Guide
What dual diagnosis means
Dual diagnosis (also called co-occurring disorders) refers to having both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time.
People may try to manage one problem while the other keeps getting worse. Effective treatment planning usually needs to address both together.
- Mental health symptoms and substance use are both affecting functioning
- Symptoms may trigger use, and use may worsen symptoms
- Progress can stall when only one issue is addressed
When a coordinated treatment plan is important
Co-occurring symptoms can increase the need for structure, monitoring, and coordination. The best starting point depends on which problem is most urgent and what level of support is needed now.
Our care team can help sort out whether the immediate need is recovery-focused care, structured mental health treatment, or another referral.
- Recovery is unstable because psychiatric symptoms are escalating
- Mental health treatment is not working because substance use is ongoing
- Daily functioning, safety, or consistency is declining
- You need help deciding where to start first
How our programs may support dual diagnosis needs
Community Care programs can support different parts of a dual diagnosis treatment path depending on current symptoms and stability.
Our care team can help review symptoms, level of care needs, and available programs to identify the best first step.
- Partial Care may help when mental health symptoms require more structure
- Recovery Program may help when outpatient substance use treatment is the primary need
- Care planning can include referrals and coordination when another level of care is more appropriate