Asendio is excited to introduce an innovative AI-powered tool aimed at assisting clinicians who specialize in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) by helping them pinpoint patients who may benefit from mental health evaluations. This breakthrough comes at a critical time as the ongoing shortage of SUD specialists continues to affect comprehensive care, particularly for those with both addiction and mental health disorders.
Developed through collaboration between medical professionals and AI engineers, the tool aims to bridge gaps in resources and expertise. Its advanced technology assists clinicians, especially those with less experience, in recognizing patients who might require psychiatric evaluations. Dr. Theresa Stanton noted, “Many psychiatrists recommend that individuals struggling with addiction first address their substance use before seeking mental health treatment. This approach has created significant challenges, leaving many without the support they need.”
The need to address co-occurring mental health and addiction issues is more urgent than ever. According to Melinda Lynch, LMSW, citing National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) data, 37.9% of people receiving treatment for SUD also suffer from a mental health condition. Despite this, clinicians often overlook the need for appropriate mental health referrals, which can lead to delayed treatment and worse outcomes for those facing both addiction and mental health challenges.
Asendio’s AI tool seeks to bridge this gap by offering an easy-to-use platform that seamlessly integrates with clinical workflows. It uses advanced algorithms to analyze patient data and identify individuals who may need mental health assessments. Roderick Brown, President of Asendio, stressed the tool’s broad applicability: “Our goal is to help all clinicians, whether primary care providers, therapists, or case managers, recognize the need for mental health services earlier in the treatment process.”
One of the key features of the tool is its user-friendly interface, designed to provide actionable insights without increasing the clinician’s workload. This is especially important for those working in underserved areas, where mental health specialists may not be readily available. By enabling timely referrals, the tool has the potential to improve patient outcomes by identifying at-risk individuals sooner.
Dr. Stanton also emphasized the larger impact of the technology: “By addressing the overlap between addiction and mental health, this tool paves the way for a more integrated model of care that recognizes the complexities of co-occurring disorders and ensures patients receive comprehensive support.”
Beyond its immediate clinical applications, Asendio’s tool could lead to systemic changes in how SUD and mental health care are provided. By fostering a more collaborative approach, it not only addresses the shortage of clinicians but also lays the foundation for more effective and integrated treatment of addiction and mental health disorders.
Roderick Brown summed up the significance of this launch: “This tool is about more than just helping clinicians; it’s about ensuring patients get the care they need. Our goal is to empower healthcare providers to offer the best care possible, no matter the resources available to them.”
With its blend of cutting-edge technology, practical utility, and evidence-based insights, Asendio’s AI tool is poised to revolutionize the approach to SUD and mental health care.
