Help Your Patients by Early Intervention with the SBIRT Approach

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services for substance use disorders.

L.A. Care primary care physicians are now required to screen their patients for alcohol misuse under the expanded Medi-Cal behavioral health benefit. A highly effective method is the SBIRT approach. Health care practitioners can help support prevention and care through SBIRT: Provide screening and brief intervention when a signs of a disorder are present and refer the patient for medically necessary treatment.  Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services for substance use disorders.
 
Evidence has shown that interventions significantly improve health in non-dependent drinkers. Similarly, benefits also occur to those with a substance use disorder. In May 2013, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended that clinicians screen adults aged 18 years or older for alcohol misuse and provide persons engaged in risky or hazardous drinking with SBIRT.

For more information regarding care for Substance Use Disorders, please contact the Department of Public Health/Substance Abuse Prevention & Control (DPH/SAPC) at 1-888-746-7900 (TTY/TDD 800-735-2929).