Co-occurring Disorders

The terms dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders mean that an individual who struggles with substance use also struggles with another mental health condition. There are many individuals who live with a mental health difficulty who do not meet criteria for a substance use diagnosis. However, many individuals who have difficulties with substance use also struggle with another mental health condition. We view problematic substance use as a maladaptive coping mechanism that individuals develop when they have limited means of managing painful experiences. Often, problematic substance use develops as a result of a traumatic experience, painful loss, or a difficult life transition.

Our approach to treatment is trauma-informed, client-centered, and strength-based. We address the root of the issue, and not just the symptom - helping to heal the clients’ traumatic wounds and building a meaningful relationship with themselves and the world. We work with individuals to develop a treatment plan that feels authentic and workable for them. A treatment plan may include harm reduction or relapse-prevention, risk management, CBT/DBT/ACT coping skills building, and trauma treatment via contemporary psychodynamic methods and EMDR.