Engaging dual diagnosis patients into treatment: the T.E.E.A.C.H. program

This article outlines a model for engaging dually-diagnosed patients into treatment, particularly those patients in the precontemplation and contemplation phases of treatment. The model first focuses on the development of a positive therapeutic relationship with the patient. It then helps patients to realize both the positive and the negative aspects of their substance use. By acknowledging this central conflict and their ambivalence about using, and delivering hope that patients can learn other ways to obtain the benefits of their substance use without the negative consequences, patients can be engaged into treatment and helped to begin the process of change.