Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Malibu, California

Dual Diagnosis 2 Face Woman

Welcome to Serenity Malibu Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center, nestled in the heart of California. At our state-of-the-art facility, experienced doctors, psychologists, and clinical staff collaborate to treat both addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders with expertise, compassion, and discretion. We offer individualized, holistic treatment plans that address the unique needs of every client, supporting their path to lasting recovery.

Dual diagnosis—when mental health issues and substance use disorders occur together—is complex but treatable. At Serenity Malibu, we understand how these conditions feed into one another. Many individuals turn to substances to escape emotional pain, stress, anxiety, or trauma, unknowingly creating a cycle that worsens both conditions. Others may develop mental health challenges as a result of long-term substance abuse. In fact, an estimated 17 million people in the U.S. are living with a dual diagnosis.

Our approach ensures that both the mind and body are treated simultaneously. Through a combination of psychotherapy, counseling, medication management, group support, and complementary holistic therapies, we help patients break free from this cycle. By addressing the root causes of each individual’s challenges, we empower them to regain control over their mental health and live a life free from addiction.

At Serenity, clients find more than treatment—they find a refuge for healing. Our cutting-edge facility offers a safe, serene, and supportive environment where people from all walks of life, including professionals and executives, receive respectful, confidential care tailored to their lifestyle. Recovery is not one-size-fits-all, and every person’s journey is honored here.

Let us help you begin yours. Contact Serenity Malibu today for expert, integrated care and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

As the name implies, dual diagnosis is a condition in which a patient suffers from both mental health issues and drug or alcohol addiction at the same time. A person with dual diagnosis disorder may also have more than one mental health issue or substance abuse disorder.

A person suffering from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety often turns to drugs or alcohol as a temporary escape. However, they are unaware that it only worsens the condition. Similarly, a person addicted to any substance addiction often experiences mental health problems due to the side effects of substance abuse.

Sometimes people with unwanted negative emotions or thoughts self-medicate with alcohol or drugs to temporarily ease life. People may experience depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental health challenge as a result of substance abuse changing their brain chemistry. Often, people who struggle with mental health also struggle with their physical health, highlighting the importance of seeking comprehensive treatment at a dual diagnosis treatment center.

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What are the causes of Dual Diagnosis?

Following are some common causes:

  • Genetics: People with a family history of dual-diagnosis disorders are more likely to suffer from this disorder.
  • Environmental Factors: Trauma experiences, childhood abuse, and unfavorable environments can lead to mental illness or substance addiction.
  • Self-Medication: Some people use opioids, drugs, or alcohol to feel better mentally. This can unknowingly lead to a dual diagnosis disorder.
  • Chronic Stress: Excessive stress can also lead to both mental illness as well as substance use disorders.
  • Brain Chemistry: Imbalance in brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine can cause mental health and substance abuse problems.

Dual diagnosis treatment is complex and requires the expertise of seasoned professionals. At Serenity Malibu, we recognize the unique challenges of co-occurring disorders and provide thorough assessments followed by personalized, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs.

How to Diagnose Dual Diagnosis Disorder?

Identifying dual diagnosis can be difficult, as there are no universal symptoms and each case varies significantly. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by trained professionals who evaluate medical history, family background, mental health symptoms, and substance use patterns. This underscores the importance of seeking care at a specialized dual diagnosis treatment center, where comprehensive evaluations can lead to effective, individualized care.

Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Procedure:

  • Screening: First, professionals conduct interviews and questionnaires related which help to understand the patient’s thoughts, behaviors, and habits.
  • Comprehensive Assessment: If professionals find any evidence of mental illness or substance abuse during screening, they will perform a detailed assessment and ask more questions about a person’s medical history and family history.
  • Diagnosis: Based on the assessment, medical professionals will determine if the person is suffering from a mental disorder and substance abuse simultaneously.
  • Treatment Program: Once the disorder is identified, a treatment plan will be prepared accordingly. Our therapy programs are tailored to each patient’s needs to assist them in recovering. Our professionals help patients manage mental illnesses while treating addiction problems.
  • Monitoring: Patients are monitored by certified physicians throughout their detoxification and health recovery process. Our diverse team of licensed professionals is constantly in contact with them.

Which type of treatment or activity does Serenity offer for their patient?

Serenity treatment center for dual diagnosis offers a wide range of activities to help patients deal with deeper mental health issues and trauma, facing whatever comes up and learning how to start a path to healing and dealing with these challenges directly.

