Dual-diagnosis programs treat a substance use disorder and one or more mental health disorders at the same time. For the best chance of success in recovering from addiction, a substance abuse program also offers mental health treatment that includes therapy, counseling, and group therapy.
Substance use disorders and mental health conditions co-occur more often than you think, though one doesn’t necessarily lead to the other. Dual-diagnosis programs have been hard to find in the past, requiring sobriety as a prerequisite for entering a mental health program. Fortunately, those instances are becoming less frequent. If you’re considering referring your client to a dual-diagnosis program, there are some things to look out for.
What Makes a Good Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Center?
Not all treatment facilities are created equal, and not every center will offer dual-diagnosis treatment. When looking for a program, look into each of these helpful offerings to ensure that all client needs are met.
#1 They Offer a Variety of Treatment Modalities
Some modalities are better suited for specific issues and certain people, and dual-diagnosis treatment programs can find the right treatments to connect to individual clients. If cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the suitable modality for your client or the treatment they’re accustomed to, make sure it’s available, and there are qualified staff to implement it.
#2 They Offer Medication-Assisted Treatment
Sometimes someone who struggles with substance abuse requires medication to have the greatest chance of success. With the proper mental health treatment, medication can be very effective in helping clients recover and reducing the risk of relapse.
#3 Care Is Comprehensive From Detox Through Aftercare
Each stage of recovery brings new challenges. Comprehensive care can help a client through each pitfall and offer resources to overcome them. The SAMHSA handbook on “Treatment for People with Co-Occurring Disorders” suggests that clients are more engaged with their treatment programs when care integrates addiction and mental health.
#4 They Offer Inpatient and Outpatient Care
Depending on the needs of each client, one type of care might be more appropriate than another. Having the option for both is a promising sign that the facility has the resources to handle your client’s care.
#5 They Offer Care For the Client’s Particular Diagnosis
Some treatment facilities, while they may offer many therapy modalities, might not treat a specific diagnosis. They may also see mental health disorders as a secondary concern and not a focus for one’s treatment.
What Does Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Look Like?
When looking for a program that will fit specific needs, know that some basic program requirements will create a better environment for recovery and healing. Giving clients the skills to cope in a business and family setting is essential to setting them up for success in the future outside of treatment. In other words, multi-disciplinary interventions address every aspect of the client’s needs that will help them in the long run and not just during treatment.
Dual-diagnosis treatments should include:
- Culturally responsive and caring staff
- Individualized treatment
- Life-skill and coping strategy lessons
- Adaptive treatment for the conditions and sensitivities of each client’s diagnosis, e.g., individual versus group therapy for social anxiety sufferers
- Equal access for all cultures and walks of life
Programs that integrate treatment for mental health disorders and substance use disorders should be adaptive, comprehensive, and individualized.
What Can Casa Recovery Do For Your Clients?
Casa Recovery’s dual-diagnosis treatment is more than qualified to offer a higher level of care that will last a lifetime. Just take a look at our offerings if you aren’t convinced:
#1 A Wide Variety of Treatment Modalities
Not only does our facility treat a wide variety of mental health conditions, but we also offer a variety of care that will cater to the needs of the individual. With more than 15 different treatment modalities, including evidence-based and experiential interventions, clients are sure to find something that will work for them and a person who will make them feel cared for, secure, and understood among our compassionate and qualified staff.
#2 Medication-Assisted Treatment
Casa offers several medications for substance abuse recovery, including Buprenorphine, Vivitrol, and Naltrexone. Casa is also qualified to administer this treatment with trained medical professionals on-site.
#3 Continuous and Outpatient Care Options
Our programs are comprehensive and continuous, with nutrition experts, doctors, nurses, therapists, and counselors on-site to address every patient and every need. Should inpatient care not be needed, outpatient treatment is also available with qualified staff and treatment offerings.
#4 Equal Access and LGBTQ+ Inclusive Treatment Programs
A safe, welcoming atmosphere is essential for recovery and treatment success. Casa Recovery can provide that atmosphere and are the people you can trust to make positive changes in your clients’ lives. Casa is a judgment-free atmosphere where our highest priority is helping our clients attain a happy future with healthy habits.
#5 Mental Health Treatment as a Primary Focus
Many dual diagnosis programs address mental health concerns as a secondary issue. Casa treats co-occurring mental health diagnoses as are primary issues treated alongside substance use disorders. Oftentimes it is the underlying mental health concerns that are leading to substance abuse.
Dual-diagnosis treatment is still a rare commodity but a necessary one for co-occurring disorders. Look for programs that are integrative, comprehensive, and individualized. Ensure that staff is qualified to offer treatment unique to the treatment plans you would suggest for your clients. Medication-assisted treatment, equal access opportunities, and various care options will prove a facility’s ability to care for client needs. Casa Recovery’s ability to match each of these requirements makes it an excellent choice for dual-diagnosis treatment in California. Our trained medical staff, compassionate counselors and clinicians, and inclusive facility meet each patient’s physical, mental, emotional, and social needs. Treatment will never be a cookie-cutter solution with our inpatient and outpatient care, a large variety of treatment modalities, life skill and employment resources, and holistic treatment options that cater to all walks of life. Call (888) 928-2272 to discuss treatment options that will assess and treat the problems that interfere with a quality life and healthy future.