Early Intervention. Lasting Change.
SBIRT — Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment — is an evidence-based approach that identifies substance use and behavioral health concerns early, connecting individuals to care before problems become more serious.
What Is SBIRT and Why It Matters
SBIRT is an evidence-based public health approach that helps identify substance use and behavioral health concerns early. By integrating screening into healthcare settings, SBIRT allows providers to recognize risk, start supportive conversations, and connect individuals with care before problems become more serious.
Rather than waiting for substance use disorders to become severe, SBIRT identifies risk during routine healthcare visits and offers immediate support or referrals — strengthening whole-person care by linking physical health services with behavioral health support.
New Mexico has historically experienced higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and drug overdose deaths compared to the national average. Programs like SBIRT help address these challenges by identifying risk early and connecting individuals to care.
“This early intervention model helps reduce negative health outcomes, improve patient wellbeing, and strengthen connections between healthcare providers and behavioral health services across the state.”
How SBIRT Works in New Mexico Healthcare Settings
A three-step, tiered model that ensures individuals receive care matched to their level of need — integrated directly into routine healthcare visits.
Patients complete a short, universal questionnaire during healthcare visits designed to identify potential concerns related to alcohol use, drug use, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Screening is available to all adults 18 and older.
Universal & AccessibleWhen screening results indicate risk, trained professionals conduct a brief intervention using motivational interviewing techniques. These short, supportive conversations help patients reflect on their health behaviors and explore steps toward healthier choices.
Motivational InterviewingIf additional care is needed, patients may be referred to treatment, counseling, or community support services. Instead of waiting months for behavioral health services, individuals begin receiving guidance and referrals immediately.
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What SBIRT Screens For
New Mexico’s SBIRT model takes a whole-person approach to health by screening for both substance use and behavioral health concerns — recognizing the connection between substance use and mental health to support more effective care.
Teams often include behavioral health counselors and certified peer support workers who bring lived experience into patient conversations, helping individuals feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics.
Learn MoreAlcohol Use
Screening tools evaluate patterns of alcohol consumption and identify individuals who may benefit from early support.
Drug Use
Identifies potential concerns related to substance misuse before they develop into more serious disorders.
Anxiety
Recognizes anxiety-related symptoms that often co-occur with substance use and benefit from integrated care.
Depression
Screening helps providers identify depressive symptoms and connect patients with appropriate behavioral health support.
Trauma-Related Symptoms
By addressing trauma alongside substance use and mental health, SBIRT supports more comprehensive care and improved long-term outcomes for the whole person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many patients were screened through SBIRT in New Mexico?
The New Mexico SBIRT initiative set a goal of screening 48,000 patients from 2013–2018. The program exceeded that goal by screening more than 49,000 adults in healthcare settings across the state.
What percentage of patients needed brief intervention?
About 17 percent of screened patients received scores indicating the need for a brief intervention — compared to a national average of approximately 15 percent.
How many patients required more intensive support?
Approximately 22 percent of screened patients were identified as needing brief treatment services — significantly higher than the national average of around 3 percent.
Why does SBIRT include mental health screening?
Research shows that substance use and mental health concerns often occur together. Screening for both helps providers identify co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related symptoms.
Who can receive SBIRT screening?
SBIRT screenings are designed for adults age 18 and older, typically offered during healthcare visits in primary care or community health settings.
How common is substance use disorder in New Mexico?
New Mexico has historically experienced higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and drug overdose deaths compared to the national average. SBIRT helps address these challenges by identifying risk early.
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