Identifying & Responding to Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder & Mental Illness within MHJHADS: Project One
Tracks
Prince Room - In-Person & Virtual
| Thursday, May 28, 2026 |
| 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM |
Overview
Sarah Elizabeth Hall & Lauren Hendry, Canberra Health Services
Details
Three Key Learnings
1. A gap exists in the expected population prevalence rates of co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder for those engaged with the MHJHADS service.
2. Highlights a need for improvement within MHJHADS teams to identify those with co-occurring needs.
3. Without accurate identification, the assessment and support provided remains fragmented and inadequate to meet the needs for the majority of MHJHADS consumers.
1. A gap exists in the expected population prevalence rates of co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder for those engaged with the MHJHADS service.
2. Highlights a need for improvement within MHJHADS teams to identify those with co-occurring needs.
3. Without accurate identification, the assessment and support provided remains fragmented and inadequate to meet the needs for the majority of MHJHADS consumers.
Speaker
Sarah Elizabeth Hall
Clinical Lead
Canberra Health Services
Identifying and Responding to Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder and Mental Illness within MHJHADS: Project One
Abstract
There is a high prevalence of co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders in the ACT and nationally, yet care is often disjointed, delivered in isolation, and poorly co-ordinated. Mental health and alcohol and drug services are increasingly recognising that consumers with co-occurring substance use disorders and other mental health disorders are the expectation, not the exception. Despite this recognition, there are several challenges in providing an integrated, holistic and evidence-based service to address co-occurring needs. The Mental Health, Justice Health, Alcohol and Drugs Service (MHJHADS) a division of Canberra Health Services (CHS), responded to the 2023 external review of Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS) by initiating and endorsing a Co-occurring Needs Action and Implementation Plan, with the aim to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and access to services, support and treatment for people experiencing co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder. The CNP achieves this through clinical consultation, comprehensive assessment and targeted education. It also strengthens collaboration between Mental Health Services and ADS, ensuring culturally responsive, trauma informed care pathways.
As identified in the Co-Morbidity Guidelines, the first step in responding to co-occurring AOD and mental health conditions is being able to identify the person’s needs (Marel, et al, 2022). While population research suggests a 50% prevalence of co-occurrence, only around 25% of people engaged with MHJHADS are currently identified as having these needs. This gap limits access to appropriate assessment, treatment, and support, often resulting in fragmented care.
Project One, the first in a series of quality improvement initiatives, evaluates MHJHADS’ capacity to identify co-occurring needs. Future projects will focus on assessment and responding to co-occurring needs. The program’s ultimate goal is to increase identification rates to 50% by mid-2026, aligning with national benchmarks and improving outcomes for individuals and the broader community.
As identified in the Co-Morbidity Guidelines, the first step in responding to co-occurring AOD and mental health conditions is being able to identify the person’s needs (Marel, et al, 2022). While population research suggests a 50% prevalence of co-occurrence, only around 25% of people engaged with MHJHADS are currently identified as having these needs. This gap limits access to appropriate assessment, treatment, and support, often resulting in fragmented care.
Project One, the first in a series of quality improvement initiatives, evaluates MHJHADS’ capacity to identify co-occurring needs. Future projects will focus on assessment and responding to co-occurring needs. The program’s ultimate goal is to increase identification rates to 50% by mid-2026, aligning with national benchmarks and improving outcomes for individuals and the broader community.
Biography
Sarah Hall is a Social Worker, and the Co-occurring Needs Clinical Lead for the Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) division for Canberra Health Services (CHS). Prior to this role, Sarah worked in a wide range of clinical roles including child and adolescent mental health, first episode psychosis, forensic, acute and inpatient mental health. Whilst completing her Masters of Mental Health, Sarah was the Suicide Prevention Lead for CHS and responsible for a range of quality improvement activities to safeguard the ACT community who are experiencing suicidal distress.
Ms Lauren Hendry
Senior Manager
Canberra Health Services
Identifying and Responding to Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder and Mental Illness within MHJHADS: Project One
Biography
Lauren Hendry is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and has been the Senior Manager for Alcohol and Drug Services within the Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) division of Canberra Health Services since August 2024, focusing on strategic service development and systems navigation to improve healthcare provision. This has involved co-designing a program for people engaged with MHJHADS who experience complex and enduring major mental illness and substance use concerns, leading to recent establishment of the Co-Occurring Needs Program, now in its implementation phase. Lauren has an extensive clinical background, and prior to her current role, Lauren spent six years practicing within Forensic Mental Health Services as a clinician and member of the senior leadership team. Lauren completed a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) degree through Monash University, following a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at the Australian National University, and has additional post-graduate qualifications in Youth Mental Health from the University of Melbourne and Forensic Mental Health from the University of New South Wales. Lauren has a passion for supporting young people with emerging psychosis and diverse population groups experiencing co-occurring concerns.
