Equipping the interdisciplinary workforce to treat Substance Use Disorders and Behavioral Health

The United States faces a growing crisis in accessing behavioral health and addiction care. The surgeon general has identified loneliness as a significant healthcare threat, compounded by the collective trauma of recent events. Long wait times for mental health and addiction services strain emergency rooms, while the criminal justice system often becomes the primary provider of such care. Workforce shortages and systemic barriers further hinder access to treatment, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Despite the urgent need, stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders persists, preventing individuals from seeking help. Many training programs have historically underemphasized addiction and behavioral health education, particularly in general medicine. This book addresses these challenges by providing a comprehensive resource for interdisciplinary teams. It highlights the crucial role each profession plays in improving access to addiction and mental health care and reducing stigma. The book emphasizes a collaborative, relationship-centered approach, equipping providers with the knowledge and skills to address addiction and behavioral health effectively. Written and reviewed by experts in the field, it offers up-to-date scientific and clinical information, covering a wide range of topics relevant to addiction and behavioral health care.