The role of gender in engaging the dually diagnosed in treatment.

Individuals with both a serious mental illness and substance abuse are particularly difficult to engage in treatment. Given known gender differences in both substance abuse and schizophrenia, we examined the impact of gender on treatment engagement. Qualitative interviews with ten males and eleven females focused on how the client perceived the engagement process, and what obstacles they faced. While both males and females are difficult to engage, the interviews suggest that they experience the process differently and that they face different obstacles. We discuss the implication for service providers.