Addiction is rarely just about substances. For many people, it’s a symptom of something deeper—unresolved trauma, chronic anxiety, depression, or another underlying mental health challenge. That’s where dual diagnosis treatment becomes critical.
At Journey Hillside Tarzana, we specialize in treating both substance use and mental health disorders together, because we know they’re often connected—and healing one without the other simply isn’t enough.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis (also called co-occurring disorders) refers to when a person experiences both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time.
This might look like:
- Alcohol addiction and depression
- Opioid misuse and anxiety
- Cocaine use and bipolar disorder
- PTSD and prescription drug dependency
According to SAMHSA, nearly 9 million Americans live with both conditions. Unfortunately, many only receive treatment for one, leaving the other unaddressed and the cycle continues.
Why Mental Health and Addiction Are So Intertwined
There’s often no clear “which came first” answer when it comes to dual diagnosis. Some people use substances to numb emotional pain or manage symptoms of mental illness. Others develop mental health challenges as a result of long-term substance use.
For example:
- Someone with anxiety might drink to feel calm, then become dependent on alcohol.
- Someone using meth may experience paranoia or mood swings resembling bipolar disorder.
- Unprocessed trauma may lead to both substance use and symptoms of PTSD or depression.
In every case, the two conditions feed into each other—which is why treating them together is essential.
Signs You May Be Dealing with a Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis isn’t always obvious. Symptoms often overlap or get misattributed to one condition or the other. But there are some signs that suggest both may be at play:
- You use substances to cope with emotions or mental distress
- You’ve experienced repeated relapses despite treatment attempts
- You struggle with anxiety, mood swings, or depression—sober or not
- You feel emotionally unstable even during periods of abstinence
- Therapy alone hasn’t helped, or rehab didn’t address underlying emotional issues
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many clients at Journey Hillside have tried other programs that didn’t fully address the mental health side of addiction—and that’s where we come in.
Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Is So Important
When only one side of the problem is treated, the other tends to resurface.
For example:
- Treating addiction without addressing depression may lead to relapse
- Treating anxiety without addressing substance use may reinforce unhealthy coping
- Ignoring trauma while detoxing may trigger intense emotional symptoms
This is why our team at Journey Hillside provides an integrated, trauma-informed approach. We don’t just help you get sober—we help you understand the root of your behaviors and build new patterns for lasting recovery.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Journey Hillside
Our treatment model is personalized, discreet, and rooted in clinical excellence. Here’s what you can expect when you enter our dual diagnosis program:
- Comprehensive psychiatric assessment on admission
- Daily one-on-one therapy with licensed, trauma-informed clinicians
- Medication management when appropriate
- EMDR, DBT, CBT, and other evidence-based modalities
- Holistic practices like yoga, mindfulness, sound healing, and massage
- Private detox suites with 24/7 nursing care if needed
- Aftercare planning with a focus on both mental health and substance recovery
Because we cap our program at just six clients at a time, every individual receives highly personalized attention in a calm, luxurious setting. Your care team will know your story, your goals, and how to support you every step of the way.
Helping Families Navigate Co-Occurring Disorders
Dual diagnosis doesn’t just affect the individual—it impacts the whole family. That’s why we provide:
- Family therapy sessions led by trained clinicians
- Psychoeducation about mental health and addiction cycles
- Coaching for healthy boundaries, communication, and relapse prevention
- Support with legal, work-related, or logistical concerns
Whether you’re seeking care for a partner, adult child, or yourself, Journey Hillside partners with families—not just clients—to ensure recovery is sustainable beyond discharge.
Insurance and Out-of-State Clients Welcome
We understand that high-quality care can feel out of reach—but it doesn’t have to be. Journey Hillside Tarzana proudly accepts:
- Out-of-network PPO insurance (Cigna, UMR, Aetna, Anthem, and others)
- Private-pay clients
- Out-of-state referrals from families, employers, and providers nationwide
Not sure what your plan covers? We’ll verify your insurance confidentially and explain your options without pressure.
Recovery That Treats the Whole You
True recovery is about more than stopping use—it’s about healing the parts of you that hurt, and building a future grounded in clarity, connection, and self-respect.
If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of relapse, emotional overwhelm, or ineffective treatment, dual diagnosis care may be the path forward you’ve been looking for.
📞 Call now to speak confidentially with a licensed admissions coordinator
📋 Or verify your insurance today—your healing can start here
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Quick Takeaways
- Dual diagnosis means a person has both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder.
- Treating both together leads to better outcomes and prevents relapse.
- Journey Hillside offers luxury, trauma-informed care in a private, clinician-led setting.
- We serve out-of-state clients and accept PPO insurance and private pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dual diagnosis mean?
Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder in the same individual.
Why is dual diagnosis treatment important?
Treating both conditions together ensures better recovery outcomes and reduces the risk of relapse. Ignoring one can make the other harder to manage.
What does dual diagnosis treatment include?
Treatment includes psychiatric care, trauma therapy, medication management, holistic support, and coordinated aftercare planning—all in one integrated plan.
Does Journey Hillside accept insurance for dual diagnosis treatment?
Yes. We accept out-of-network PPO insurance including Cigna, UMR, Aetna, and more. We also support private-pay clients and offer out-of-state placement options.
