Addressing Chronic Diseases

Helps behavioural health providers take a truly integrated approach toward treating the “whole person” by helping clients develop skills to prevent and manage some of the most common health conditions. Progression toward a healthier lifestyle is accomplished through a shared decision-making process between the client and the clinician.

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Mental health and physical health are fundamentally linked. People living with a mental or substance use disorder are at higher risk of experiencing chronic physical diseases. In addition, people living with chronic diseases experience mental health disorders at a greater rate than the general population. Coexisting mental and physical conditions can diminish quality of life and worsen health outcomes.

Addressing Chronic Diseases helps behavioural health providers take a truly integrated approach toward treating the ""whole person"" by helping clients develop skills to prevent and manage some of the most common health conditions. Progression toward a healthier lifestyle is accomplished through a shared decision-making process between the client and the clinician.

Comprehensive and easy-to-use, Addressing Chronic Diseases provides the guidance and tools needed for clinicians to facilitate engaging sessions with clients, leading them toward a healthier lifestyle. Each chapter of the manual focuses on a specific chronic condition—what it is, the cause, how to screen for it, and what to do if it occurs. A quick start guide, client fact sheets, and client action plans enhance client engagement and understanding.

Chapter topics include:

High blood pressure
Obesity
Tobacco use disorder
Diabetes
Chronic lung disease
Sexually transmitted diseases
Chronic pain
Thyroid disease
Digestive disorders


The final chapter, Wellness and Self-Management, includes important information on practicing prevention and effective management for any condition, so integrating it into discussions with all clients is highly encouraged. Addressing Chronic Diseases is ideal for use in addiction and mental health treatment—inpatient or outpatient—and can be facilitated by a behavioural health professional in group or individual settings.