SBIRT is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to provide early intervention and treatment services for persons with substance use disorders, as well as those who are at risk of developing these disorders. All points of interactions with a health care provider, mental health provider, or trained community professional are potential points of engagement and intervention using brief in
tervention skills. Screening quickly assesses the severity of substance use and identifies the appropriate level of treatment. Brief intervention focuses on increasing insight and awareness regarding substance use and motivation toward behavioral change. Referral to treatment provides those identified as needing more extensive treatment with access to specialty care.