Developing a Comprehensive Dual Diagnosis Plan

Individual Treatment Plans Developed for our Residents

Therapeutically, we at Cliffside Malibu have created a compassionate, yet intensive environment to address the complexities of those with a dual diagnosis. We do not subscribe to traditional or cookie cutter methods of treating addiction or psychiatric disorders that presume all addiction and disorders can be treated the same, but instead recognize the distinct needs of those in this population and treat them accordingly. We incorporate motivational interviewing to engage the individual who may be in some degree of denial and not yet ready to address all elements of their diagnoses and we assist them in untangling these elements, allowing them to create a greater understanding of what is going on and how to move towards healing and recovery. Whether you need treatment for borderline personality disorder, or depression, we can help.

Group Therapy and Individual Therapy at Cliffside Malibu

Group therapy sessions for our dual diagnosis residents and our other addiction residents are offered three times per day and are comprised of the following: Experiential, Process, Art Therapy, Topic Groups, Life Assessment, Journaling, Spirituality, Boundary Power, 12 Step, and Relapse Prevention. The group experience can be a powerful vehicle, bringing a population of different cohorts, experiences and cultures together, thereby often creating a parallel process within the group dynamics where family of origin dynamics, life themes and issues underlying addiction and disorders such as depression and anxiety come to the surface allowing for direct intervention, interpretation and integration of the individual's experience. The group also provides an avenue for individuals to grieve, to find resolve, to connect, and to learn healthy and more adaptive ways to cope versus utilizing previously learned maladaptive and self-harming means of coping.

Topic groups also provide a means to learn and empower oneself with knowledge of addiction, 12 step programs, psychological disorders and dual diagnosis. Furthermore, Individual Therapy is the clinical cornerstone at Cliffside Malibu where the individual meets a psychologist from three times per week to daily. A clinical assessment is created and specific treatment goals, like ones for depression treatment, are thereby derived to effectively and systematically treat the symptoms, underlying causes, and short and long term goals for the individual within all domains of their life.

The clinical team of doctors and therapists all collaborate closely and continually throughout this dual diagnosis treatment period to be sure to treat the individual according to the intersection of medical and clinical data that are obtained through thorough extensive assessments and evaluations. Individual psychotherapy is then conducted with an integrated approach designed through the information gathered, and consists of a blend of intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral modification and systems family therapy, the latter addressing the entire family system and any boundary disturbances and roles that may be contributing to the individual's dual diagnosis symptomatology.

Furthermore, Cliffside Malibu's dual diagnosis treatment program offers step down levels of care beginning with primary treatment followed by extended care and then sober living. So whether you are suffering from teen self esteem issues or borderline personality disorder, each phase is structured according to the needs of the individual and allows for a slight reduction in structure each time and a gradual acclimation back to their life and society while still maintaining a strong focus on their recovery.

Developing a Comprehensive Dual Diagnosis Exit Plan

Nearing the close of treatment for addictions including our dual diagnosis residents, whether that be 30 days, 90 days or 6 months, a comprehensive exit plan is executed with the clinical team and the individual addressing all aspects of their life: living arrangements, support system, triggers, relapse prevention, safety plan, aftercare structure, therapy, medical care, and next steps towards areas of life such as career, family, school and recreation. Our alumni program then welcomes all our residents back every Wednesday night for our in house meeting to continue to support them in their journey towards long term recovery and sobriety.

If you'd like more information on this topic, please call 1-800-501-1988, or visit our website at www.cliffsidemalibu.com .

This article may be used freely, provided that the resource box is included and the links are active. A courtesy copy of the issue or a link to any online posting would be greatly appreciated.

Copyright 2009 Cliffside Malibu