You Don’t Have to Choose Between Mental Health and Addiction Support
For many people seeking treatment, addiction isn’t the only challenge they face. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions often go hand-in-hand with substance use. This is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. At SummitHelps in New Jersey, we offer integrated outpatient treatment that addresses both substance use and mental health at the same time—because lasting recovery depends on healing the whole person.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis occurs when someone has both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition. These conditions interact and often fuel each other. For example:
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Someone with anxiety might drink or use drugs to cope with panic attacks.
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A person with depression might struggle to stay motivated in early recovery.
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Trauma survivors may turn to substances to numb emotional pain.
If one condition is treated while the other is ignored, the risk of relapse or continued emotional distress increases. That’s why dual diagnosis treatment is essential—and it’s a core part of SummitHelps’ outpatient model.
Signs You May Need Integrated Treatment
If you’re unsure whether dual diagnosis care is right for you, here are some signs:
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You’ve experienced mental health symptoms like sadness, mood swings, panic, or trauma
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You’ve used drugs or alcohol to manage emotional pain, sleep issues, or stress
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You’ve tried addiction treatment before but struggled due to untreated mental health issues
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You’ve been diagnosed with a condition like ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
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Your substance use worsens your emotional state or vice versa
At SummitHelps, we start with a thorough clinical assessment to understand your full picture and create a treatment plan that addresses both diagnoses from day one.
How SummitHelps Treats Co-Occurring Disorders in Outpatient Care
Our outpatient programs across New Jersey are designed with flexibility and comprehensive support in mind. Whether you’re enrolled in our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or standard outpatient therapy, your treatment may include:
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Integrated Individual Therapy: Sessions with licensed clinicians trained in treating both mental health and addiction
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Group Counseling: Focused on emotional regulation, relapse prevention, trauma resilience, and peer support
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Medication Management: Psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication oversight when appropriate
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps clients identify and shift thought patterns that fuel substance use and emotional distress
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Trauma-Informed Care: Many clients benefit from a therapeutic approach that understands the link between trauma and addiction
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Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Evidence-based practices that promote emotional stability and reduce impulsivity
Clients don’t have to bounce between separate therapists or facilities—we bring the full spectrum of care into one outpatient experience.
The Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient care allows clients to begin healing in their home environment while receiving comprehensive support. This is especially important for those with co-occurring disorders, who benefit from:
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Consistent, integrated care that treats the full picture
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Flexibility to maintain work, school, or family obligations
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Real-world application of coping skills in daily life
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Reduced stigma, as mental health and addiction are treated together without judgment
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Long-term sustainability, with personalized treatment plans and aftercare resources
You’re Not Broken—You’re Complex. And You Deserve Whole-Person Care.
At SummitHelps, we believe you shouldn’t have to fight two battles on separate fronts. Whether you’re managing depression and alcohol use, trauma and opioids, or anxiety and cannabis, you deserve care that understands how all the pieces fit together.
Contact SummitHelps today to learn how our outpatient dual diagnosis programs in New Jersey can help you find balance, clarity, and a sustainable path forward in recovery.