  • Medical drug detox
  • Therapy and counseling
  • Education on mental health and drug addiction
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy (facilitated meeting with family)
  • 12-step support group
  • Dialectical behavior therapy for gaining life skills
  • EMDR for treating traumatic experiences
  • Neurofeedback to combat anxiety
  • Dream analysis
  • Music therapy
  • Fitness therapy
  • Massage
  • Acupuncture
  • Cooking and nutrition workshops
  • Yoga and meditation
  • Beach and water activities
  • Art and craft or creative writing

Need help with Dual Diagnosis? Speak to our admission staff now!

Comprehensive and Inclusive Treatment for Dual Diagnosis Disorder

Individuals with a dual diagnosis must come to understand both their mental health condition and their substance dependency. Often, they have lived with symptoms for years without recognizing they had a treatable disorder.

At Serenity Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center, we offer specialized programs tailored to the complex needs of dual diagnosis patients. These include individual and group therapy, family therapy, counseling, medication management, and educational support. Group sessions provide opportunities to share experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges, which fosters insight and healing.

Family therapy is an essential component. When loved ones understand the nature of mental illness and addiction, they become stronger pillars of support. Educated families are more equipped to recognize symptoms, offer encouragement, and create a stable home environment, all of which significantly contribute to long-term recovery.

Regular psychotherapy is crucial for managing co-occurring disorders. Our experienced therapists are trained to help patients address both aspects of their diagnosis, offering the tools needed for sustainable change. Through a carefully guided therapeutic process, individuals can begin to heal and regain control over their lives, moving forward with clarity and resilience.

Why Consider Serenity Malibu for Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Serenity Malibu provides inpatient care for dual-diagnosis patients where the highly trained medical staff cares for everything they need and want. As soon as a patient enters the treatment center, a full medical examination is conducted on them. Board-certified physicians will monitor the patient’s detoxification and health throughout the stay. To improve patients’ health, we also include exercise and physical activities as part of the treatment plan.

Serenity Malibu is one of the most popular treatment centers for dual diagnosis because we include acupuncture, cooking and nutrition workshops, fitness therapy, beach and water activities, massages, yoga and many other extra activities which help a lot to patients’ recovery.

Serenity Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

We consider our center as one of the best dual diagnosis treatment center because our program was developed by world-renowned professionals to offer our patients a life without substance addiction or mental illness. Every week we provide relapse prevention training and cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps you to maintain sobriety and continue your recovery. Through regular meetings with both a therapist and a peer support group, you can learn how to rebuild your life.

Recovering from addiction and mental illness is challenging—but you don’t have to do it alone. At Serenity, our luxury inpatient care and experienced team are here to support you every step of the way. With customized dual diagnosis treatment, we help you regain balance and return to a healthy, fulfilling life.

If you or a loved one is facing both addiction and mental health challenges, don’t wait. Serenity Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center offers expert care and support for lasting recovery. Enroll now and start the journey to a healthier, balanced life.

FAQs about the Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Yes, dual diagnosis treatment is different from traditional rehab. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses substance abuse and underlying mental health disorders simultaneously. Traditional rehab, on the other hand, typically focuses primarily on addiction treatment.
The first step at Serenity Malibu is diagnosing the cause of the patient and then designing a treatment plan based on that diagnosis. We cover a range of mental health disorders including but not limited to depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and more.
If you are struggling with both substance abuse and a mental health disorder simultaneously, seeking treatment at a dual diagnosis treatment center would be beneficial. At Serenity Malibu, we provide you with comprehensive and effective treatment for your addiction and mental health conditions.
It always depends on the severity of your disorder and the individual's ability to adhere to treatment plans. Inpatient treatment provides intense care and a structured environment. We recommend it who require detoxification. Outpatient care is available to people who have completed inpatient treatment and need on-going support, or to people with less severe conditions.
At Serenity Malibu, we conduct comprehensive evaluations of our patients to determine if substance abuse or mental health disorders are present and underlying factors. This assessment includes review of the individual's medical history, substance use patterns, mental health symptoms, family history, and any previous treatment experiences. In addition, psychiatric assessments, interviews, and diagnostic tests will be conducted to diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders.
Yes, Serenity Malibu offers an aftercare program to assist individuals in transitioning back to their daily lives and maintaining sobriety and mental wellness. It is specially designed to provide on-going support and assistance to individuals after they have completed their initial treatment program. It includes continued therapy, medication management, support groups and relapse prevention strategies.

Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services | Program ID Number: 190655AP | Program Expiration Date : 4/30/2027
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