Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe an initiative in Victoria, Australia, aimed at improving the detection and management of co-occurring mental health issues within the youth Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) sector.
Conclusions: Over the past 4 years, in partnership with local youth AOD services, we have developed a successful service model that addresses co-occurring mental health issues within the youth AOD sector. However, such capacity-building requires the full support of workers and senior management, and a cultural shift whereby the assessment and management of mental health issues are seen as a priority and core service issue. The capacity-building process was facilitated by embedding experienced mental health clinicians within each service to support and implement the initiative. This model offered learning opportunities through the modelling of relevant skills and the provision of 'on-the-job' training. Such approaches demonstrate that integrated models of care can be delivered within youth AOD services, although further research is needed to determine their effectiveness.