How to Find a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Facility in New Jersey
Co-occurring disorders are difficult to treat. Read on to learn how to find a dual diagnosis treatment facility in New Jersey for yourself or a loved one.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is when an individual has both a substance use and mental health disorder. These disorders can be difficult to treat, but a dual diagnosis treatment facility provides integrated and intensive care for both treatments.
How Do Co-Occurring Disorders Impact Individuals?
Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
If either of the disorders remains untreated, it can make it difficult to treat the other. This also increases the risk of relapse.
A dual diagnosis treatment facility helps individuals work through their symptoms and heal the root of their disorders.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Facility?
A dual diagnosis treatment facility treats substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously. They provide integrated and comprehensive treatment programs that handle both conditions.
Their structure allows them to cater to the needs of individuals with dual diagnoses.
How Is a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Facility Different From Other Treatment Centers?
These treatment centers differ from traditional mental health facilities in certain aspects. First, they have staff trained to treat substance use and mental health disorders. They also provide traditional resources and support with family therapy.
What Are the Different Types of Co-Occurring Disorders?
For instance, a person with major depressive disorder may use stimulants like methamphetamine to help self-medicate with symptoms. It could also be the case that the mental health disorder came from the substance use disorder.
Depression
This is a mood disorder associated with persistent sadness and fatigue. It influences an individual’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
The condition is due to a combination of psychological, environmental, and genetic factors.3
Anxiety
This is a normal human emotion associated with a sense of fear about certain events. However, when it begins to affect an individual’s daily life, it becomes a disorder.
Anxiety disorders feature excessive worry, fear, and avoidance. It includes physical symptoms like sweating and trembling.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a result of exposure to a traumatic event. These events include sexual or physical assault, accidents, war, or natural disasters. Symptoms may include mood alterations and increased irritability.
Individuals with PTSD might also turn to substances to cope with their symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder features extreme changes in mood and energy levels. Manic phases feature high energy and a feeling of euphoria.
The depressive phase results in feelings of sadness and hopelessness. This condition also has implications for sleep patterns and appetite.
Schizophrenia
How Does Dual Diagnosis Treatment Differ From Other Treatment Options?
- Integrated treatment: A dual diagnosis treatment facility provides integrated treatment. This addresses both substance abuse and mental health disorders. This means that treatment will meet the unique needs of each individual.
- Specialized staff: Staff in a dual diagnosis treatment facility treat co-occurring disorders. This allows them to provide a more comprehensive and individualized approach to care.
- Evidence-based therapies: These facilities use evidence-based therapies designed to treat co-occurring disorders. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication management.
- Resources: A dual diagnosis treatment facility may offer extra resources and support. These include family therapy, holistic therapies, and aftercare planning.
Co-occurring disorders can be difficult to manage at times, as they can have varying symptoms. It is always in the best interest of the patient to opt for a dual diagnosis treatment facility.
This ensures that they get the best help to ensure their smooth and lasting recovery.
What Are Some Treatment Modalities Used In a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Facility?
A dual diagnosis treatment facility has the manpower, technique, and experience to help individuals with a dual diagnosis.
Here are some treatment modalities used in a dual diagnosis treatment facility:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a talk therapy. It seeks to fix negative behavioral patterns. It has shown great prowess for dual diagnosis treatment.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is another type of talk therapy. It encourages healthy behaviors and thoughts. It works well for mental health conditions and substance abuse.
- Motivational interviewing (MI): MI is often used in a dual diagnosis treatment facility. It helps individuals increase their motivation to stop their substance use. This can improve their mental health outcomes.4
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT involves the use of medications to manage substance abuse.
Importance of Personalized, Whole-Person Treatment
These therapies are effective in treating co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. However, their effectiveness varies with the individual’s unique needs and circumstances.
This is why it’s important to create an individualized treatment plan with your doctor.
How Long Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment can last for a few weeks to several months or longer. They may include inpatient, outpatient, or intensive outpatient programs. The duration of treatment depends on factors such as:
- Severity of symptoms: Individuals with serious symptoms need longer treatment for a full recovery.
- Co-occurring conditions: Individuals with co-occurring conditions may also need longer treatment.
- Support system: Individuals with a strong support system may complete treatment faster than others as well.
- Treatment progress: If an individual is making progress at a faster pace, they may complete treatment faster as well.
- Personal preference: Some individuals choose to extend their treatment. This further strengthens their recovery.
How Can Loved Ones Help During Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
- Emotional Support: Loved ones can provide emotional support to individuals in treatment. This can help individuals stay motivated and engaged in treatment.
- Family Therapy Sessions: Many dual diagnosis treatment facilities offer family therapy sessions where loved ones can take part in therapy alongside the individual in treatment.
- Self-education: Loved ones can learn about co-occurring disorders and the treatment process. This helps them understand what the individual is going through. They also learn how best to support overall recovery.
- Aftercare Planning: Loved ones can take part in aftercare planning. This ensures that the individual has a strong support system. They also have resources in place after leaving the treatment facility.
- Set Boundaries: Loved ones may need to set and enforce boundaries. These help to avoid conflict relating to the individual’s substance abuse or mental health issues. This may involve avoiding certain behaviors or situations.
Does Aftercare Help With Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Aftercare is often important following treatment at a dual diagnosis treatment facility. These services help individuals maintain their recovery and prevent relapse over the long term.
Some common aftercare and support services offered by a dual diagnosis treatment facility include:
- Creating a plan for continuing care
- Provision of support groups
- Continued individual therapy
- Relationship repairs through family therapy
- Provision of sober living arrangement
Steps to Take to Continue Recovery After Treatment
- Building a strong support network
- Participating in ongoing treatment such as therapy and support group meetings
- Practicing self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and healthy eating
- Avoiding risk factors relating to their substance use or mental health symptoms
- Setting and achieving goals in their recovery journey
How to Find a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Facility in New Jersey?
- Consult with your healthcare provider.
- Research online.
- Check for what services your insurance covers and at which facilities.
- Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients and their families.
- Ask for recommendations from support groups, therapists, or other healthcare providers.
- Attend Open Houses and Tours
What Are Some Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Facility in New Jersey?
- Accreditation and Licensing
- Treatment Approach
- Staff Credentials and Experience
- Location and Environment
- Cost and Insurance
- Reviews and Reputation
By considering these factors, individuals can make an informed decision in their recovery process.
People should select a dual diagnosis treatment facility that aligns with their needs and can best treat their symptoms or disorders.

Partner With a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Facility at True Life Care Mental Health
At True Life Care Mental Health, we understand the challenges faced by individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders. That’s why we offer dual diagnosis treatment in a serene and welcoming environment.
Here, our clients receive all the support they need to achieve lasting recovery.
How Can We Help?
Our techniques include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and motivational interviewing. We also offer holistic therapies.
Reach Out for Unyielding Support and Personalized Treatment
Are you struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders? To learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment facility, contact us today.
We will help you every step of the way during the recovery process to ensure overall healing.
Resources
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/substance-abuse-and-mental-health.htm#:~:text=Roughly%2050%20percent%20of%20individuals,least%20one%20serious%20mental%20illness
- https://medlineplus.gov/dualdiagnosis.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8699555/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8939890/#:~:text=Motivational%20interviewing%20(MI)%20is%20a%20psychological%20treatment%20that%20aims%20to,about%20one%20hour%20each%20time