Dual diagnosis
Dual diagnosis, which SAMHSA calls co-occurring disorders, is the presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the same person at the same time.
Also called co-occurring disorders, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
- Last reviewed
- 3 sources, linked
- 4 related terms
What it means
SAMHSA notes that it can be hard to tell whether a mental health condition is caused by substance use, is a way of coping with it, or is independent of it, and that the distinction matters because it shapes the treatment plan.
SAMHSA's evidence-based practice kit favors integrated treatment, in which the same team in one setting addresses both disorders in a coordinated way, over sending a person to separate mental health and addiction programs. The fourth edition of the ASAM Criteria expects every level of care to be co-occurring capable.
Why it matters for your website
Dual diagnosis is the phrase families search; co-occurring is the phrase clinicians and payers use. Use both, and say which conditions your team actually treats, such as depression, anxiety, trauma or bipolar disorder, rather than implying you treat everything.
Name the clinicians: who provides psychiatric care, with what credentials, and whether medication management is on site. Vague mental health claims on an addiction site are where trust breaks.
Sources
The facts on this page about a law, a regulator, a clinical standard or a platform come from these sources. Each link opens the original in a new tab.
- SAMHSACo-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions (opens in a new tab)
- SAMHSAIntegrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders: The Evidence (EBP KIT) (opens in a new tab)
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, SAPCASAM Criteria 4th Edition Implementation (levels of care and dimensions) (opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed
This entry explains a clinical term so you can describe your care accurately on your website. It is not medical advice, and clinical decisions belong with your clinical team.
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