Finding the best dual diagnosis treatment center in New Jersey means looking for a clinic that’s licensed and accredited, offering various levels of care, evidence-based therapies, a multidisciplinary team, pricing and insurance options, and individualized treatment. Learn more about what effective care means and what BlueCrest Recovery Center offers.
Key Takeaways
- Dual diagnosis occurs when a person is struggling with addiction and mental health issues. It requires an integrated approach that addresses both conditions at the same time.
- Given the complexity, it’s essential to find a dual diagnosis treatment center that provides the right approach through an integrated care team, evidence-based therapies, multiple levels of care, and individualized plans. Atmosphere, transparent costs, and insurance acceptance are also important.
- When vetting dual diagnosis providers, prepare by deciding the best questions to ask.
Table of Contents
- What Are Signs Your Or a Loved One Needs Dual Diagnosis Care?
- What Levels of Care Should I Look for In Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
- What Other Factors Should I Consider When Seeking Mental Health and Addiction Treatment?
- What Questions Should I Ask When Evaluating a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center?
- BlueCrest’s Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- FAQs
Introduction
According to 2024 SAMHSA research, about 21.2 million adults have co-occurring disorders, meaning they have both a substance use disorder and a diagnosable mental health condition. Dual diagnosis requires a specialized approach that addresses both conditions while recognizing them as distinct issues. Many clinics offer these services, but not all are created equal.
When looking for the right clinic, it’s essential to find one with the right specialists and approaches. This article will break it down so you can find a facility suited to your needs.
What Are Signs Your Or a Loved One Needs Dual Diagnosis Care?
You or a loved one may require dual diagnosis treatment if you have been diagnosed with co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse alongside depression, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or bipolar disorder, and exhibit the following physical and emotional symptoms.
Emotional Symptoms
- Extreme or sudden mood swings
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, or irritability
- Confused thinking or trouble concentrating
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Increased secrecy or defensiveness about behavior
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Physical Symptoms
- Changes in sleep patterns (too much or too little)
- Noticeable weight changes
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using a substance
- Increased tolerance (needing more to feel the same effect)
- Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance
- Fatigue or low energy
What Levels of Care Should I Look for In Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
The right clinic should offer various levels of care and meet people where they are in their recovery journey. BlueCrest offers different levels of outpatient care, with each serving as a primary form of care or a step up or down from another level of care as follows:
- Medical Detoxification (if necessary): Clients who are physically dependent on drugs can receive medication-assisted treatment at our detox clinic before moving on to rehab care. We provide a smooth transition and can oversee medication management if necessary.
- Partial Care: AKA partial hospitalization programs, this level offers structured care and support. It provides several hours of therapy each day, several days a week. Clients can stay in our supportive living facility while enrolled, ensuring a stable environment.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Offer a more flexible approach with shorter sessions. At BlueCrest, clients often begin attending five days a week and step down as they progress. This program can easily be scheduled around work or school, and evening IOP is available.
- Traditional Outpatient Rehab Programs: Clients continue attending therapy sessions to maintain sobriety and emotional regulation, often on a weekly or biweekly basis.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Seeking Mental Health and Addiction Treatment?
When evaluating dual diagnosis treatment, people should look for an integrated care team, individualized treatment planning, evidence-based therapies, accreditation and state licensing, insurance acceptance and cost transparency, and aftercare and relapse prevention planning.
Integrated Care Team
The care team should include licensed and credentialed medical and mental health professionals, including registered nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, addiction counselors, and nutritionists. They should work closely together to determine how different aspects of health affect one another.
Individualized Treatment Plan
Specialists should develop a treatment plan based on the person’s specific mental health disorder, type of addiction, individual goals, and lifestyle, to guide optimal results.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Proven therapies for treating addiction and mental health issues include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, trauma-informed therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Clients learn coping strategies so they can deal with their emotions without drugs and alcohol and are motivated to get better.
Accreditation and State Licensing
Licensing is a must for any facility. In New Jersey, the regulating agency is the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).
Accreditation shows the clinic goes beyond standards to deliver a high level of care. Many clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission, which shows excellence in the medical field, and the CARF, which is more specific to rehab facilities.
Insurance Acceptance and Cost Transparency
A dual diagnosis treatment program can be expensive, but insurance is available. However, coverage varies by cost and provider. The center should take a transparent approach and provide an insurance verification, confirming exactly what’s covered before you enroll.
