The Top Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in Connecticut (2022)

High Watch Recovery Center’s dual diagnosis treatment for mental health disorders and co-occurring substance use disorders is based on a foundation of 12-step principles, combined with a variety of other therapies and services to give clients comprehensive and well-rounded programs. Each treatment service is customized to meet the client’s specific needs and recovery goals. Some of the available options include individual therapy, group therapy, 12-step meetings, equine therapy, biological interventions, continuing care planning, and various interventions. High Watch Recovery Center also offers online therapies and treatment services to make sure that clients are comfortable.

New Era has two different locations in Connecticut, both offer person-centric treatment planning and access to addiction specialists and medical professionals who work with each client during every step of the recovery process. Their treatment options are primarily group-focused, allowing clients to work with their peers in developing coping skills, sharing stories, and making sure that each individual follows through with their program. Clients will participate in several different groups each day to discuss topics like early recovery skills, 12-step ideals, anger management, and relapse prevention. Some of the other available drug treatment and mental health services available include medication assistance through the use of methadone, coping skill development, and individual therapy.

Wheeler Clinic is a general healthcare facility that also offers addiction recovery services. The Hartford location works with clients of all ages, providing services that address drug addiction, alcohol treatment, and mental health issues. Their programs include individual and group therapies, family therapy, medication management, various evaluations, medication-assisted treatment, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and pain management services if needed. Clients will work with their specific treatment team to decide which programs will be most effective, and continuous monitoring will help decide if they remain effective or need to be adjusted. Clients may also have access to case management, nutritional guidance, and peer support services in the community. Medication assistance options that minimize withdrawal symptoms include prescriptions for buprenorphine or Vivitrol.

APT Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that provides highly individualized treatment programs to men and women with co-occurring disorders that need immediate assistance. Members of each treatment team consider any mental health disorders and substance use disorders present, as well as the client’s gender, age, and culture when deciding what the most effective plan is. Programs are typically composed of evidence-based therapies such as motivational enhancement therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and trauma-informed care. Clients may also participate in group therapy, individual therapy, medication assistance, and vocational services. The main model of treatment here is called the Open Access Model in which patients are able to receive an assessment and same-day treatment services, regardless of their ability to pay for those services at the time.

The VA Healthcare Systems of Connecticut provides mental health and co-occurring substance abuse treatment specifically to veterans who may be suffering from any number of conditions. All available services are trauma-informed, such as individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, education, housing assistance, vocational rehabilitation, community support, nutritional guidance, and suicide prevention programs. This rehab program focuses first on stabilizing their clients, especially those struggling with trauma, before other services are made available. The VA clinic has specific resources for helping veterans struggling with homelessness, and there are programs designed to address the needs of women and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Perception Programs is a dual diagnosis treatment center that works with men and women over the ages of 18 dealing with drug abuse and in need of help. Treatment includes individual, group, and family therapy along with medication assistance, art therapy, auricular acupuncture, meditation, mindfulness, trauma therapy, movement therapy, and animal therapy depending on the clients’ needs, goals, and interests. Through these more holistic options, clients are able to focus on their overall wellness as the entire person is treated. Perception Programs accepts most health insurance plans as well as Medicaid, Medicare, TriCare, and self-pay based on sliding fees. All services available at this location are bilingual, increasing access to care for Spanish speakers.

Community Health Resources is a nonprofit facility that provides substance abuse treatment programs, housing assistance, family wellness, and specific programs that are able to help veterans struggling with co-occurring PTSD. Their substance use programs are available to clients of all ages and offer flexible outpatient or inpatient treatments that include crisis prevention, interventions, medication-assisted treatment, individual therapy, group support, family counseling, and medication management. In these services, clients will learn various skills and coping mechanisms as they work with their peers throughout the entirety of the recovery program. Other available services include trauma-focused CBT, community reinforcement, and assertive community treatment.

Outpatient substance abuse and co-occurring mental illness services at BHCare include individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, dialectical behavior therapy skills training, and symptom management. Because they are dedicated to treating the client as a whole, overall wellness services, case management, housing services, employment services, jail diversion or legal help, supportive housing, and care coordination are also available. Not only are clients treated for their presenting conditions at BHCare Shoreline, but they are given access to tools that help get them back on their feet and provide life skills for after their program has ended.

Along with individual, group, and family therapy, Stonington Institute offers cognitive processing therapy, EMDR, art therapy, martial arts, yoga, nutrition, music therapy, and experiential learning opportunities like vocational education and spirituality. Some clients may choose to participate in anger management and other psychoeducation groups, relapse prevention, nutrition counseling, trigger management, or 12-Step work. At Stonington Institute, treatment teams work with their clients to help promote long-term abstinence, educate both them and their loved ones about substance abuse, help treat symptoms of withdrawal or co-occurring mental illnesses, and help clients meet their goals and learn skills and coping strategies that promote independent living once their program is complete.

Children’s Center of Hamden works with kids and teens ages 12-18 through a variety of culturally-inclusive services. Because this treatment facility works with younger individuals, family programs are extremely important since they allow the client’s loved ones to learn about addiction and develop their own coping methods for addressing these problems within the home. Outpatient treatment involves individual therapy sessions, family therapy, and medication management. They also offer SMART Recovery meetings as adjunct support, as well as recreational therapies, psychiatric evaluations, community-based programs, a sensory room, education, and more. Treatment plans are highly individualized based on the specific needs and goals that need to be met.

Silverhill Hospital is a not-for-profit psychiatric hospital that addresses dual diagnosis conditions in adults and adolescents. This facility also provides specific programs for executives and professionals who might need to fit recovery into their busy schedules. Along with cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, Silverhill Hospital utilizes a combination of acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive remediation, electroconvulsive therapy, motivational interviewing, nutrition counseling, skills training, acupuncture, acupressure, craniosacral massage, massage, mat pilates, mindfulness meditation, tai chi, and yoga. Other options can include art therapy, drumming, writing, and journaling. Clients are offered so many different options because Silverhill clinicians recognize that no two individuals are the same and most people they treat will require different services.

Treatment at Blue Sky goes beyond just treating for symptoms of substance abuse or mental health disorders. Clients work closely with their clinicians to determine what therapies and supplemental or holistic services will be most effective, and plans are constantly monitored and changed depending on their effectiveness. Treatment through Blue Sky Behavioral Health includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction, 12-step programs, exposure-response therapy, DBT, CBT, rational emotive behavior therapy, seeking safety therapy, recovery-oriented therapy, expressive therapy, and trauma therapy. Blue Sky accepts some health insurance plans, but other financial options may also be available depending on the client’s financial situation.

Waterbury Hospital is a drug and alcohol rehab facility that provides Connecticut residents with comprehensive programs that address the entire person as a whole. Beginning with an evaluation, clients will work with their team of medical professionals and addiction specialists to plan their treatment program. They will be able to choose from a list of treatment options including specialized group therapies, DBT, coping skills, emotion regulation, medication management, individual, family, and couples therapy, and symptom management. Other therapies might be available depending on the client’s needs.