In the United States, millions of people are facing the dual challenges of substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health conditions, commonly referred to as co-occurring disorders. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 21.5 million adults experienced both a mental illness and a substance use disorder in the past year (SAMHSA, 2023). This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for compassionate care, awareness, and accessible treatment.