Living with both a mental health condition and substance use disorder can feel overwhelming. Our specialized co-occurring disorder treatment addresses these simultaneously. That way, individuals can receive care that meets them exactly where they are.
As a nonprofit organization focused on behavioral health, we provide structured, compassionate, and evidence-based support through both outpatient and residential programs.
The goal of co-occurring disorder treatment is to break the cycle between substance use and emotional distress. By treating issues at the same time, rather than separately, individuals are given a real chance to stabilize, grow, and create meaningful change in their lives.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders—also referred to as dual diagnoses—occur when a person experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. These conditions can influence each other in powerful ways.
For example, someone with anxiety or depression may begin using substances to self-medicate, while substance use itself can intensify or even trigger symptoms of a mental health disorder.
Common mental health conditions that often appear alongside substance use include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Personality disorders
Each individual’s co-occurring disorders are different. Therefore, symptoms, severity, and history all play a role in how treatment should be approached. As one more way that we stand out from other alcohol and drug rehab centers in Los Angeles, we provide customized care that considers the full scope of a person’s needs.
Coordinated, Dual-Focused Treatment Plans
Treating co-occurring disorders requires more than addressing each condition separately. At Canon Human Services, clients receive a fully integrated treatment plan that is designed to address both substance use and mental health symptoms in a coordinated, connected way.
Following an intake and clinical assessment, each individual is paired with a care team that works collaboratively to provide the right blend of therapeutic services. As a result, depending on the program setting—residential or outpatient—treatment may include:
- Clinical evaluations and ongoing monitoring
- Medication support when appropriate
- One-on-one counseling
- Group therapy with a dual-diagnosis focus
- Trauma-informed care
- Education around mental health and substance use
- Case management and support referrals
By bringing all aspects of care together under one plan, we provide clients with a more supportive, stable, and effective path toward recovery.
Therapeutic Approaches That Support Dual Recovery
The therapeutic interventions used in co-occurring disorder treatment are chosen for their proven success in addressing both mental health and addiction. Therefore, our staff use a person-centered approach, allowing clients to actively participate in the development and progress of their treatment plan.
Key therapies and approaches may include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals recognize and challenge harmful patterns in thought and behavior. It is especially effective in treating conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance use by promoting practical coping strategies and encouraging healthier ways of thinking.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT combines cognitive strategies with mindfulness and emotional regulation skills. Thus, it is often helpful for clients who experience intense emotions, mood swings, or difficulty managing relationships.
Trauma-Informed Counseling
Many individuals with co-occurring disorders have histories of trauma. A trauma-informed approach ensures that therapy is delivered with sensitivity to those experiences, avoiding re-traumatization and creating an emotionally safe environment.
Psychoeducation
Education empowers clients to better understand their diagnoses and the ways in which their conditions interact. Sessions may explore topics such as brain chemistry, the effects of substances, and emotional regulation tools.
Medication and Psychiatric Support
For some individuals, psychiatric medication may be a key part of the recovery process. Canon Human Services provides access to psychiatric evaluations and medication management when appropriate. These services are carefully coordinated with other aspects of care to ensure consistency and support.
Medication is never a standalone solution. Instead, it is integrated into a broader plan that includes counseling, skill-building, and wellness strategies. The use of medication is always individualized and monitored closely to support stability and reduce risk of side effects.
Building Emotional Resilience and Coping Strategies
Managing co-occurring disorders often requires learning new tools for emotional self-care. Through individual and group counseling, clients practice techniques for identifying emotions, calming their nervous system, and staying present.
Stress and emotional triggers can increase the risk of relapse, which is why emotional resilience is a major focus in the treatment process. Clients are supported in learning to manage challenges they may encounter.
Learning how to respond to experiences with stability rather than substance use is critical for long-term recovery.
Supportive Group Therapy for Co-Occurring Disorders
Group therapy offers a powerful opportunity for individuals with co-occurring disorders to share their experiences, reduce isolation, and receive encouragement from others. Canon Human Services offers groups that are specifically designed for clients managing both substance use and mental health issues.
Group participation helps normalize the experience of dual diagnoses and allows clients to feel seen and heard by others on a similar path.
Addressing Barriers to Treatment and Long-Term Stability
People with co-occurring disorders often face barriers that go beyond clinical symptoms. Therefore, housing insecurity, unemployment, legal issues, and family conflict are all common stressors that can hinder progress.
Canon Human Services offers case management to help address these broader challenges.
This whole-person approach reflects Canon’s belief that effective treatment requires support in every area of life—not just symptom reduction. Many transition from our co-occurring treatment through our aftercare programs.
Customized Care Across Program Settings
Canon Human Services offers both outpatient and residential treatment options for individuals with co-occurring disorders. Each setting is designed to provide structure, support, and a pathway to wellness based on a client’s needs.
In residential care only for adult males, clients live onsite in a stable, therapeutic environment while engaging in intensive programming. This option is ideal for adult men whose symptoms require close monitoring or who need a break from high-risk situations.
Outpatient services allow individuals to receive care while continuing to meet work, school, or family obligations. Clients in outpatient programs attend therapy and support sessions on a structured schedule, with flexibility built into their treatment.
Both programs maintain the same high standards of care and coordination, with treatment plans that evolve as clients progress.
Long-Term Planning and Relapse Prevention
Managing co-occurring disorders is not a short-term process. Canon Human Services supports clients in building a strong foundation for continued growth beyond their time in treatment.
Each individual develops a relapse prevention and aftercare plan in collaboration with the clinical team.
Having a clear roadmap helps clients feel empowered and prepared as they transition back into their everyday environments.
Getting Started with Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
Canon Human Services is committed to providing a treatment environment that upholds dignity and inclusion. Clients from all walks of life are welcomed and supported without stigma. The organization is equipped to serve people with a wide range of cultural backgrounds, gender identities, and lived experiences.
Whether you come to us for court ordered rehab or for any other reasons, we can help.
Staff are trained to provide nonjudgmental, affirming care that centers on each person’s strengths and capacity for recovery. Whether someone is navigating a long-standing diagnosis or newly confronting mental health and addiction challenges, they will find compassion and guidance here.
Recovery is possible, even when mental health and substance use challenges are deeply intertwined. Canon Human Services provides a clear, supportive path forward through integrated co-occurring disorder treatment.
Whether you are seeking care for yourself or someone you care about, the first step is reaching out. Our team is ready to listen, answer questions, and guide you through the intake process with care and respect. Help is available, and you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out for a free consultation today.