Telehealth: ID • AZ • OR • WA
Thoughtful, Structured Psychiatric Care for Co-Occurring Conditions
Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder occurring together. This combination is common and often more complex than either condition alone. Symptoms can overlap, influence one another, and change over time, making careful evaluation and coordinated treatment essential.
At Embrace Psychiatry, dual diagnosis care is approached with clinical structure, clarity, and continuity. Treatment focuses on understanding how mental health symptoms and substance use interact, while providing responsible psychiatric care designed to support long-term stability. Services are offered via secure Telehealth for adults located in Idaho, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington.
Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Mental health conditions and substance use frequently coexist. Substances may be used to cope with symptoms such as anxiety, mood instability, intrusive thoughts, or sleep difficulties, while substance use itself can worsen psychiatric symptoms over time.
Common co-occurring combinations may include:
-
Anxiety disorders and alcohol or substance use
-
Depression and substance use
-
ADHD and stimulant or alcohol misuse
-
Bipolar disorder and substance use
-
Trauma-related symptoms and substance use
-
Psychotic disorders and substance use
Dual diagnosis is not simply two separate conditions treated independently. Effective care requires understanding how symptoms interact and influence behavior, functioning, and treatment response.
Integrated Treatment Approach
Dual diagnosis treatment at Embrace Psychiatry emphasizes coordinated care rather than fragmented services. Medication management may be used to address psychiatric symptoms when clinically appropriate, with careful monitoring and ongoing reassessment.
Psychiatric appointments may also include elements of evidence-informed therapeutic support alongside medication management. This integrated approach allows care to address symptom patterns, decision-making, and functional stability within a single treatment relationship.
Treatment plans are individualized and adjusted over time based on clinical response, safety considerations, and participation in follow-up care.
Medication Management and Safety
Medication decisions are made cautiously and reviewed regularly, particularly when substance use is present. Prescribing follows defined clinical standards and regulatory requirements, with an emphasis on safety, appropriateness, and long-term management.
Ongoing medication management requires regular follow-up appointments and active participation in care. Certain medications or clinical situations may require additional evaluation or referral when Telehealth based outpatient care is not appropriate.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Treatment begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation that considers both mental health symptoms and substance use patterns. The goal is to establish an accurate clinical picture rather than focusing on a single diagnosis in isolation.
Evaluation typically includes discussion of:
-
Current and past mental health symptoms
-
Substance use history and patterns
-
Prior treatment experiences
-
Medication history and response
-
Medical conditions and current medications
-
Level of stability and daily functioning
This structured assessment helps determine appropriate treatment strategies and whether outpatient Telehealth care is suitable.
Ongoing Monitoring and Continuity of Care
Dual diagnosis often benefits from consistent follow-up rather than episodic treatment. Regular appointments allow for monitoring of symptom changes, medication effectiveness, and substance use patterns over time.
Continuity with the same provider supports clearer communication, consistent expectations, and earlier identification of changes that may require adjustment.
Who This Care Is For
Dual diagnosis care at Embrace Psychiatry is designed for adults who:
-
Experience both mental health symptoms and substance use concerns
-
Are seeking structured outpatient psychiatric treatment
-
Are medically stable and appropriate for telehealth care
-
Value consistency, boundaries, and ongoing monitoring
-
Are open to collaborative, clinically guided treatment
This practice may not be the right fit for individuals requiring inpatient detoxification or frequent crisis intervention.
Dual Diagnosis-Specific Questions
Why is treating both conditions together important?
Mental health symptoms and substance use often influence one another. Addressing both simultaneously helps support more stable and sustainable outcomes.
Can dual diagnosis be treated through telehealth?
For many adults, outpatient Telehealth care can effectively support dual diagnosis treatment when symptoms are stable and follow-up is consistent.