Addiction and mental health issues often occur together, especially because untreated mental illness symptoms can easily contribute to substance use as a form of self-medication. Approximately 50% of individuals with a mental health disorder will also experience a substance use disorder at some point in their lives.
Dual-diagnosed patients require a comprehensive treatment strategy that addresses both illnesses, so they don’t feel the need to self-medicate mental health disorder symptoms with substance abuse. Recognizing the signs of dual diagnosis is crucial to ensure individuals receive appropriate treatment for both conditions.
At Lennox CMHC in the Los Angeles area, we provide evidence-based dual diagnosis therapy sessions for patients who need help with underlying mental illness. Lennox CMHC also offers specialized programs tailored for specific populations, such as teens, veterans, and the LGBTQ+ community.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Care?
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously. Mental illness and use of drugs or alcohol often exacerbate one another, creating a complex web of challenges known clinically as substance use disorder. Individuals with mental health conditions are at a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder, and vice versa. By focusing on both mental health issues and addiction at the same time, our dual diagnosis treatment center helps people in the Los Angeles area achieve long-term recovery and better manage their mental illness.
At Lennox CMHC in Van Nuys, we provide integrated care, combining therapies, medical support, and evidence-based practices to address the root causes of chemical dependency, drug abuse, and mental health disorders. Common risk factors for co-occurring disorders include genetic predisposition, family history, and environmental stressors. Diagnosis of co-occurring disorders can only be done by a healthcare professional based on established criteria. Addressing mental illness and addiction in tandem ensures the best possible outcomes. We are aware that no two people’s circumstances, addictions, or mental health issues are comparable.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders We Treat
Our Van Nuys dual diagnosis treatment center addresses substance abuse alongside a range of co-occurring disorders, such as:
- Clinical depression
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
Substance use disorders often cause symptoms like cravings, withdrawal, and various physical and mental illnesses, including mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Causes may include trauma, genetic predisposition, and environmental stressors, but the circumstances vary for each individual. Many individuals use substances as a coping mechanism to manage mental health symptoms, which can create a cycle of dependency and worsening conditions. Co-occurring disorders frequently drive substance use, while substance abuse worsens mental illness symptoms, creating a cycle.
Unfortunately, many individuals suffering from co-occurring disorders do not receive treatment for both conditions, leading to poorer recovery outcomes. Treating both disorders concurrently in an integrated treatment approach is the standard of care for dual diagnosis treatment in the Los Angeles area.
Our Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment Approach
Our integrated treatment approach provides comprehensive care to address mental health issues and addiction together, ensuring that both conditions are treated concurrently for the best outcomes. As a leading dual diagnosis program and one of the top dual diagnosis treatment centers in Van Nuys, Lennox CMHC offers specialized care for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders for people in the Los Angeles area. We provide personalized treatment plans, evidence-based therapies, and holistic therapies in a supportive environment.
Detoxification is often the first step in dual diagnosis treatment, allowing psychological symptoms to surface without the influence of substances. Medical detoxification is a critical first step in managing withdrawal symptoms under 24/7 medical supervision, especially for those with severe substance use disorders. For individuals with severe substance use challenges, medication-assisted treatment combines FDA-approved medications with therapy to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
Our dual diagnosis program utilizes evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as trauma-informed care techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to address past trauma underlying co-occurring disorders. Holistic therapies, including yoga and meditation, are integrated into dual diagnosis treatment to promote overall well-being. Holistic methods in our program may also include art therapy and nutritional counseling.
Integrated dual diagnosis treatment is shifting from sequential or parallel approaches to concurrent integrated care, ensuring that both mental health and substance use disorders are addressed together for lasting recovery.
Our dual diagnosis facility also provides a secure and friendly atmosphere with professional guidance and oversight in the Los Angeles area. You will get complete treatment from licensed behavioral health specialists, whether you are visiting the facility for counseling or residing at one of our lovely sober living houses.
Customized Drug and Alcohol Treatment Plans
At our dual diagnosis treatment center in the Los Angeles area, we create tailored treatment plans for every patient as part of a comprehensive treatment program. Our expert addiction treatment team assesses each individual’s needs, using strategies like:
- Professional Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) (originally designed for borderline personality disorder), and other evidence-based methods can be very beneficial for dual diagnosis patients.
- Medication Management: For symptom stabilization and addiction recovery support, if needed.
- Skill-Building and Wellness: Yoga, mindfulness, and life skills development to prevent relapse and boost physical health. The recovery process is further supported by tailored nutrition and wellness activities designed to promote overall health and well-being.
- Peer and Family Support: Individuals can benefit from support group meetings and family therapy with loved ones.
We choose the right combination of techniques for each client. This personalized care ensures the most targeted and effective treatment for long-term success. Residential treatment provides 24/7 care in a supportive environment, integrating therapies and life skills development, with program options for dual diagnosis treatment ranging from 30 to 90 days in a structured environment.
Outpatient programs provide flexible scheduling options for those needing less intensive support after residential treatment. Support systems in our integrated programs include group counseling, family therapy, and long-term aftercare planning. We also offer different levels of care, from detoxification to outpatient programs, allowing us to tailor treatment programs even further.
Why Choose Our Dual Diagnosis Center
Here are five reasons why we’re a top choice for dual diagnosis care in the Los Angeles area:
- Our licensed professionals specialize in treating complex co-occurring disorders.
- We provide evidence-based, integrated treatment plans for both mental health and substance use issues. Treating both disorders concurrently in an integrated treatment approach is the standard of care for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
- Our treatment programs focus on achieving a successful recovery by addressing both conditions at the same time, supporting long-term recovery, and helping patients avoid relapse.
- Patients benefit from a safe, healing-focused environment with a peer support group, where they are supported throughout their recovery journey, connecting with others and sharing progress.
- We offer individualized addiction treatment programs tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.
Get Help for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues at Our Van Nuys, CA Treatment Center
Addiction and mental health issues often occur together, especially because untreated mental illness symptoms can easily contribute to substance use as a form of self-medication. Dual-diagnosed patients require a comprehensive treatment strategy that addresses both illnesses, so they don’t feel the need to self-medicate mental health disorder symptoms with substance abuse. At Lennox CMHC in Van Nuys, we provide evidence-based dual diagnosis therapy for patients who need help with underlying mental illness. Contact us today to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment in the Los Angeles area.