Dual diagnosis treatment allows individuals who are struggling to get help for both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. That’s important because an estimated 53 percent of those with drug addiction and 37 percent with alcohol use disorder also have an underlying mental health condition such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. Consider the following ten things you should look for in a dual diagnosis treatment center and reach out for help today.
Principles of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
1. Individualized, Client-Centered Treatment
When it comes to dual diagnosis care, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each person needs to go through an evaluation process and have a care plan designed based on that evaluation. Everyone is unique, and it’s important each person gets treatment unique to them.
2. An Accurate Diagnosis
Co-occurring disorders can be complicated, so the dual diagnosis treatment center must have mental health professionals on staff able to provide an individualized and accurate diagnosis for both conditions. For example, Westwind Recovery® has medical doctors, mental health professionals, and addiction specialists to ensure you have access to a comprehensive clinical team for proper dual diagnosis treatment.
3. Integrated Treatment
The dual diagnosis treatment program should take an integrated approach to manage both conditions. By tackling both issues at the same time, you can see how they are intertwined and improve your chances of a successful recovery.
4. Access to Detox
It will be the first step in treatment for most people. A detox center helps you taper off the substance so you can focus on getting better. Those with co-occurring disorders can also get medication to help control their mental health to make the transition from detox into treatment easier.
5. Trauma Therapy
Mental health conditions can involve a past trauma even if you don’t realize it at first. Trauma therapy is a specialized form of mental health treatment and not one that every facility offers.
6. Evidenced-Based Treatment Approach
That would include some of the more effective and innovative treatments available today, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and maybe even some fun stuff like art, music, and adventure therapy.
7. Education
You must learn about both the conditions that are affecting your life and how they feed off of one another.
8. Family Therapy
Families play a significant role in both understanding your conditions and supporting you once you leave the dual diagnosis treatment program. By including them in the therapeutic process, they can have a better understanding of both your challenges and your accomplishments.
9. Skills Development
From life skills to coping mechanisms, a proper dual diagnosis treatment gives you the tools necessary for long-term recovery.
10. Dual Diagnosis Speciality
A center that markets itself as a dual diagnosis treatment program is more likely to meet the necessary criteria. Don’t just ask if they can handle mental health conditions. Read their literature and see if they use the terms dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders.
Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
Westwind Recovery® specializes in dual diagnosis treatment along with addiction services and sober living. Located in the greater Los Angeles area, Westwind Recovery® offers:
- Six residential beds
- Six detox beds
- 80 outpatient options
- Sober living
At Westwind Recovery®, you’ll also find plenty of innovative treatment options like art, music, and adventure therapy. We offer regular outings that include:
- Movies
- Camping
- Hiking
- Surfing
- Snowboarding
Contact Westwind Recovery®
Westwind Recovery® also specializes in niche care like LGBTQ, primary mental health services, and even low-income programs. Each one of the sober living residences has a specialty, so everyone has a place to fit in at Westwind Recovery®. A few of the homes are even pet friendly.
If you or someone you love has questions about dual diagnosis treatment, contact Westwind Recovery® today at 855.340.8832. We are here to help.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
