James T. Walkup, PhD, Rutgers University, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, 30 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, 212/724-8362, jaywalks@aol.com, Guldeniz Yucelen, MA, Rutgers University, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, 152 Freilinhuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08903, and Kevin Moore, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, GSAPP, Piscataway, NJ 08901.

Objective: To determine the distribution of mental health services and practices in MMTs.

Study Design: Descriptive data from statewide survey were used to profile mental health related practices in this sector. Five practices were assessed (assessment, counseling, psychotropic medication prescription, medication adherence support for patients with major psychiatric illness, and specialized MICA services). Interpretive background information was supplied by prior site visits to a stratified two-fifths sample and a focus group.

Population Studied: A statewide population of MMT sites serving opiate addicted patients.

Principal Findings: Site practices vary in type, delivery locus (in-house or through referral), and intensity. The majority of MMTs provided few services. While services less specifically focused on patients with severe mental illness (SMI) were not uncommon (e.g., counseling, 45%), fewer than one in five sites provide services more relevant to SMI, such medication adherence support (16%) or specialized MICA services (19%).

Conclusions: MMTs tend to be a highly specialized service sector, with limited on-site provision of most MH services, and few programs with services tailored for SMI.

Primary Funding Source: National Institute of Mental Health- MH 43450-15.

Learning Objectives: