Treatment Options for Individuals with Dual Diagnosis

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion on integrated treatment as a modality for dually diagnosed clients and effectiveness. The popularity of integrated treatment has grown as clinicians are becoming aware of the need for mental health and substance abuse services combined. Forms of integrated treatment range from individual psychotherapy to family therapy to residential treatment using contingency management. The advantage to integrated treatment is that it includes a focus on long-term solutions. In general, due to a lack of qualified professionals, the implementation of integrated treatment is not feasible.

KEYWORDS:

• Dual diagnosis
• substance abuse
• mental health
• co-morbidity
• integrated treatment