five peer support groups are held onsite. These include Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Smart Recovery, Dual-Diagnosis Anonymous and Peer Advocate Volunteers. All clients are encouraged to attend one or more of these groups or are assisted in finding a peer support group near their home.
• Medication Management
  Psychopharmacologic evaluation and treatment are provided as an integral part of treatment and recovery process. The psychiatrist works closely with the COD team.
• Education
  Education is provided through lectures, videos, and discussion groups on understanding mental disorders and addiction and how these disorders interact. Education is also provided about medication, side effects, nutrition, and healthy living.
• Vocational Services
  Vocational counseling is available to assist with exploring job interests, resume building, mock interviews, professional clothing, and job search.
• Treatment for Court- Mandated Individuals
  We provide client- centered services for individuals who are mandated to treatment by the court system for non-violent drug-related charges.
• Evaluation and Research Program
  The UCSD COD Program staff is committed to improving the quality of services and assuring consumer satisfaction. All new clients participate in a thorough assessment which includes completion of semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Clients are then asked to complete some of these same measures at the end of treatment to evaluate their current status and plan aftercare. Research into the causes and correlates of co-occurring disorders and treatments is an integral part of the Program. Participation in the research program is entirely voluntary and does not influence involvement in the Treatment Program.

Fees

Services are funded under a contract with the San Diego County Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Services for those who are indigent or funded through Medi-Cal. Private insurance and fee-for-service arrangements are also possible.