Address mental health and substance use together. Our integrated program combines counseling, addiction support, and family therapy to help you regain balance and lasting recovery.
Lexington Dual Diagnosis Counseling
When addiction and mental health challenges overlap, our dual diagnosis treatment in Kentucky helps you heal both - together.
Get Help Today!
Dealing with both addiction and mental health at the same time can feel like nothing improves for long. You work on one issue, and the other gets worse. At Altruism Counseling Services, our dual diagnosis treatment Lexington KY program is made for people facing both. Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder can make addiction harder to manage. Substance use can also make mental health symptoms worse. Our experienced dual diagnosis therapist team treats both together, because they are connected. If you have tried to stop using but still feel overwhelmed or you have been in therapy but still rely on substances to cope, we are here to help you. We offer real, focused care that respects your experience. Reach out to today and start living a happier life!
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual diagnosis means you are dealing with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. These two issues often affect each other. That’s why it’s important to treat them together, not separately.
Our dual diagnosis treatment Lexington KY program helps people who live with conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or personality disorders and also need drug and alcohol rehab in KY to address substance use issues. If you are managing both, you may already know how hard it is to get better when only one side is being treated.
We use the word treatment because this goes beyond basic talk therapy. Dual diagnosis care often includes mental health counseling, addiction support, and sometimes medication. The goal is to help you gain control of both your mental health and your substance use.
There’s no single way to treat dual diagnosis. Your plan will depend on what you are going through and what kind of support helps you most. Some people need individual therapy, others benefit from IOP or integrated drug rehab as part of their treatment. That’s why we start with a full assessment and keep your care flexible.
Meet Our Dual Diagnosis Therapists
Our clinical team includes licensed and certified professionals with years of experience treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Each dual diagnosis therapist brings a practical and compassionate approach to care. Meet our team:
- Dede Stratton, LCSW, LCADC – Dede is the founder of Altruism Counseling Services. She has over a decade of experience in addiction and mental health care, along with 11 years of personal recovery. Her work is shaped by both professional training and lived experience.
- Emily Hixon, CADC – Emily has over 24 years in substance use counseling, with motivational interviewing and recovery education. She has served in clinical roles in both Kentucky and California.
- Ray Fletcher, MS – Ray is a certified Targeted Case Manager with a background in criminal justice and over 10 years in the counseling field. He helps clients access community resources and supports holistic recovery.
- Krissy Mitchell, CSW – Krissy is a therapist who provides trauma-informed care using CBT, motivational interviewing, and IOP models. She works closely with individuals in recovery and focuses on helping clients build real, lasting change.
Our dual diagnosis therapist team offers individual therapy sessions as part of your dual diagnosis treatment in Kentucky.
How Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Lexington KY Program Works
Our dual diagnosis treatment Lexington KY program is built to treat both mental health and substance use disorders at the same time. We tailor each person’s care based on their needs, symptoms, and goals.
We begin with a full clinical evaluation. This includes your mental health history, substance use, trauma background, stress levels, and medical needs. The goal of our psychological assessment is to understand what’s happening in your life and create a plan that fits your situation.
Once a dual diagnosis therapist at our center understand your needs, we match you with the right kind of care. Most people begin with regular therapy sessions focused on coping skills, symptom management, and behavior change. We use evidence-based methods like CBT in Kentucky (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed therapy.
Medication may also be part of your plan. Our team offers Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) options, such as Suboxone, Subutex, and Vivitrol. These medications can reduce cravings and help stabilize your mood. If they’re right for you, they’ll be part of your full treatment plan—not separate from your therapy.
We offer both standard outpatient therapy and a more structured Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). You and your therapist will decide what level of care fits your situation.
- Outpatient therapy: Ideal if you need weekly or biweekly support while maintaining work, school, or home responsibilities.
- Intensive outpatient program: Best for individuals who need more structure without inpatient care. It includes multiple sessions per week and added support.
Both options are available with evening scheduling at our dual diagnosis treatment Lexington KY center.
Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Lexington, KY at Altruism?
You have options when it comes to treatment—but not all programs are built the same. Our dual diagnosis treatment Lexington KY program is designed to be personal, professional, and easy to access. We combine licensed care with real understanding of what recovery requires. At Altruism Counseling Services, we offer you:
- Convenient downtown location – We’re located at 271 W Short St in downtown Lexington, close to public transportation and walkable for many clients.
- Evening and weekend appointments – We understand that life doesn’t stop for treatment. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling for people who work or care for family during the day.
- Certified professionals with real experience – Our team includes licensed therapists and case managers who specialize in dual diagnosis. Several team members also have personal experience with recovery, adding depth to their care.
