Dual Diagnosis Clinics

Dual diagnosis clinics or dual diagnosis facilities describe the same treatment environment, which is a dual diagnosis facility.  Dual diagnosis is defined as the presence of a substance abuse issue, combined with one or more psychiatric issues.  There is often confusion, and improper designation, between dual diagnosis and co-occurring conditions.  Unlike dual diagnosis, co-occurring conditions may or may not be psychiatric issues with the presence of substance abuse. 

Dual diagnosis support and treatment is found at properly staffed dual diagnosis clinics or a dual diagnosis facility.  Legitimate dual diagnosis facilities have professional staff who is qualified to provide dual diagnosis support.  In terms of clinical staff, a dual diagnosis facility should have, at minimum, a consulting psychiatrist, M.D., a psychologist, PhD/PsyD or Master’s level therapists, and other adjunct staff, all of whom are trained in providing dual diagnosis support and treatment.

Legitimate dual diagnosis clinics or dual diagnosis facilities can be difficult to find, due to the fact that so many traditional drug and alcohol addiction treatment facilities claim to provide dual diagnosis support and treatment.  If one searches the internet for dual diagnosis clinics, dual diagnosis facilities, or a dual facility, there are hundreds of treatment programs listed, each claiming to provide dual diagnosis support.  However, upon further investigation and proper due diligence, it is very obvious that most of the programs that claim to be a dual diagnosis facility in actual fact do not have the professional staff, the expertise, the experience, or the overall ability to provide dual diagnosis support and treatment.

In summary, dual diagnosis clinics, dual diagnosis facilities, or a dual diagnosis facility all describe the same environment, a clinical setting in which dual diagnosis support and treatment are provided by the proper treatment staff, providing the proper treatment program.