When to Seek an Assessment for Co-Occurring Concerns
An assessment may be useful when changes in mood, anxiety, trauma symptoms, sleep, relationships, work, or daily functioning occur alongside alcohol or drug use; when one concern makes the other harder to manage; or when prior treatment addressed only part of the picture. These signs do not establish a diagnosis on their own.
Sudden behavioral changes
Withdrawal from loved ones
Poor performance at work or school
Neglecting personal hygiene
Unusual fear, anxiety, or paranoia
How We Treat Co-Occurring Disorders
At Waterview, treatment plans may combine clinician-led groups, individual therapy, psychiatric evaluation and follow-up, medication management, family involvement when appropriate, relapse-prevention strategies, and step-down planning. Medical services are overseen by Dr. Straun, Waterview’s Medical Director, who is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry.
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
Individual therapy and group therapy
Family therapy and case management
Structured outpatient co-occurring disorder treatment plans
Care may incorporate CBT, DBT-informed skills, trauma-informed approaches, and EMDR when clinically appropriate. Modalities are selected based on assessment, symptoms, treatment goals, and readiness; no single approach is applied to every participant.
Who Is This Program For?
Waterview’s co-occurring care may be considered for adults whose mental health symptoms and substance use concerns can be treated safely in an outpatient setting. Admissions evaluates clinical needs, safety, medical or withdrawal concerns, ability to participate, support outside program hours, transportation, insurance requirements, and current availability.
Struggle with both mental health and substance use challenges
Have not improved with standalone therapy or rehab
Need structured support without full hospitalization
Are transitioning from inpatient or detox programs
If managing both conditions feels overwhelming, outpatient co-occurring disorder treatment can provide the structure, flexibility, and clinical support needed to move forward.
Why Choose Waterview for Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Trusted, Local, and Integrated Care
Fully integrated dual diagnosis treatment model
Personalized treatment planning
Insurance-friendly admissions process
Convenient location in Wallingford, CT
Focus on long-term recovery and relapse prevention
The recovery journey can be challenging, and having a solid support network is critical for sustained success. We encourage family involvement and community support in our dual diagnosis treatment programs.
Through education, therapy, and ongoing support, we help families understand co-occurring disorders and actively support long-term recovery.
Testimonial
Waterview Behavioral Health
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Our experienced team is here to provide reliable answers about mental health and its healing.
1. What is dual diagnosis treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment is a structured approach that addresses both mental health conditions and substance use disorders at the same time. Programs like those at Waterview Behavioral Health use integrated therapy, psychiatric care, and support systems to treat the root causes of both conditions together.
2. What are co-occurring disorders?
Co-occurring disorders refer to the presence of both a mental health condition (such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD) and a substance use disorder. These conditions often interact, making symptoms more complex and requiring specialized outpatient co-occurring disorder treatment.
3. Can dual diagnosis be treated in an outpatient program?
Yes, many individuals benefit from outpatient co-occurring disorder treatment through programs like an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). This allows patients to receive structured care while continuing daily responsibilities such as work or family life.
4. How do I know if I need dual diagnosis treatment?
You may need dual diagnosis treatment if you experience both mental health symptoms and substance use issues at the same time—especially if one worsens the other. Signs include mood instability, reliance on substances to cope, and difficulty functioning in daily life.
5. What therapies are used in dual diagnosis treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment typically includes a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and family support. Evidence-based approaches like CBT and relapse prevention strategies are often used to support long-term recovery.
