Many people who struggle with substance use are also managing a mental health condition. Dual diagnosis treatment is designed to address both at the same time.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis, also called a co-occurring disorder, refers to having both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, simultaneously.
Why Integrated Treatment Matters
Treating only the substance use or only the mental health condition can make lasting recovery more difficult, since the two often interact and influence one another.
What Dual Diagnosis Treatment Looks Like
Integrated treatment typically combines individual therapy, group counseling, psychiatric support, and medication management when appropriate, all coordinated by the same care team.
Finding the Right Program
Not all treatment facilities offer dual diagnosis capabilities, so it is worth confirming this specifically when researching programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a formal mental health diagnosis first? No, many programs include an assessment as part of intake to identify co-occurring conditions.
Is dual diagnosis treatment covered by insurance? Many insurance plans cover dual diagnosis treatment as part of behavioral health benefits, though specifics vary by plan.