Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment

Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual Diagnosis Treatment refers to a specialized approach that addresses both mental health disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs) at the same time. It is essential for veterans and others who struggle with co-occurring conditions, such as PTSD and alcohol dependence, or major depression and opioid use.
Integrated Clinical Approach
Mental health and addiction therapists work as a team
Both conditions are treated in parallel, not one after the other
Therapies Frequently Used
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – for distorted thinking
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – for emotion regulation
EMDR – for trauma resolution
Motivational Interviewing (MI) – to encourage recovery
Contingency Management – rewarding sobriety and progress
Medical & Psychiatric Treatment
Medication for mood, anxiety, or withdrawal symptoms
- Detox (if needed) in a safe, monitored setting
- Monitoring of interactions between medications and substances
Peer Support & Relapse Prevention
Groups for veterans with shared experiences
- 12-step or non-12-step models
- Individualized evidence based therapy
Aftercare & Recovery Planning
Ongoing therapy, community support, VA or civilian linkage
- Support for housing, employment, and legal issues
- Regular follow-ups to maintain stability