Developing a Telehealth Model to Improve Treatment Access for Rural Veterans With Substance Use Disorders

Using Telehealth to Expand Treatment Access for Veterans With Opioid Use Disorder (CDA 18-008)

This project will pilot-test and obtain stakeholder input on a telehealth-delivered substance use disorder (SUD) care model (with initial engagement and ongoing MI-CBT treatment) with the goal of increasing treatment utilization and improving outcomes for rural and non-rural Veterans with SUDs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Veteran patients at the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) SUD diagnosis and/or substance use on average of 2 days a week over the past month
• Telephone access
• Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Receiving SUD psychotherapy
• Inability to speak or understand English
• Substantial mental health instability or conditions that preclude informed consent (e.g., acute psychosis, cognitive deficits) or understanding of assessment or program content
• Prior alcohol withdrawal seizures or delirium tremens