Psychiatric Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers

Dual diagnosis is the combination of a substance abuse problem with one or more mental health disorders. It's a fairly common occurrence: like many other folks, people suffering from mental illness may turn to intoxicants for relief and find themselves addicted. Likewise, substance abusers may develop depression, anxiety or other mental health issues as a result of problems caused by addiction.



Mental health professionals agree that both issues must be treated, preferably at the same time, in order for a client to achieve a sustainable recovery. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation starts with detoxification, after which a thorough assessment is done to develop a treatment plan that will address both substance abuse and mental health.

Milestones Ranch Malibu

• Milestones Ranch offers assessment and evaluation by a board certified psychiatrist and an internist. Primary residential, primary day treatment and extended care options are available. Conditions treated include anxiety disorders, including phobias and PTSD, and mood disorders, including major depression and bipolar disorder. Also treated are ADD/ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, sexual compulsion, and pain management. Therapeutic modalities available include regular individual, family and couples therapy and daily group, which may include primary process group, cognitive behavioral health, boundaries, communication skills, grief and loss, spirituality and more. Experiential groups, psychodrama, art, music, fitness and ropes courses are also offered.

Foundations Associates

• Foundations offers three inpatient centers with the capability of treating dually diagnosed clients: La Paloma Treatment Center in Memphis, Tennessee, Michael's House in Palm Springs, California, and The Canyon in Malibu, California. They've been nominated twice for the American Psychological Association's Gold Award and have been selected by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors as one of seven integrated agencies in the country for an on-site study. A wide range of interdisciplinary treatment modalities are used. Each residential center has its own website.

Lakeview Health Systems

• Lakeview Health Systems offers a state of the art detox center and and daily physical and psychological assessments. Treatment includes specialized dual diagnosis discussion groups and therapy groups focused on cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavior therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, experiential therapy and psychodrama. Medication management, 12-step workshops, optional spiritual workshops, dietary consultations, and recreational therapy are also offered. Lakeview has specialized tracks for Christians and for gays and lesbians.

Morningside Recovery

• Morningside Recovery "blends traditional medical and psychological therapies, as well as experiential and integrative therapies, with real-world living, return to school or work programs, and family systems recovery," according to their website. They pride themselves on a personalized, interdisciplinary approach to recovery. Available treatment modalities include eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), motivational enhancement therapy, dramatherapy, equine therapy, adventure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).