First Do No Harm: Screening and Serving Fathers with Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders

Programs serving fathers must identify and intervene when fathers are engaged in risky alcohol and substance use or facing other mental health problems. Early screening can assess the presence and severity of mental and substance use disorders (M/SUD) and identify appropriate types and levels of treatment. Interventions can focus on increasing client insight and awareness regarding M/SUD, their motivation to change behavior, and their willingness to accept referrals for more extensive treatment. This session is intended for policymakers, researchers, nonmedical and medical service providers, and leaders of government agencies seeking to understand the complexities of mental and substance use disorders and learn about effective screening and intervention tools for suffering and at-risk fathers.