Living with both mental health and substance use disorders can feel like fighting a battle on two fronts. Each day you’re trying to cope with issues such as anxiety or depression while also struggling with substance misuse—with one condition feeding into the other until it’s hard to remember which came first.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to remember three things. This isn’t your fault. You’re not alone. And Guardian Recovery can help.
In fact, we’ve helped thousands of individuals break free from the dual diagnosis cycle through our integrated, comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously, giving you the best chance at lasting recovery and true transformation.
Understanding dual diagnosis and finding the right treatment can transform what feels like an insurmountable challenge into a manageable journey toward wellness. In the content below, we’ll take a deep dive into dual diagnosis care and our treatment approach. We’ll also examine why traditional single-focus treatments often fall short, and how Guardian Recovery’s integrated care can help you break free from this cycle.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders (aka Dual Diagnoses)?
Dual diagnoses, aka co-occurring disorders, exist when someone simultaneously experiences both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition—e.g., anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, etc. Unfortunately, this co-occurrence isn’t rare, and in fact, the conditions often go hand in hand. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse roughly half of those who experience a mental illness in their lifetime will also experience a substance use disorder and vice versa.1
This high correlation isn’t coincidental, as the same risk factors, including genetic predisposition, trauma exposure, and environmental stressors, can contribute to both conditions. Plus, these conditions often interact and reinforce each other, as mental health symptoms can drive substance misuse as a form of self-medication, and substance misuse can exacerbate or even trigger mental health symptoms.1
Understanding this intricate relationship is crucial to addressing both mental health and substance use effectively. Unfortunately, many individuals struggle for years before receiving proper diagnosis and care, often bouncing between mental health providers and addiction treatment centers without finding lasting relief.
This is why Guardian Recovery offers comprehensive diagnostic assessments and integrated treatment planning from the very beginning of your recovery journey. Our coordinated approach to dual diagnosis treatment simultaneously addresses both mental health and substance use issues, ensuring a clear and effective path to recovery.
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Guardian Recovery’s Approach
At Guardian Recovery, our approach isn’t just about treating symptoms; it’s about understanding and addressing the root causes of both mental health and substance use disorders while providing you with the tools and support needed for lasting recovery.
Our expert clinical team brings decades of combined experience in both mental health and addiction treatment. Each team member is specially trained in dual diagnosis care and stays current with the latest research and treatment approaches. This expertise allows us to offer truly integrated treatment that addresses the full spectrum of your needs, rather than treating each condition in isolation.
Plus, we offer a unique care model that ensures you receive coordinated care. That is, your care team—which often includes a primary therapist, psychiatrist, and various service providers—regularly consult each other on your progress and adjust your plan as needed. This integrated approach provides seamless coordination and maps out a clear and highly customized path to lasting wellness.
We recognize that every individual’s journey is unique, which is why we also emphasize personalized treatment planning. Through comprehensive assessment and ongoing evaluation, we develop and adjust your treatment plan to ensure it remains aligned with your needs and goals.
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Our Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
At Guardian Recovery, we’ve developed a sophisticated treatment model that addresses both mental health and substance use disorders through multiple therapeutic channels. According to NIDA, this integrated approach to dual-diagnosis care is the gold standard in treatment.1
Our integrated care combines evidence-based clinical practices, a cutting-edge mental health intensive outpatient program (IOP), individual therapy, group sessions, family integration, psychiatry and medication management, and innovative treatment modalities. This multifaceted approach ensures we don’t just treat your symptoms; rather, we empower you to identify and address the root causes of your issues, which fosters long-term, whole-person healing.
Our dual diagnosis treatment includes the following modalities and practices.
- Comprehensive Evaluations—At the start of treatment, we collect detailed information about your mental and physical health, substance use patterns, environmental and social situations, and more. We typically employ interviews, questionnaires, and standardized screening tools to ensure a clear and accurate diagnosis. Insights gathered help your care team develop an effective and highly individualized treatment plan.
- Psychiatry and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)—Psychiatry interventions may include diagnosis and the use of medications to manage symptoms of mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Meanwhile, MAT specifically uses pharmaceuticals to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with substance use disorders. This combined approach helps create a foundation for further therapeutic work.
- Individual, Group, and Family Therapy—
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling helps you work through personal challenges, develop coping strategies, and explore underlying issues in a safe environment. Tailored approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI) can be particularly effective in addressing co-occurring disorders.
- Group Therapy: As part of our IOP, group sessions provide an invaluable opportunity to connect with peers facing similar struggles. These supportive environments foster shared experiences and encourage the development of communication skills, which can enhance recovery.
- Family Therapy: Families are an integral part of treatment at Guardian Recovery. Involving family members in the therapeutic process helps to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen familial bonds. Family therapy addresses the dynamics of the home environment, which is crucial for recovery.
