Resources · Dual diagnosis

What Is DualDiagnosis?

Dual diagnosis is when you live with a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time, and both can be treated in one plan.

Located in Laguna Beach, California

(949) 670-9345
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  • Also calledCo-occurring
  • Treated inPHP or IOP
  • ClinicLaguna Beach

The definition

Two Conditions That Affect Each Other

The two conditions often feed each other, because it’s natural for people to seek relief from their pain, and that relief can turn into a second problem. You don’t need two formal diagnoses before you call us. At Exist, we treat both in one PHP or IOP plan in Laguna Beach.

Not everyone’s path to recovery needs to look the same.

Call (949) 670-9345
Two people sitting on a sandstone seawall at a Laguna cove at dusk, a gap between them, backs to camera, a pale sun over still water.

How Exist Treats Both Conditions Together

In PHP or IOP, you have group sessions, your own therapist, a case manager, and a doctor for medication if you want one. The same team treats both conditions, so your mental health and your substance use are part of one plan.

  1. Two dark coats hanging side by side on a wooden peg rail in a cream hallway at dusk, a pale sun in the far window.

    Overlap

    Your therapist looks at your mental health and your substance use together, and plans care for both.

  2. A person sitting on a sandstone outdoor step at dusk, back to camera, one hand on the opposite forearm, a pale sun beyond the grass.

    Body

    Somatic care looks at how your body and mind affect each other, with yoga and mindfulness for physical pain and emotional ups and downs.

  3. Two empty wooden chairs facing a tall window at dusk, a pale sun and the Pacific visible through the glass.

    Mind

    Cognitive work looks at the automatic thoughts that come before you drink or use, and the history behind them.

  4. A person walking a narrow Laguna Canyon dirt path at dusk, back to camera, a pale sun at the far opening between eucalyptus.

    The Week

    PHP is about six hours a day and IOP about three. You go home each evening, or to the Truth House if you’re staying there.

Three Steps to a Start Date

  1. 01

    Reach Out

    Call (949) 670-9345 or fill out the insurance form. You can also text us or leave a voicemail.

  2. 02

    We Verify

    We check your benefits for free and get back to you within one business day, then call or text to complete an assessment.

  3. 03

    A Start Date

    You get your schedule ahead of time and a warm welcome when you arrive. If you live outside Orange County, ask about the Truth House.

(949) 670-9345

Common Questions About Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis means you have a mental health condition, like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or BPD, and a substance use disorder at the same time. The two often affect each other, so at Exist we treat them together in one PHP or IOP plan.

Something we didn’t cover? Call (949) 670-9345 or text us.

The programDual Diagnosis TreatmentOur dual diagnosis program in Laguna Beach treats mental health and substance use together in PHP and IOP.See the dual diagnosis program

Talk With Us About Dual Diagnosis Care

Call (949) 670-9345 and tell us what’s going on. We’ll tell you honestly whether PHP, IOP, Outpatient 1:1, or a referral would serve you better.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Tracy, LCSW, PsyD · Reviewed September 2026

Talk to admissions(949) 670-9345