Demonstrating Integrated SDoH Impact in Behavioral Health

Background: Minnesota's (USA) largest non-profit SUD/MH treatment provider collaborated with a respected local academic institution to conduct voluntary research with patients engaged in co-occurring SUD/MH treatment services on a novel model integrating subsidized recovery housing support with clinical services.

Approach: Collected longitudinal data during and up to 6 months post treatment to compare outcomes of patients utilizing an integrated recovery residence support resource during the treatment episode with those who did not.

Defined study aims were:. To understand the characteristics of people who choose to live in a recovery residence while receiving intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment compared to those who do not.2. To understand the impact of living in a recovery residence during IOP treatment on client retention and outcomes, such as discharge status, substance use, self-care, relationship problems, material resources, life outlook, depression severity, anxiety severity, and sober days.

Results:Results demonstrated patients utilizing recovery residence support during the treatment episode achieved statistically significant differentials in days abstinent from substance use, length of treatment engagement, successful treatment completion and reduced mental health symptomology.

Implications:The ongoing study outcomes highlight the impact and need for innovative, integrated strategies to recognize and address the impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) as a component of effective whole-person care.