Multi-Level Stigma Intervention to Improve Access to Substance Use Care with Prescribing Providers in Mental Health Settings

Substance use is commonly stigmatized, even in health settings. Stigma toward people who use drugs (PWUD) arises from multiple sources, including policies and individuals who carry out policies (“structural stigma”) and health professionals (“provider-based stigma”). However, little is documented about substance use stigma in mental health care settings. This study aims to 1) adapt a previously developed curriculum related to professional stigma toward PWUD for prescribing providers in mental health care settings using an empirically based model; and 2) use qualitative interviews organized by principles of implementation science with outpatient mental health as well as a “desk review” of written policies to identify systems level and organizational approaches that may reduce stigma and increase access to SUD care.