The Evolution of Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment at Thresholds: Lessons Learned

Abstract

The literature on evidence-based practices provides few case examples explaining how organizations have implemented the evidence-based practice (EBP), Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment (IDDT). This article will review the nonlinear evolution from diffusion to dissemination, as Thresholds worked without funding or implementation guides to implement IDDT from 1989 through 2007. Lessons learned are presented supporting the need for the following: (a) a model and external expertise to guide the implementation process; (b) dedicating staff to lead and monitor the implementation effort; (c) providing training, consultation, coaching, and in-vivo clinical supervision to help practitioners put the IDDT clinical skills into practice; and (d) partnering with consumers of IDDT services to actively participate in the multileveled implementation process.