A Standard Approach to Concurrent Capable Practice Framework

Goals and Principles of Concurrent-Capable Care

The primary goals of concurrent-capable care center on delivering improved, effective, and efficient services for individuals with addiction, mental health, and concurrent disorders, alongside their families, across all stages of care. Grounded in the Patient First Strategy, this framework emphasizes that individuals and families are active participants in managing their health and wellness. System standardization ensures that every point of entry acts as a valid entry point under the concept that every door is the right door. Through enhanced integration and collaboration among Recovery Alberta teams, programs, and services, concurrent-capable practice assumes that any individual seeking assistance may present with concurrent challenges, requiring either direct integrated service delivery or care coordination.

Key Components of Integrated Program Design

Integrated program design relies on a no wrong door stance that welcomes and engages individuals regardless of whether they present with substance use, behavioural addiction, or mental health concerns. Programs utilize standard screening protocols, brief interventions, and comprehensive assessments that are ongoing, recovery-oriented, and strengths-based. Operationally, programs establish strong collaboration and partnership guidelines for care coordination, collaborative service planning, and documentation across internal and external services. Person-centred treatment and recovery planning aligns interventions with an individual's readiness, incorporates pharmacotherapy education and procedures, provides structured group sessions, and fosters continuous development of treatment relationships backed by robust organizational policies.

Six Standards of the Concurrent Capable Practice Framework

The framework establishes six standard practice guidelines to structure care delivery across the continuum. Standard 1, Welcome and Engage, builds rapport while gathering clinical information regarding appearance, behaviour, and cognition (ABC), alongside potential safety risks, medications, and treatment history. Standard 2, Screening, uses validated tools such as the GAIN-SS (CAMH modified) or DSM-V CC to evaluate needs and determine whether to provide a brief intervention (solution-focused single session or 5-10 sessions, or crisis intervention), keep and consult with colleagues, or execute a warm hand-off. Standard 3, Comprehensive Assessment, engages the individual in a person-centred, trauma- and violence-informed process to collect detailed diagnostic and strengths-based data. Standard 4, Integrated Treatment and Recovery Planning, co-creates adaptable plans addressing mental health, substance use, and gambling concurrently. Standard 5, Comprehensive Interventions, delivers the combination of therapies, strategies, and treatments built into the plan. Standard 6, Transitions in Care, manages movement across facilities, providers, and levels of care to improve health outcomes.

Training and Implementation Resources

To support implementation and maintain standard practice across healthcare providers, Recovery Alberta offers training through the PACES Learning Pathway. Guidance for individuals and family members regarding service standards and key indicators is detailed in the Handbook for Individuals and Families. Additional institutional resources regarding patient- and family-centred care strategies are available through Insite, incorporating standards derived from Health Canada and SAMHSA TIP 42 guidelines.