Therapy for Dual Diagnosis
Navigating Mental Health and Substance Use Together for Lasting Recovery
When mental health issues and substance use co-occur, it can feel like you’re caught in a cycle that’s impossible to break. The challenges of managing both can make it seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Dual diagnosis—when someone is living with both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder—requires a comprehensive, integrated approach that addresses both issues simultaneously.
We’re here to help you tackle both the emotional struggles and the substance use, creating a personalized plan for recovery that addresses the full picture of your mental health.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual Diagnosis refers to a condition where someone experiences both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. These conditions may include:
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Depression and alcohol use
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Anxiety and prescription medication abuse
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Bipolar disorder and drug dependence
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use
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Schizophrenia and misuse of alcohol or drugs
When both conditions are present, they often interact in a way that makes it harder to manage either. For example, substances may be used as a coping mechanism for mental health symptoms, while mental health issues can be exacerbated by substance use. This complex relationship requires a comprehensive and coordinated treatment plan.
How Therapy Helps with Dual Diagnosis
Our therapy for dual diagnosis is designed to address both the mental health and substance use issues simultaneously. We use integrated, evidence-based approaches to ensure that both conditions are treated in tandem.
Treatment may include:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address negative thought patterns and behaviors related to both mental health and substance use
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to teach emotional regulation and stress management
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Motivational Interviewing (MI) to increase motivation for change and self-empowerment
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Trauma-Informed Therapy to work through underlying trauma that may be contributing to both conditions
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Integrated Case Management to ensure coordination of care across healthcare providers and support systems
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Support Groups and Peer Counseling to connect with others who are facing similar challenges
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Family Therapy to help loved ones understand the dynamics of dual diagnosis and offer support
Our goal is to work with you as a whole person—not just focusing on one aspect of your struggles, but providing the tools and support you need to heal and thrive.
Hope and Healing Are Possible
Dual diagnosis can feel isolating, but recovery is possible. By treating both mental health and substance use issues together, you’re able to take control of your life and create a future where you’re not defined by either condition. The road to recovery might have its challenges, but with the right care, it can also be a journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