If you don’t have insurance, payment plans may be available.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention Planning
Recovery isn’t achieved the moment you complete the initial stages of a dual diagnosis program. It’s a lifelong process. Providers understand this and often continue to offer support through aftercare and relapse prevention planning.
Location and Facility Environment
In terms of location, some people like to travel away from home for care to remove themselves from triggers during recovery. However, being close to home supports family therapy and involvement, which is vital in the treatment process. A meta-analysis of 16 independent randomized controlled trials, covering 2,115 individuals, found involving romantic partners, family, or friends in substance use disorder treatment improved outcomes.
The environment in the dual diagnosis treatment facility also matters. Some facilities are traditional, and some are luxury, which affects cost and personal preference. Above all, the center should offer a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
What Questions Should I Ask When Evaluating a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center?
When evaluating a dual diagnosis treatment center, ask about cost, insurance acceptance, the treatment process, staff, licensing, accreditation, and the continuum of care. Here are some examples.
- Which major insurance carriers do you accept?
- What evidence-based therapies do you use?
- Are you licensed and accredited, and by what organizations?
- Do you offer integrated dual diagnosis treatment by a multidisciplinary team?
- What is your staff-to-client ratio?
- Can family members participate in therapy or education sessions?
- What levels of care are available?
- Do you offer aftercare?
BlueCrest’s Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment
BlueCrest offers a unique approach to co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. We provide evidence-based therapies alongside holistic treatment in a non-clinical environment. Our team creates individualized treatment plans with specialized, supportive programs that guide recovery from detox through aftercare.
Contact us to learn more about our extensive services.
FAQs
What is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis refers to having a drug use disorder alongside a mental illness. The two conditions often interact, with one worsening the other, so they’re typically treated together.
What treatment methods are used for dual diagnosis?
Common evidence-based approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, trauma-informed therapy, and medication management, often combined with individual counseling, group therapy, and family involvement.
Does insurance cover dual diagnosis treatment?
Yes, insurance may cover dual diagnosis treatment. However, coverage varies by plan and provider. Talk to your treatment center before you enroll to better understand what costs are involved.
Is family involvement required in treatment?
No, family therapy is not required in dual diagnosis treatment. Some circumstances make family involvement difficult. However, it is recommended because it tends to guide better outcomes.
What happens after treatment ends?
After treatment ends, clients continue to receive support through an aftercare program, which typically includes ongoing therapy, group meetings, resources, and check-ins.
Sources
- Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders
- SAMHSA Releases Annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20250728/samhsa-releases-annual-national-survey-on-drug-use-and-health
- In 2024, 21.2M adults had co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder. SAMHSA (via X/Twitter). https://x.com/samhsagov/status/1950958417192845353
- Mental Health and Substance Use Co-Occurring Disorders. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/conditions/co-occurring-disorders
- Substance Use Disorders. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). https://www.nami.org/co-occurring-conditions/substance-use-disorders/
- Co-Occurring Disorders and Health Conditions. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/co-occurring-disorders-health-conditions
- Lessons learned from concerned significant others: a qualitative analysis on involvement in services for young adult opioid use disorder. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12310619/
- Involving family members in substance use disorder treatment can enhance patient outcomes. Recovery Research Institute. https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/involve-family-in-treatment-enhance-substance-use-disorder-outcomes/
- Examining Utilization of Family-Based Treatment in Substance Use Treatment Centers. Contemporary Family Therapy, Springer Nature Link. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10591-024-09700-4
- The Effect of Significant-Other Involvement in Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: A Meta-Analysis. PMC (National Institutes of Health). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7228856/
- New Jersey Regulations Related to Substance Abuse Treatment Programs. National Behavioral Health Association of Providers (NBHAP). https://nbhap.org/new-jersey-regulations-related-to-substance-abuse-treatment-programs/
- N.J.A.C. 10:161B, Standards for Licensure of Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities. New Jersey Department of Human Services. https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/notices/documents/rules-and-regulations/NJAC%2010_161B%20%20STANDARDS%20FOR%20LICENSURE%20OF%20OUTPATIENT%20SUBSTANCE%20USE%20DISORDER%20TREATMENT%20FACILITIES.PDF
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. State of New Jersey. https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/
