St. Christopher’s provides additional therapeutic support, intervention, and counseling for clients who have mental health diagnoses, symptoms, or unresolved issues in addition to the chemical dependency. Because the symptoms of active addiction can mimic those of other mental health conditions (e.g., sleep disturbance, hopelessness, cognitive distortion, mood disturbance, acute anxiety, etc.) each client and his or her case at St. Christopher’s is continually assessed and monitored by addictionologists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers. Typical diagnoses that Dual Diagnosis clients enter residential treatment with are Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, etc. Clients with other mental health issues can be treated at St. Christopher’s based on their level of stability and ability to function with-in a group setting.

St. Christopher’s takes an integrative approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment viewing these services as part of the treatment continuum instead of as a completely separate entity within the program. As such, all clients in our treatment programs receive intensive and specialized therapies from Master’s Level clinicians in addition to the chemical dependency treatment.  This approach speaks to the fact that most chemically dependent client’s have severe levels of unresolved underlying issues. Additional Dual Diagnosis services are reserved for clients whose symptoms limit their response and chance of success in the regular program or have been diagnosed with a mental health illness.

Clients can enter into the Dual Diagnosis program upon admission at the family or client’s request or these services may be recommended by the clinical team during the course of treatment based on the ongoing assessment.

The Dual Diagnosis Program is available at additional charge and provides the following clinical/medical services:

• Evaluation and follow-up with a licensed addictionologist and/or psychiatrist
• Additional Weekly Individual Therapy with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Additional Group Therapy (if appropriate)
• Specialized therapies for trauma including a history of child abuse (sexual or physical), eating disorders, sexual addictions, gambling problems, personality disorders, family of origin issues, etc.
• Weekly skills training
• Medication Management
• Increased staff consultation
• Increased Family Contact
• Medication Management
• Crisis Intervention
• Psychological Testing (additional cost)

Confidentiality Statement - As per Federal Confidentiality Regulations: all records, information and communications shall remain strictly confidential, except under the following circumstances: 1.) To authorized medical personnel, if a medical emergency exists, 2.) If the individual is a danger to themselves or others, 3.) Suspected instances of child abuse or neglect may exists, 4.) The individual or responsible party signs a release of information. Any violation of Federal Confidentiality Law and Regulations may be reported to the United States Attorney for the Judicial District in which the violation occurs.