The term “co-occurring disorder” refers to co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders existing independent of one another. At Alvis House, all mental health and substance abuse disorders are assessed by caseworkers with a background in mental health and substance abuse who are trained and supervised by a licensed social worker with a strong mental health background. As clients are integrated into the program, both empowerment and responsibility are continually emphasized. Clients are given opportunities to make their own choices and to analyze how their decisions affect others. Staff has structured a positive peer culture by discussing their needs and goals for the Alvis House and encouraging clients to meet with them individually. Clients have developed their own 12-step program within the facility and elected representatives to work as liaisons between clients and treatment staff. Clients enter the program with a fear of relapse, as they are anxious about whether they have the ability to withstand the urge for substance use and keep their mental health stable. In addressing this fear, staff teach social skills that help clients avoid tempting situations, while equipping them with methods for dealing with disruptive thoughts, angry feelings, and social skills deficits. Each client develops a relapse prevention plan tailored to his/her particular needs and urges. Recidivism data from an outcome evaluation indicated that none of the successful completers of the program had been reincarcerated on a new charge 6 to 9 months after completing the program. 13 notes