Do you often find yourself grappling with the feeling that your pain goes unnoticed and misunderstood by others? Do you feel you are solely navigating the treacherous waters of life's overwhelming challenges?
If so, know that you are not alone. In Lexington, Kentucky, tens of thousands of adults manage similar circumstances. Over 746,000 adults in Kentucky have a mental health condition, and up to 50% of those with substance use disorders have a dual diagnosis.
The road to recovery can seem daunting, but counseling is an essential lifeline to help you find your way. At Altruism Counseling, we understand the complexities of dual diagnosis and offer counseling to help you navigate the challenges ahead.
Our mission is to provide empathy and compassion,meeting the client at their current stage in the cycle of addiction. Whether you are dealing with substance addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, or poly-substance use disorder, our team is here to help you achieve your goals and enjoy a healthier, happier life.
At Altruism Counseling, our services extend beyond traditional substance-use-focused programs to offer patients individualized care and support. We are proud to offer a wide range of evidence-based recovery services that are tailored to meet the individual needs of our patients.
Our outpatient therapy program (OT) is designed to provide clients with ongoing support for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) is an alternative to inpatient treatment and instead provides support to individuals while they are living in the community.
We recognize that some patients require medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to manage their symptoms effectively. We partner with our psychiatrists to offer options like Suboxone, Subutex, and Vivitrol to help our patients with addiction and substance misuse.
Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, affects a significant number of adults in the United States. According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health by SAMHSA in 2021, approximately 9.2 million adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. This complicated situation involves juggling the difficulties of mental health and substance use problems at the same time.
Therapy involving mental health counseling and dual diagnosis therapies offers a personalized and interactive journey that can significantly improve emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Addressing the complexities of the human mind has the potential to promote lasting positive change.
The two conditions are closely intertwined, each affecting the severity and progression of the other. Contrary to popular belief, dual diagnosis is a common occurrence that affects people regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.
Although the specific combination of mental and substance use disorders can vary widely among individuals, the most commonly reported mental illnesses in dual diagnosis cases include bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, depression, and addiction. Substance use disorders can involve a wide range of drugs, including but not limited to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, prescription painkillers, and stimulants.
The consequences of dual diagnosis can be severe and far-reaching, affecting all areas of a person's life, including their physical health, relationships, jobs, education, and overall quality of life. During the assessment process we will take into account a client’s mental health and substance use issues and recommend treatment accordingly. With the right treatment, those dealing with a dual diagnosis can improve their symptoms and boost their ability to handle stress and overcome challenges.
Counseling for Dual Diagnosis can provide a holistic approach to treating dual diagnosis, offering effective coping mechanisms and insights into thought processes and behaviors. In addition to managing symptoms, counseling for dual diagnosis aims to empower individuals to take control of their lives.
Through cognitive-behavioral therapies, individuals are taught new and effective ways of managing their mental health and substance use, such as the development of positive coping mechanisms and stress management strategies. This type of therapy involves creating a solid therapeutic relationship. In these relationships, patients can feel safe to open up and discuss their struggles.
Engaging in open conversation and sharing thoughts can have a profound therapeutic effect. It provides individuals with an environment where they can freely express their emotions and feelings, untouched by judgment or retaliation. Such a space allows for personal growth, healing, and connection. Moreover, counseling for dual diagnosis provides an opportunity to develop resilience. Resilience refers to an individual's ability to face adversity and navigate challenges with a positive and growth-oriented mindset.
Working with a knowledgeable therapist can show you how to identify and confront negative thoughts that contribute to your symptoms. They also guide you in establishing healthy habits and routines for long-term recovery.
During a counseling session, the counselor and client engage in a collaborative process to identify and address mental health concerns. This process typically begins with an initial session, during which the counselor gathers relevant information about the client's background, current situation, and behavioral health symptoms. This information provides the foundation for subsequent sessions, during which the client and counselor work together to develop strategies to manage the client's mental health conditions.
During therapy sessions, it is essential to focus on goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The counselor and client collaborate to develop a treatment plan that outlines the steps for achieving these goals. The method may encompass a range of strategies, including therapy, medication, and other interventions as deemed necessary.
