Dual diagnosis currently affects more than 20 million adults (over age 18) in the United States. This means that 35 percent of all American adults struggle with a mental illness and a substance use disorder. These statistics do not include youth, who are increasingly affected by mental health and substance use disorders. If you have a loved one struggling with dual diagnosis, you are not alone.

Dual diagnosis is a broad and dated clinical term used to describe co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Now called co-occurring disorders (CODs), these illnesses happen simultaneously, affecting the same person and the same areas of the brain. As a result, dual diagnosis can be complex, requiring a specialized, integrated treatment approach. The best dual diagnosis treatment is one in which providers address mental and substance use disorders at the same time, in the same place.

If you are seeking professional help for your loved one, you may be wondering, “What is the best dual diagnosis treatment out there?” or “Which treatment is most effective for dual diagnosis?” Of course, you want to choose a program that will work for your loved one and set them up for success. So, how do you choose?

It’s important to note that treatment for mental health disorders and substance use disorders is never one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for the next, so the best treatment is one that’s both personalized and adaptable. However, there are guiding principles that can make a dual diagnosis treatment provider stand out from all the rest—principles that can indicate which is “best.”

Let’s explore what dual diagnosis treatment involves and what constitutes the best dual diagnosis treatment approach for those struggling.

How is Dual Diagnosis Treated?

Dual diagnosis is treated through an integrated approach. In other words, multiple disorders are identified and addressed at the same time. 

When a person is struggling with a substance use disorder, detoxification may be a necessary first step. This process, under the supervision of clinical professionals, helps to wean individuals off drugs and alcohol while minimizing the negative effects and severe symptoms of withdrawal. Once this process happens, a person can then pursue a residential dual diagnosis treatment program.

When they first enter dual diagnosis treatment, individuals receive a comprehensive assessment. Providers use this as an opportunity to understand symptoms and their severity, as well as how the co-occurring disorders interact with one another. They can then make a personalized treatment plan.

Depending on a person’s conditions, treatment modalities can vary. However, dual diagnosis treatment typically includes a combination of behavioral therapies, counseling, medication management, support groups, and skills development. Therapy approaches can vary, too, from one-on-one sessions to group settings, family therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and more.

What is the Best Way to Treat Dual Diagnosis?

The best dual diagnosis treatment providers aim to help the whole individual, with a unified, personalized, and coordinated plan that addresses their mental health, substance use, social needs, and physical health. These providers use evidence-based approaches to therapy, or proven methods of treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Generally, residential treatment is recommended for those struggling with dual diagnosis. Residential treatment offers structured care and round-the-clock support, ensuring individuals have constant access to providers, peers, and mentors during moments of need. It also gives individuals the space and time they need to focus fully on their recovery, without the distraction or stress of mainstream life.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers guidance on dual diagnosis treatment, specifically outlining key principles for providers to follow. As you research treatment options, these factors can indicate an effective and reputable dual diagnosis program:

• Integrated approach to treatment of both substance use and mental health disorder(s)
• Specialized clinical providers who are cross-trained in both mental health and substance abuse
• A tailored and phased approach to treatment, where individuals progress as they are ready
• Motivational techniques are used to engage individuals in, and commit to, their treatment
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to encourage healthy thought patterns and behaviors
• Treatment is multifaceted and delivered in multiple formats, such as a combination of individual counseling, group therapy, and family involvement
• Psychotherapy (i.e. talk therapy) and medication-assisted therapy are integrated when needed
• Treatment plans incorporate the whole individual and their needs, even beyond the co-occurring disorders, to ensure they are set up for a successful recovery

7 Qualities of the Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs

Let’s now take a look at how these principles are put into practice, and see what can set treatment programs apart. 

The best dual diagnosis treatment centers will…

1. Take an integrated approach to dual diagnosis treatment.

This may seem like an obvious quality to look for in treatment, but it is an important one: The best dual diagnosis treatment programs take into consideration all aspects of a person’s health – including mental health, physical health, and emotional wellbeing – and develop an integrated approach to their treatment. Integrated treatment means that clients have full access to the services and resources they need to be treated for all of their conditions. The best dual diagnosis treatment centers will deliver these resources in the same place, during the same treatment duration, using a unified approach.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “With integrated care, a more complete recovery is possible.” Experts also state that integrated dual diagnosis treatment can improve quality of life for those with co-occurring disorders, including:

• Reduced or discontinued substance use
• Improvement in psychiatric functioning
• Increased chance of a successful recovery from both disorders
• Decreased hospitalization
• Reduced medication needs
• Increased stability in one’s home life

2. Personalize each treatment plan based on each client’s needs.

Treatment for co-occurring disorders must always take into consideration all the needs of an individual—even needs beyond their mental health and substance abuse struggles. For example, to set a person up for a successful recovery, it’s important to ensure their physical health needs are addressed, they are in a safe housing environment, and they have a sober support network to lean on.

Clinical professionals must evaluate all needs and develop an individualized treatment plan for each client in need. Dual diagnosis treatment programs differ for everyone. The best will assess one’s mental, physical, emotional, social, and even legal needs. They will take into consideration whether an individual is in the workforce or in school, as well as gender-specific experiences, to create a tailored treatment plan that can bring stability and health back to a person’s life. 

Additionally, the best programs will ensure that clients have access to multiple treatment formats, such as individual, group, family, and peer support, as they move through the stages of treatment. This will ensure that they are exposed to all methods and are able to find an approach that works well for them. 

