The number of individuals suffering from co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders continues to grow, making it imperative that effective treatments are available and accessible. In the past, mental health and substance use disorders were treated separately, but it is clear that this separate treatment model no longer fits the needs of the population. In May 2003, CMHS convened a meeting between treatment consumers and service providers, policymakers, and researchers to discuss how to best treat these co-occurring disorders. The discussion focused on three main topics: (1) person-centered factors that either hinder or promote recovery; (2) system-level factors that hinder or promote recovery; and (3) recommendations for improved treatment. The main themes that emerged from the meeting included the necessity of taking a whole-person approach to treatment in which each individual is considered within the context of their entire background. Other important themes included the need to incorporate consumers in the design, implementation, and evaluation of treatment; the need for expanded training and education among service providers; and the need to change the public image associated with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Recommendations emerging from the meeting include the suggestion to create incentives for coalition building, the need to support collaborative research, and the need to redesign the reimbursement system. References, resources