VISN 4 MIRECC Clinical Activities

VISN 4 MIRECC >> Clinical Activities

Ultimately, the MIRECC exists to improve clinical care for veterans. The MIRECC seeks to do this directly by offering clinical consultation and training to practitioners throughout VISN 4, and by sponsoring clinical and/or educational demonstration projects. The MIRECC also improves clinical care indirectly by developing best practice models for psychiatric patients with comorbid illnesses.

The theme of the MIRECC, mental health comorbidity with substance abuse and medical problems is reflected in several ongoing clinical efforts, including:

The Behavioral Health Laboratory (BHL)

The Behavioral Health Laboratory (BHL), currently located both at the Philadelphia VAMC and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, provides assessment and referral for depression and substance use disorders for veterans who screen positive for these disorders during primary care visits.

Buprenorphine in the VA (BIV) Project

The goals of the Buprenorphine in the VA (BIV) Project are to improve the implementation of office-based treatment of opioid dependence in the VA and improve process of care and patient level outcomes of those on buprenorphine. The following activities have been implemented to help achieve these goals:

Consult Service

A network of buprenorphine experts who assist VA healthcare providers in overcoming barriers to treating opioid dependent patients with buprenorphine.

Phone: 412-954-5229, margaret.krumm@va.gov

Resource Guide (link to PDF)

Introduces the office-based treatment of opioid dependence using buprenorphine to VA health care providers, provides links to web-based buprenorphine resources, and answers a multitude of frequently asked questions.

Monthly Newsletter (current or past issues)

Provides clinical tips and keeps VA healthcare providers abreast of buprenorphine-related news, research, and new resources.

Semi-monthly online in-services

Various buprenorphine experts present information about hot issues and answer questions.

For more information, contact margaret.krumm@va.gov.

VAPHS Time-Limited Case Management (TLC)

The VAPHS Time-Limited Case Management (TLC) program for SMI with Comorbid SUD is designed to reduce rehospitalization and to enhance adherence to treatment for individuals with mental illness and comorbid substance use disorders. The specific aims of the program are to:

1) decrease rates of rehospitalization and

2) improve rates of aftercare follow-up with regularly scheduled appointments (e.g., follow-up with outpatient psychiatry appointments, group therapy sessions, individual psychotherapy sessions, and community programs) among individuals with a history of frequent rehospitalization.

This short-term transitional program includes coordinated and team-based case management support and specialized substance abuse recovery groups and is geared specifically to address the needs of individuals with comorbid mental health and alcohol/substance use disorders.

For more information, contact Sharon McCarthy.

Coaching Into Care

The Coaching Into Care is a public education campaign to encourage new combat veterans to engage in VA care conducted by the VISN 4 MIRECC in partnership with the VISN 6 MIRECC. Many veterans are reluctant to access VA care, or may not recognize their need to access care.

Family members are very aware of veterans’ mental health difficulties want to play a positive role in helping veterans seek help that they need. This educational campaign attempts to reach new veterans through their concerned family members and providing information and support to help the veteran access VA facilities for services and benefits.

Call centers were set up in the Philadelphia VA Medical Center and the Durham VA Medical Center, and receive calls from family members and friends, as well as interested veterans, who receive information concerning how to enroll in care. Coaching of family members is provided in situations in which a veteran is particularly reluctant to access care, in order to promote positive and effective methods by family members in their efforts to motivate the veteran to obtain this care. Director: Steven L. Sayers, Ph.D.

For more information, contact Steven Sayers, PhD.

National MIRECC | VISN 4 | Philadelphia VAMC | VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System