- Whole-person treatment – We look at everything—mental health, substance use, relationships, daily stress—and build care around all of it. You don’t have to keep parts of your life separate when you’re here.
- Support beyond therapy – We can connect you with housing and community support, including referrals to a women sober living home if needed during or after treatment.
Whether you’re just starting to look for help or returning to treatment after a setback, we offer care that respects where you are now—and helps you get where you want to go.
What to Expect in Counseling Sessions
When you start dual diagnosis treatment, it is normal to feel unsure about what counseling will be like. We keep things clear, structured, and focused on what matters most: helping you feel better and stay on track.
In your first session, your dual diagnosis therapist will ask about your mental health, substance use, daily life, and any specific goals you may have. This conversation sets the foundation for your addiction treatment in Lexington KY. We set practical goals and create a plan that fits your needs. Every session after that builds on what you’ve shared. You and your therapist will work on:
- Understanding how mental health and substance use affect each other
- Learning ways to manage stress, triggers, and cravings
- Building structure in your day-to-day life
- Making decisions that support long-term recovery
At our dual diagnosis treatment Lexington KY center, we use evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care. Many clients come to us after trying other programs or seeing therapists who didn’t understand both sides of their experience. We take that seriously and make sure you get the support you didn’t receive before.
Sessions with a dual diagnosis therapist at our center are always private and judgment-free. Whether you’re meeting once a week or attending several times a week through IOP, your care is personalized and consistent.
We also help connect you to other services when needed. If part of your recovery involves housing, legal issues, family relationships, or returning to work, we can support that too. We will walk you through every step so you know what to expect and how to move forward.
Insurance & Payment Options
As a Kentucky rehab provider, we proudly accept Medicaid and major commercial insurance providers to ensure accessible care:
Medicaid:
Commercial Insurance:
How Common Is Dual Diagnosis in Kentucky?
Mental health and substance use disorders are widespread and often connected. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) report from 2021, approximately 746,000 adults in Kentucky live with a mental health condition. That’s a significant portion of the population, and many are also affected by addiction.
National data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that about 50% of people with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental illness. This overlap is known as a dual diagnosis.
These numbers make it clear: if you’re struggling with both mental health and substance use, seek support from our dual diagnosis treatment Lexington KY center and get help designed specifically for what you’re facing.
Heal the Mental and the Physical Together
When you’re facing both mental health struggles and substance use, you deserve care that understands both. Our dual diagnosis treatment Lexington KY program is here to give you effective support and tools. You will work with an experienced dual diagnosis therapist who listens, takes your challenges seriously, and helps you build something stronger. Reach out today! We will help you feel better, think more clearly, and take control of your life.
FAQ – Common Questions & Clear Answers
What is dual diagnosis treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment is care designed for people who live with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. Since these issues often affect each other, treatment addresses both together—through counseling, addiction support, and sometimes medication.
How do I know if I need dual diagnosis treatment in Lexington KY?
If you’ve tried therapy but still rely on substances to cope—or if you’ve gone through rehab but continue to struggle with mental health symptoms—you may need dual diagnosis treatment. It’s especially helpful for conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder combined with drug or alcohol use.
What can I expect during counseling sessions?
In your first session, your dual diagnosis therapist will learn about your mental health, substance use, and goals. Together, you’ll create a personalized plan. Ongoing sessions focus on managing triggers and cravings, reducing stress, improving daily structure, and building long-term recovery skills.
Does dual diagnosis treatment include family support?
Yes. Because addiction and mental illness affect loved ones too, family therapy may be recommended. It helps improve relationships, reduce conflict, and create stronger support systems for recovery.
Client Success Stories
This program has been very helpful and informative. It also keeps me grounded when I listen to my instructor. Helping others is what this program is all about and that is what our primary purpose is. I would recommend this program to anyone who has the desire to stay sober
I really liked the classes at Altruism Counseling. She makes it very easy to do your assessment and then the classes are really good. You can do them on Zoom or go in person. The help you get from sharing with other people that have the same experience is amazing. I came out of those classes wanting to stay sober and do the right thing. Her class has helped to give you the tools to try and stay sober. I just really had an overall wonderful experience. Thanks.
Dede and her associates and teachers were amazing. The class really opened my eyes in life and gave me a new perspective. It was great sharing experiences and the class alone was touching. I highly recommend this service for future clients.
This is an amazing program…learned so much and had so much support ..highly recommend Altruism !!!
Great class and flexibility. Fantastic atmosphere.I highly recommend.
Previous
Next