3. Utilize a phased approach to treatment.

In SAMHSA’s TIP cited above, experts suggest that dual diagnosis professionals use a phased approach to treatment. Using a phased approach means that treatment is gradual, starting with engagement and growing into active treatment and eventually continuing care. It allows clients to work through specific steps in the recovery process, accomplish progress goals along the way, and navigate recovery at a pace that meets their individual needs. By using a phased approach to dual diagnosis treatment, clinicians can also better optimize care and ensure clients are getting the most out of their treatment program.

At Turnbridge, we’ve long used a phased approach to dual diagnosis treatment, in which clients work through three stages of their treatment journey. This structure allows them to develop the skills, mentality, trust, and self-love needed to overcome their disorders and move forward into a full, purposeful, and healthy life after treatment.

4. Offer residential treatment to start the recovery process.

While every person is unique, residential treatment is most often recommended for those battling dual diagnosis. As noted above, co-occurring disorders are complex. They affect the functioning of the brain and, in turn, a person’s behaviors, attitudes, and thought patterns. Those struggling with co-occurring disorders can benefit from a residential setting where they can focus fully on their healing, without distraction or pressure. 

Residential dual diagnosis treatment centers offer 24/7 watchful care and support staff who can be there at a moment’s call. They support a community of peers walking in similar shoes. They also offer an array of integrated therapies and services for clients, including counseling, group therapy, recreational activities, 12-step meetings, academic and vocational support, and more—all designed to help an individual reach their full potential. In addition, residential treatment enacts structure for clients, encouraging them to follow a daily regimen that involves a mix of meetings, counseling, experiential therapies, nutritious meals, exercise blocks, social activities, and more.

A residential or inpatient setting provides a drug-free, safe, and secure place to live while in early recovery. The environments are often very calming and designed to encourage beauty, confidence, creativity, and comfort in clients. At Turnbridge, our residences are a peaceful, positive, and supportive place where clients can retreat. They can also feel physically and mentally safe, in a protected setting with a community of sober friends and staff.

According to SAMHSA, “Residential treatment for CODs is linked to improved SUD outcomes (e.g., illicit drug and alcohol use), mental disorder symptoms, quality of life, and social/community functioning, even if treatment is not integrated,” underlining its effectiveness.

5. Have trained staff who specialize in dual diagnosis.

Not every drug rehab center offers dual diagnosis treatment, and this is an important distinction to make when seeking treatment for a loved one. You will want to ensure that the program you choose is staffed with clinical providers and counselors who have been trained in dual diagnosis treatment. These individuals have studied the causal and bidirectional effects of co-occurring disorders, and understand the evidence-based methods needed to treat each unique illness. Furthermore, these individuals are continuously learning and growing their knowledge on dual diagnosis, and may be cross-trained in various fields relating to co-occurring disorders.

6. Enact evidence-based methods for dual diagnosis treatment.

Speaking of evidence-based methods, this is another quality that only the best treatment centers will enact as part of their integrated programs. According to SAMHSA, “Integration of evidence-based care into COD programming increases the chances of clients receiving effective therapies that improve their odds of lifelong recovery.” In other words, evidence-based therapies are essential for success. Although different therapies will work differently for each individual, evidence-based methods are ones that research has proven to be effective in treating individuals with co-occurring disorders. Evidence-based treatment can include cognitive interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, as well as pharmacotherapies, psychosocial interventions, and motivational techniques to help clients reach their goals.

7. Offer extended care programs for those in recovery.

As SAMHSA explains, co-occurring disorders “can wax and wane over time.” As a result, treatment should take into consideration how clients can best maintain and extend their recovery outcomes, even after graduation from the treatment program. Both substance use and mental health disorders are long-term conditions, so it is important that clients are set up for success for the long haul. The right dual diagnosis program will ensure a proper integration from treatment to mainstream life, helping ensure schooling or employment, safe and sober housing, health care and counseling, and more post-treatment. 

Additionally, programs should offer an extension of care through an outpatient program, in which clients can continue to receive counseling, attend meetings or group therapy, and be held accountable while continuing to work towards their long-term recovery goals. As stated by SAMHSA, “Clients with CODs often require long-term continuity of care that supports their progress, monitors their condition, and can respond to a return to substance use or a return of symptoms of mental disorder.” 

Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment is So Important for Co-Occurring Disorders

As stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “People who have co-occurring disorders often have symptoms that are more persistent, severe, and resistant to treatment compared with patients who have either disorder alone.” It’s for this reason that dual diagnosis treatment is so important.

Dual diagnosis treatment is specifically designed to address the complex needs of people with co-occurring disorders. Through this dedicated treatment, individuals can expect better and longer-term recovery outcomes than those receiving treatment for one disorder alone. This means reduced instances of relapse, stronger mental health, and a more gratifying, meaningful life ahead. 

Find the Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program for Your Loved One 

There are many great dual diagnosis treatment centers out there. And, while there are many qualities that indicate credible and effective dual diagnosis treatment, there is no one, single definition of the “best” type of treatment for dual diagnosis. The best treatment will depend on each individual’s conditions and needs at the time. If you’d like advice from a treatment professional on the best dual diagnosis treatment approach for your loved one, you can always reach out to Turnbridge. 

Turnbridge is a recognized mental health and addiction treatment provider for teens and young adults. Contact us at 877-581-1793 today to speak with one of our expert professionals.