Our Programs
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Substance Use & Mental Health Together
When addiction and mental health struggles happen together, they need treatment together. Diamond's intensive outpatient program treats both conditions at the same time, with psychiatric support coordinated through qualified providers.
Clinically reviewed by Marsha Tipelin, LCSW, LCADC
Verify Insurance Call (732) 248-1805
What is Dual Diagnosis? When Mental Health & Addiction Co-Occur
When a person struggles with both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, it's called dual diagnosis. These conditions fuel each other:
- Mental health drives substance use — people use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Substance use worsens mental health — addiction creates or intensifies depression, anxiety, and emotional instability
Solution: Diamond treats both conditions at the same time.
Why Treat Both Conditions Together?
When you work with one care team that understands your full picture, treatment is coordinated and nothing falls through the cracks.
One Care Team
Your clinicians understand your full picture — addiction history, mental health symptoms, medications, and goals.
Medication Management
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management are available to Diamond clients through our collaborating psychiatric nurse practitioner. Diamond Counseling Center does not provide medication assisted treatment or medication services itself; when medication is clinically indicated, we coordinate a referral and share information only with your written consent.
Group Therapy with Peers
Connect with others who understand both sides of dual diagnosis — the addiction and the mental health challenges.
Lower Relapse Risk
By treating root causes alongside substance use, integrated care reduces the risk of relapse compared to addiction-only treatment.
How Diamond's IOP Treats Dual Diagnosis
1
Psychiatric & Addiction Assessment
We begin with a comprehensive assessment covering your substance use history, mental health symptoms, current medications, trauma history, and family background. This helps us understand the full picture and build the right treatment plan.
2
Group & Individual Therapy
Evening IOP meets Monday through Wednesday, three hours each evening; Morning IOP meets Monday through Thursday, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with attendance based on the treatment plan. Group sessions include 6–10 peers who share similar challenges. Individual therapy sessions happen once per week for personalized focus on your specific needs and goals.
3
Evidence-Based Approaches
Our clinicians use proven therapeutic methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and family therapy — all adapted for co-occurring disorders.
Common Combinations We Treat
Depression & Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant that temporarily numbs emotional pain but ultimately worsens depression. Many people drink to escape low moods, creating a cycle that deepens both conditions.
Anxiety & Stimulants
Stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines can trigger or intensify anxiety disorders. Some people use stimulants to power through anxiety-driven avoidance, but the crash makes anxiety worse.
PTSD & Opioid Addiction
Opioids numb both physical and emotional pain, making them especially appealing for trauma survivors. Treatment must address the underlying trauma to prevent relapse.
Bipolar Disorder & Substance Use
People with bipolar disorder may use substances during manic phases (stimulants, alcohol) or depressive phases (alcohol, opioids). Mood stabilization is essential for recovery.
Anxiety Disorder & Cannabis Use Disorder
Cannabis is often used to "take the edge off" anxiety, but regular use can increase baseline anxiety levels and create dependence. Breaking this cycle requires addressing both the anxiety and the cannabis use together.
Day & Evening IOP for Dual Diagnosis
Our IOP runs in day and evening tracks. Evening IOP is a hybrid program based at our North Brunswick office, Monday in person and Tuesday and Wednesday virtual, 6:00 to 9:00 PM — built for people who work full-time. IOP is typically 12 weeks, with length based on clinical need, in person or virtually for New Jersey residents (weekly in-person visit for urine screening). If you're stepping down from detox or residential treatment, we can pick up your care from there.
Insurance & Payment Options
In-Network Commercial
Government Plans
- NJ Medicaid
Self-Pay
Evaluations within 3 business days; admissions within 1 week.
Get Started: Schedule Your Assessment
1
Contact Us
Call (732) 248-1805 or fill out our contact form
2
Assessment
Schedule your evaluation: evaluations within 3 business days
3
Treatment Plan
Clinical team presents your personalized treatment plan
4
Start IOP
Begin treatment within days of your assessment
Insurance & Coverage
In Network with Aetna, UnitedHealthcare & Horizon BCBS — Check Your Coverage Free
Tell us your plan and we'll check what it covers. During business hours, benefits are generally verified the same business day, with no paperwork for you.
In-Network Coverage
Diamond Counseling Center is in network with Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, accepts most NJ Medicaid plans, and offers private pay options. Call (732) 248-1805 for details.
Fast Benefits Check
Call during business hours and we generally verify your benefits the same business day.
Zero Pressure
No obligation, just honest answers about your coverage
Prefer to talk to someone right now?
Verify Your Benefits
Free & confidential — takes less than 2 minutes
HIPAA Protected 100% Confidential No Obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have dual diagnosis?
If you're struggling with both substance use AND ongoing mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, or trauma, you may have a dual diagnosis. Many people use alcohol or drugs to cope with mental health issues, and substance use often makes mental health worse. An evaluation can determine if you have co-occurring conditions.
Do I need a psychiatrist or can a counselor treat me?
Both. Your counselor provides therapy to address the underlying issues driving both conditions. Psychiatric services are available through our collaborating psychiatric APN. You get comprehensive care without having to coordinate multiple providers yourself.
Does dual diagnosis treatment take longer?
No. IOP is typically 12 weeks, with length based on clinical need, addressing both conditions simultaneously.
Can I do evening IOP for dual diagnosis?
Yes. Our evening IOP meets Monday–Wednesday, 6–9 PM, designed for working adults. Monday is in-person at our North Brunswick office; Tuesday and Wednesday are virtual.
Is dual diagnosis treatment covered by insurance?
Yes. We're in-network with Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Horizon BCBS. We also accept most NJ Medicaid plans. We'll verify your coverage for free before you start.
Do I need two separate programs for addiction and mental health?
No. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both in one program with one care team. At Diamond, co-occurring depression, anxiety, or trauma are treated within your IOP or outpatient plan—you don't need to coordinate two providers yourself.
What co-occurring conditions do you work with?
Depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, bipolar disorder, grief, and major life stressors alongside drug or alcohol use. Call us to talk about your specific situation.
Do you prescribe medication or offer medication assisted treatment?
Diamond Counseling Center does not provide medication assisted treatment or medication services itself; when medication is clinically indicated, we coordinate a referral and share information only with your written consent. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management are available to Diamond clients through our collaborating psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Will I have to find my own psychiatrist?
No. Psychiatric services are available through our collaborating psychiatric APN. Diamond Counseling Center does not provide medication assisted treatment or medication services itself; when medication is clinically indicated, we coordinate a referral and share information only with your written consent.
Get Started: Schedule Your Assessment
1
Call or Contact Us
Call (732) 248-1805 or fill out our contact form
2
Schedule Assessment
Evaluations within 3 business days
3
Review Treatment Plan
Clinical team presents your personalized plan
4
Start IOP
Begin treatment within days
Take the First Step
Admissions: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM. Call us or submit the form — benefits verified the same business day.
Learn About Admissions Call (732) 248-1805
Questions? Contact us