Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment is provided at Fairfax Hospital for adults experiencing a psychiatric crisis along with drug/alcohol abuse or addiction. Both inpatient treatment and partial hospitalization (day treatment) are available. Staff includes Master's Level Registered Counselors, Registered Nurses, and Certified Chemical Dependency Counselors. A multi-disciplinary team under the direction of a psychiatrist provides all treatment.

The main goal of the Dual Diagnosis Program at Fairfax is to stabilize the individual in terms of his or her mental health while providing evaluation, education, and treatment for chemical dependency issues. Fairfax Hospital works closely with each individual patient to develop an appropriate follow-up care plan. As part of this plan, patients are invited to attend monthly alumni meetings to assist them with their recovery.

The Dual Diagnosis Program is designed to meet the needs of individuals with a wide range of severity of symptoms. Three groups meet daily: Two focus on dual diagnosis and one on interpersonal skills. In addition, evening and weekend programming includes 12-step, co-dependency, and support groups. Evening programming includes opportunities for family members or significant others to participate.

Topics Include:

• Biological/Psychological/Social aspects of psychiatric illness and addiction
• The genesis of psychiatric illnesses
• The interactions between psychiatric illness and addiction
• Addiction from a holistic perspective
• Identification of symptoms
• Symptom management
• Co-dependency
• The effects of dual disorder on the family
• Development of coping skills
• Relationship Issues
• Education on 12-step groups and other support and treatment options after discharge

Admission Process

To inquire about admission to the Dual Diagnosis Program, please call Fairfax Hospital at 425-821-2000 or 800-435-7221 to arrange for a free and confidential assessment.