- Relapse Prevention—We help you develop the skills to identify warning signs of relapse and build coping strategies to manage cravings and stress. Skills learned through role-playing and scenario-based exercises can enhance resilience in real-world situations.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)—Our mental health IOP combines weekly individual therapy, 3 hours of group therapy 3 to 4 days a week, and monthly psychiatric care while allowing you to maintain daily life commitments. Small group sessions focus on essential skills like emotion regulation and stress management, while individual therapy addresses your personal challenges.
- Innovative Treatments—At Guardian Recovery, we provide innovative solutions like TMS and Spravato (esketamine) therapy, both of which are FDA-approved treatments that have shown remarkable success rates for some mental health patients who haven’t responded to traditional approaches.
- Virtual IOP and Hybrid Treatment—Our virtual IOP maintains the same high standards and comprehensive approach as our in-person program while offering greater accessibility and convenience. Using secure, HIPAA-compliant technology, participants can engage in group sessions, individual therapy, and skill-building workshops from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, some Guardian Recovery facilities offer hybrid in-person/virtual care options.
Insurance and Accessibility
Don’t let financial concerns stand between you and the care you deserve. At Guardian Recovery, we make treatment as accessible and stress-free as possible.
We work with most major insurance providers to maximize your coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs. Plus, the Affordable Care Act ensures that most mental health and substance use disorder care is covered partially or in full by insurance. To determine just how much you’ll pay for care, reach out to one of our treatment advisors who can:
- Verify your insurance benefits
- Explain your coverage in clear, simple terms
- Explore flexible payment options if needed
- Guide you through each step of the admission process
Take the First Step Today
Recovery from dual diagnosis is possible, and Guardian Recovery can guide you every step of the way. Our comprehensive program offers the support, expertise, and compassionate care you need to address both your mental health and substance use challenges effectively.
While reaching out for help can be scary, it can also be the beginning of a transformative journey for you—and your family.
Take the first step and contact us today. Staff can answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and verify your insurance. And if Guardian Recovery seems like a fit, they’ll offer a personal assessment to help guide your next steps. The call is free and confidential, and you’re under no obligation to enter treatment with us.
Health, hope, and healing are not just possible—they’re within reach. Make today the day you prioritize your mental health. One call to our caring team puts you on the path to transformation.
We’ll handle the details while you focus on healing.
Our Locations
Our Facilities & Teams Transform Lives
Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
Delray Beach, Florida
Princeton, New Jersey
Denver, Colorado
Largo, Florida
Portland, Maine
Plymouth, New Hampshire
Pine Brook, New Jersey
FAQs
Unlike traditional mental health settings where providers work independently, our coordinated care model ensures all your providers—therapists, psychiatrists, and other specialists—work together as a unified team. They talk regularly to discuss your progress, adjust treatment plans, and ensure all aspects of your care are working in harmony. This approach eliminates the common frustration of having to coordinate between different providers or repeat your story multiple times. Many clients tell us this integrated approach helps them feel truly supported and understood for the first time in their treatment journey.
Research consistently shows that virtual treatment can be as effective as in-person care for many individuals. Our virtual program maintains the same evidence-based approaches and quality standards as our in-person services. Some clients actually prefer virtual treatment, finding it easier to engage from the safety and comfort of their own space. We carefully assess each client’s situation to determine if virtual treatment is appropriate and make adjustments as needed.
Identifying co-occurring disorders can be challenging, as symptoms for mental and physical concerns often overlap. However, signs such as significant behavioral changes (e.g., mood swings, irritability), emotional instability (e.g., persistent sadness, anxiety), and physical symptoms (e.g., neglecting personal hygiene, changes in sleep or appetite) are likely causes for further evaluation. If multiple signs are observed, it may be time to seek professional help.
mental health issues can impact your ability to form healthy relationships, succeed at work, maintain employment, and manage daily life and responsibilities. Substance use also can lead to legal problems, health issues, and a higher risk of addiction. Additionally, untreated disorders can contribute to a cycle of dysfunction, where one issue exacerbates the other, making recovery more challenging in the future.
The duration of treatment varies widely based on the severity of the disorders, individual needs, and the type of program. Generally, treatment at Guardian Recovery can range from several weeks to several months.
Yes, our programs are designed to accommodate work and other life commitments. Individual therapy and psychiatry visits are scheduled according to your needs, and our IOP sessions are offered at various times and include virtual options for added flexibility. We’ll work with you to find a schedule that fits your life.
Since each treatment program is customized to the unique needs of each person in our care, no two care plans are alike. As such, costs vary dramatically. However, we accept most major insurance plans, and both mental health and substance use disorder care are typically covered by insurance. To know for sure how much you’ll pay and how much your insurance will cover, reach out now for a free and confidential phone call. Our staff can answer your questions, discuss care options, verify your insurance benefits, and discuss alternative payment options if necessary.
We believe in complete and total confidentiality and privacy for all of our clients. We go above and beyond HIPAA and health privacy standards. If you are concerned about specific privacy requirements, reach out to learn more.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
