This Technical Assistance Publication (TAP), updated in 2021, provides guidance for behavioral health service and substance use disorder treatment programs wanting to develop or update a comprehensive, scalable, and flexible disaster plan. It addresses planning needs specific to programs that offer prevention services, outpatient or residential treatment, medically supervised withdrawal, and pharmacotherapy.

This guide helps clinicians of substance use disorder treatment facilities implement programs that address suicidal thoughts in patients with substance use disorders. It covers legal and ethical issues, referrals, as well as privacy and confidentiality.