Chas health SUD and COD expansion project

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded Community Health Association of Spokane $1.125 million on September 30, 2025, under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program (CFDA 93.243) to expand integrated treatment services for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

CHAS Health will implement a fully integrated co-occurring treatment model at its two Certified Community Behavioral Health Center sites in Spokane, Washington and Lewiston, Idaho, serving 325 unduplicated individuals over the three-year performance period through September 29, 2028. The project incorporates the GAIN-SS screening tool at patient intake, delivers comprehensive treatment plans based on evidence-based practices, and provides peer support services and case management to residents experiencing substance use disorders, opioid use disorders, alcohol use disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other co-occurring conditions. Clinical staff will receive training in co-occurring treatment evidence-based practices and SAMHSA's "No Wrong Door" approach within the first year. By the end of Year One, the project targets providing integrated services to at least 75 clients. The population of focus encompasses all ages within the two centers' geographic catchment areas in Washington and Idaho who experience mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders, with emphasis on underserved communities with higher prevalence of these conditions.

Abstract

The purpose of the chas health SUD and COD expansion project is to implement targeted strategies to provide treatment and related services for SUD/COD to underserved communities with higher prevalence of SUD/COD. Interventions will include the incorporation of the GAIN-SS screening tool at patient intake, comprehensive treatment plans based on evidence-based practices, and peer support services and case management. Project name: chas health SUD and COD expansion project population of focus: the population of focus encompasses residents of all ages within the geographic catchment area of our two certified community behavioral health center (CCBHC) sites in spokane, washington and lewiston, idaho who experience mental health (MH) conditions, substance use disorders (SUD) and CO-occurring disorders (COD). Our target population includes individuals at various stages of their recovery journey, including people with opioid use disorders, alcohol use disorders, and other substance dependencies, many of whom also present with anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions that complicate their treatment needs. Project goals: we will expand and enhance services for patients with MH, SUD, and COD diagnoses. Over the three-year performance period, we will serve 325 unduplicated individuals, achieving the following goals and objectives: goal 1: establish an integrated CO-occurring treatment program that comprehensively addresses SUD and MH needs. - objective 1.1: develop and implement a fully integrated CO-occurring treatment model at both ccbhcs within 4 months of project launch. - objective 1.2: ensure all dually licensed clinical staff providing services are trained in CO-occurring treatment evidence-based practices (EBPS) and in samhsa's "no wrong door" approach within the first year. - objective 1.3: provide integrated services for SUD and MH to at least 75 clients by the end of year 1, reducing the need for external referrals. Goal 2: improve access to care through same day access and a "no wrong door" approach. - objective 2.1: implement same day access intakes for CO-occurring clients within four months of project start. - objective 2.2: screen 100% of individuals presenting for services for both SUD and MH needs, regardless of entry point. Goal 3: improve clinical outcomes for individuals with CO-occurring disorders. - objective 3.1: achieve a 25% reduction in self-reported relapse incidents among program participants within 12 months. - objective 3.2: achieve a 30% reduction in mental health symptom severity (as measured by standardized tools such as PHQ-9 or GAD-7) within 12 months of treatment initiation. Strategies/interventions: chas health will implement a comprehensive, person-centered approach to screening and assessment for clients with SUD and/or COD. We will utilize the global appraisal of individual needs-short screener (GAIN-SS), an evidence-based tool that efficiently identifies behavioral health concern across substance use, mental health, and risk behaviors, as our standardized screening tool for all individuals at assessment. Each client will receive a comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional that will lead to an individualized treatment plan that will be used to provide or coordinate services necessary for the individual to achieve and sustain recovery. Treatment plans will utilize evidence-based, trauma- informed, and person-centered practices to help patients develop coping and relapse prevention skills and interpersonal relationships. Patients diagnosed with SUD/COD will have access to services which reduce substance-related harm, medication-assisted treatment (mat) options, and tobacco cessation medications. Additionally, our network of peer support specialists will help patients navigate harm reduction, recovery services, housing supports, and other needs using non-judgmental, strength-based approaches.