Integrated competencies for co-existing issues: Holistic support for people accessing mental health and addiction services

A wide range of competencies (including values, attitudes, knowledge and skills) are required to work in an integrated way to effectively support people with co-existing issues accessing services. This document summarises the required competencies and compares them to existing competency frameworks like Let’s get real and Te Whare o Tiki. It also summaries what integrated support is in the context of co-existing issues, enablers and barriers for integrated support, and steps for organisations to implement integrated support.

Co-existing issues refers to more than one health issue occurring at the same time and can include mental health challenges, substance use issues, gambling harm and physical health and social problems. Co-existing issues can compound challenges for people in their life, making it more difficult for people to reach their wellbeing or recovery goals.

The information in this literature review is being used alongside sector consultation to create a practical tool for integrated wellbeing oriented competencies.