Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Michelle Ross

Abstract

Research suggested that mental health treatment for those dually diagnosed is complex because of the need to treat mental illness and substance use simultaneously; hence, an integrated model is needed to treat this population. Psychoeducational groups are part of the integrated treatment for this population because their objective is to support these individuals who are going through these illnesses. This qualitative phenomenology study was conducted to examine group facilitators’ professional experiences when leading psychoeducational groups for dually diagnosed individuals. The population studied consisted of eight mental health group facilitators in New York City hospitals, group residential, and Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous meetings. The job-demands resources model provided the framework for the study, which is an occupational stress model created to take the place of other well-being models that did not consider the productivity, motivation, and health of workers with high job demands and low resources. Data were collected via semi structured, face-to-face interviews, and NVivo was used to generate five themes: (a) open and welcoming group environment, (b) understanding and engaging with patients, (c) addictive behavior, (d) inpatients versus outpatient’s treatment, and (e) retention issues and patient behaviors. The study’s findings align with the body of literature on group facilitators’ roles in better understanding dual-diagnosed people’s behavior. They also provide additional insights, given that the study was based on the viewpoint of the facilitators. The implication for positive social changes is that the results encourage extra attention for patients with two diagnoses, which is a previously noted public health issue.

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