What are concurrent disorders?
In Canada, the term ‘concurrent disorders’ is defined as the presence of at least one substance use disorder (SUD) and at least one non-SUD mental disorder, which often can occur alongside physical health conditions and socioeconomic disadvantages.
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Partners making Impact
Together with Homewood Research Institute (HRI) and the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research (PBCAR), we hosted a National Symposium to build a Canadian agenda for MBC in the treatment of substance use and concurrent disorders. This is just part of our work to expand the use of MBC to improve outcomes and quality care.
We have supported this work since 2021, in an effort to standardize care across Canada, and ensure services and supports are helping people reach their desired health outcomes in a meaningful way. We are now collaborating with HRI and PBCAR to scale an initiative that implemented a progress-and-outcome monitoring (POM) system across six treatment systems in Ontario.
Learn more about our initiatives:
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Concurrent Disorders Virtual Summit
With almost 100 people in attendance, we co-hosted the Concurrent Disorders Virtual Summit in early February 2026 with Homewood Research Institute (HRI).
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Top 10 Research Topics for Concurrent Disorders
Find out more about the top ideas submitted for concurrent disorders research topics during the Concurrent Disorders Virtual Summit
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Measurement-Based Implementation Toolkit
Gives healthcare providers in bed-based treatment settings step-by-step instructions on how to start or expand a progress-and-outcome monitoring (POM) system, which facilitates measurement-based care (MBC).
Laying the Groundwork for a National MBC Agenda
Across healthcare systems, there is growing recognition of the need for more evidence-based and outcomes-focused approaches. MBC is one way to support this shift. In the treatment of substance use and concurrent disorders, it can help people better understand what is working, adjust care as needed and improve outcomes over time.
Organizations and regions across Canada have demonstrated the value of MBC. However, efforts remain fragmented and vary widely in scope and sophistication. Taking a more coordinated, national approach is an important step toward addressing these gaps.
This report lays the groundwork for an MBC national agenda by drawing on the latest evidence and shared implementation experiences from three events held in 2025-2026. It outlines guiding principles and key components needed to put it into practice. The report calls on leaders, clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience to work together to advance MBC across Canada.
The question before us is no longer if MBC works, but whether we are prepared to commit to making it work for everyone.
Measurement-Based Care: A Video Explainer for Clients
MBC works best when clients understand how it supports their care and why their participation matters. Our MBC initiatives highlighted the need for a clear, consistent and accessible introduction that resonates with clients. To address this, we developed a short video that explains MBC in simple, engaging terms—what it is, how it works, and why it matters.
The video was designed with input from both healthcare teams and clients to ensure it is relevant, relatable and easy to understand. Having a shared understanding of MBC helps strengthen therapeutic relationships and ultimately contributes to better healthcare experiences and outcomes.
This video was created through a collaboration between Homewood Research Institute (HRI), CCSA, Homewood Health Centre, Wayside House of Hamilton and the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, with financial support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
To receive a free copy of the video in English or French, please submit the brief request form and you will receive a response from HRI .
Featured Resource
Moving from discussion to action
The Concurrent Disorders Think Tank summary report identifies treatment standards and MBC as top priorities for people living with concurrent disorders
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Explore CCSA’s Guidance, Tools and Resources
All our research-based publications, tools and resources are divided into six different categories of interest. They support evidence-based decision-making on substance use health issues. Select your area of interest from the choices below:
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Substances
Delve into key resources on commonly used substances, such as alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants and psychedelics.
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Personal and Societal Impacts
Get insights on the personal and societal impacts of substance use and addiction , including gambling and impaired driving, and their effects on health, safety, and social well-being.
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Communities
Communities share common interests, values or goals, and interact with one another to build relationships and help networks. These materials support more inclusive, equitable, and community-informed responses to substance use and addiction.
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Treatment and Prevention
Explore medical, psychological, and social approaches aimed at helping individuals avoid or recover from substance use disorders.
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Youth
Learn about factors influencing substance use in young people, including childhood trauma and brain development, and get tools to support adult allies in leading meaningful, evidence-informed conversations with youth.
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Substance Use and the Workplace
Substance use has a significant impact on the workplace, potentially affecting safety, productivity and employee well-being. Explore research on substance use in various industries.
