Past research has suggested that individuals with substance disorders are much more likely to receive treatment in mental health treatment settings than in substance disorder treatment settings [34], pointing to potential benefits of integrating substance disorder treatments in mental health care services. The results from the present study further highlight the need for integration of these services. Over the years, a number of states have initiated such integrated programs [35–37]. However, there are financial, structural and attitudinal barriers to integration of these services [8]. Successful integration of mental health and substance disorder services as well as general medical services for patients with comorbid conditions remains a challenge for the upcoming reform of the health care system in the US.
