McAlister Institute is a Dual Diagnosis and Co-occurring Capable Agency.  McAlister added mental health and co-occurring services to substance abuse treatment and recovery long before agencies were required to do so by contractual obligations. McAlister recognized that treating one aspect of a co-occurring client without treating the other would surely lead to relapse in the untreated component – either substance abuse or mental health issues.

When the County of San Diego embraced the Comprehensive Continuous Integrated System of Care (CCISC) McAlister’s inclusive philosophy was a perfect fit. 

CEO/Founder Jeanne McAlister prefers the term co-occurring conditions to dual diagnosis, as she believes this is less stigmatizing. Her welcoming letter, given to all incoming clients at McAlister Institute programs, is written in her own words and de-stigmatizes mental health issues.  In fact, Ms. McAlister normalizes mental health issues stating,
 
“It is common for us, upon the death of a loved one or a beloved pet to feel down, the blues – depressed for a period of time. We also know that the use of alcohol and/or drugs over a period of time can create mental health symptoms in people who previously had not experienced them. We have seen over the years that in order for recovery to be successful, both conditions (the drug/alcohol use and the depression or other mental health concern) need to be addressed. We invite you to be open with your counselors about any concerns you have regarding co-occurring conditions.”
                                                                                                                                                  -Jeanne McAlister

McAlister staff training helps educate counselors in determining mental health needs through co-occurring screening and assessment. A comprehensive mental health referral list is utilized for needed services beyond the scope of the social model programs operated by the agency. Co-occurring mental health issues are commonplace and treated as normal within the environment. Education on mental health issues is also provided to all clients so they are accepting and welcoming of clients with mental health issues, providing not only a supportive environment for the co-occurring client, but also compassion and a learning experience for those lucky enough not to have co-occurring mental health conditions.

McAlister’s support of the dual diagnosis CCISC model has been an inspiration to other alcohol and drug treatment agencies and to mental health programs alike.  McAlister Institute is a role model for the collaboration between the two sectors that has helped move the county’s dual diagnosis initiative and strategic plan forward.  Starting four and a half years ago, three McAlister staff have been trained in the CCISC Cadre and the agency’s clinical supervisor, Susan Wingfield Ritters, MFT/MAC, has served as Co-Chair for the past two years.