Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an early intervention approach that can be used in a community or medical setting. This intervention process targets individuals who do not necessarily display dependent behavior in hopes of interrupting the cycle of addiction. Once the individual is screened, the severity of their alcohol/substance use is assessed and an appropriate intervention is determined. An individual could receive Brief Education (1 session), Brief Coaching (up to 6 sessions), or a referral for treatment. Currently, these services are being offered free of charge.
Since 2003, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has been funding SBIRT cooperative agreements with multiple states throughout the U.S. In 2008, Missouri became one of those states. Implementation talks between Queen of Peace Center (QOPC) and the grantee, Missouri Institute for Mental Health (MIMH), began in September of 2009. Currently, SBIRT screening is occurring in Springfield, Columbia, and Saint Louis, Missouri.
In December of 2009, QOPC began implementation of SBIRT through a partnership with Grace Hill Clinics. To date, QOPC has four official SBIRT Health Coaches, as well as, several other employees who have received SBIRT training. The coaches rotate throughout several sites within the Grace Hill Clinic Community to perform SBIRT services.
