Today, individuals with co-occurring disorders can receive targeted and integrated dual diagnosis care that reduces the high risks of relapse, emergency room visits, unemployment, or arrest, among other things, and increases the likeliness of independent living and sobriety. An integrated approach can be applied at any level of treatment, inpatient or outpatient, and it can be modified to fit individual circumstances and needs.

What is an Integrated Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

An integrated dual diagnosis model works to help clients improve their quality of life by combining services received at a treatment center to address two things at once: mental health disorders and substance abuse.

Clients receive services at the same center, from the same team, within the same organization. 

An integrated approach to dual diagnosis focuses on:

• Getting sober with detox
• Managing symptoms 
• Increasing independence

Benefits of an Integrated Approach to Dual Diagnosis

An integrated dual-diagnosis treatment program combines several interventions to meet you where you are, including:

• Medication
• Psychology sessions
• Educational sessions
• Social interventions

Integrated approaches promote direct client involvement in each of their recovery programs, offer a chance for family integration, and provide resources like stable housing. These programs:

• Reduce relapse rates
• Reduce high costs for services and treatment
• Reduce risks of hospitalization, arrest, or incarceration
• Boost the continuity of care
• Offer stable housing
• Improve quality of life
• Increase independent living

Integrated Dual Diagnosis Stages

Dual diagnosis programs can be equally effective when applied to residential or outpatient programs.

Those who are struggling with severe mental health disorders and co-occurring substance abuse disorders benefit the most from 24-hour supervision and the ability to extricate themselves from their daily lives and focus solely on recovery. In these instances, residential programs offering programs like garden therapy, Tai chi, and family therapy can help clients focus on their recovery.

For those who have already completed a residential program or are struggling with moderate to mild symptoms of mental health disorders and substance abuse, outpatient programs offer more scheduling flexibility; clients can return home every day and come back to the treatment center for their integrated dual diagnosis program specific days of the week. Outpatient programs are better suited to people who have stable living environments, can easily arrange transportation to and from their treatment center, or need the freedom to continue with ongoing support in a reduced capacity.

An integrated dual diagnosis program can take place at all levels of care. It is highly individualized to the client, with programs and treatment options intended to help specific circumstances. 

For example:

• Individuals who are struggling with trauma behind their substance abuse might benefit the most from trauma treatment and counseling in addition to detox, inpatient, and outpatient services. 
• Clients who struggle with their career progression can capitalize on career change programs with DBT immersion programs. 

Finding Integrated Dual Diagnosis Programs

Casa Serena is a premier women’s drug and alcohol rehab in Santa Barbara just minutes from the beach. Our luxury treatment center is owned and operated by women and offers a continuum of care so clients can receive integrated dual diagnosis treatment for women at all levels of care. 

Our goal is to offer community-driven programs that connect our clients to local resources as part of their long-term recovery. Moreover, with Casa Serena, we provide lifetime aftercare programs to clients so they are never alone in their journey. 

We partner with programs to offer continuing education for those who need to get their GED. We collaborate with community partners to offer services such as:

• Skill building
• Resume writing
• Professional etiquette
• Vocational support

Research indicates that of the Americans who have been diagnosed with a severe mental health disorder, 50% will also struggle with co-occurring substance abuse disorders throughout their lifetime. With an integrated dual diagnosis approach to recovery, clients can benefit from receiving services for both conditions at the same time in order to reduce the likelihood of relapse, psychiatric episodes, hospitalization, and even relationship difficulties and career problems.

Reach out to our team today to see if an integrated dual-diagnosis approach is right for you.

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