Dual Diagnosis

in Beachwood, NJ

Supporting the whole person with coordinated, evidence-based dual diagnosis treatment.

You Deserve Support for the Whole You — Not Just One Part

Many people living with substance use challenges are also coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions. When both occur together, it’s called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Dual diagnosis is extremely common—but often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or treated as two separate issues.


At Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we understand that mental health and substance use are deeply connected. When one becomes overwhelming, the other often becomes harder to manage. That’s why treating only one condition rarely leads to lasting change. You deserve care that sees the full picture—your mind, emotions, behaviors, stressors, coping patterns, and life circumstances.


Our approach combines compassion with evidence-based treatment, creating a safe, judgment-free environment where individuals can begin to rebuild stability, confidence, and hope. With extended hours up to 10 p.m. and weekend availability, we make support accessible for working adults, parents, students, and anyone balancing recovery with real-life responsibilities.


No matter where you are in your journey—struggling, stabilizing, or rebuilding—you don’t have to do it alone. Healing begins here.

ADD/ADHD Treatment

in Toms River, NJ

Compassionate, evidence-based care that supports focus, stability, and long-term success.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder occurring at the same time. These conditions interact in complex ways, and each can make the other more challenging.

Understanding Dual Diagnosis

Mental Health Conditions Commonly Involved

Dual diagnosis often includes mental health conditions such as:


  • anxiety disorders
  • depression
  • bipolar disorder
  • ADHD
  • PTSD and trauma
  • personality disorders
  • psychotic disorders
  • mood and impulse-control disorders

Substances Frequently Linked to Dual Diagnosis

Commonly associated substances include:


  • alcohol
  • marijuana
  • opioids
  • stimulants
  • benzodiazepines
  • nicotine
  • prescription medications used outside medical guidance

How Mental Health and Substance Use Interact

For many individuals, substance use becomes a way to self-medicate emotional pain, anxiety, depression, trauma, or hyperactivity. Mental health symptoms worsen because of substance use. Withdrawal and cravings intensify panic, irritability, or depression. Shame, avoidance, and overwhelm make the cycle harder to break.

Integrated treatment is crucial.

Treating one condition without addressing the other often leads to relapse, worsening symptoms, or temporary improvement followed by setbacks.


At Triangle, we address both conditions together, helping individuals find stability that lasts.

Dual diagnosis affects people of all backgrounds, ages, and life experiences. We provide support for:

Who Dual Diagnosis Treatment Helps

teen - dual diagnosis - triangle mental health

Teens & Adolescents

Young people may turn to substances to manage:

  social anxiety

  performance pressure

  identity stress

  trauma

  depression

  school challenges

  emotional sensitivity

  impulsive tendencies

Early treatment helps prevent long-term dependency and emotional harm.

adult - dual diagnosis - triangle mental health

Adults

Dual diagnosis in adults is often tied to:

  work stress

  chronic anxiety or depression

  relationship strain

  trauma or PTSD

  perfectionism and burnout
  coping through alcohol or drugs

Adults may feel shame or guilt about substance use, making it harder to seek help. We meet every client with compassion and understanding—never judgment.

parents - dual diagnosis - triangle mental health

Parents & Busy Individuals

We offer flexible scheduling for those juggling:

▲  jobs

▲  childcare

▲  financial pressure

  caregiving

  school or professional demands

People who have tried treatment before: many clients come to us after incomplete or disconnected care. Our integrated approach creates the clarity and structure needed for real progress.

What to Expect During Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment at Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is comprehensive, grounded in evidence-based care, and deeply person-centered. Our goal is to help clients stabilize, understand their symptoms, regulate emotions, and build healthier coping strategies.

  • 1. Comprehensive Diagnosis Evaluation

    We begin with a full assessment to understand:


    • current mental health symptoms
    • substance use patterns
    • emotional triggers
    • physical health concerns
    • past trauma or significant life stressors
    • withdrawal risks
    • medication history
    • family dynamics
    • environmental factors
    • coping mechanisms


    This evaluation allows us to create an individualized treatment plan that aligns with your goals, comfort, and readiness for change.

  • 2. Integrated Treatment Plan

    Your plan may include:


    • medication management for mental health symptoms
    • support for reducing or stabilizing substance use
    • therapy and skills training
    • harm reduction strategies
    • relapse prevention planning
    • emotional regulation tools
    • stress and anxiety management
    • motivational enhancement
    • lifestyle and structure-building support

    We work at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.

  • 3. Evidence-Based Medication Management

    Medication may support:


    • withdrawal stabilization
    • anxiety reduction
    • mood regulation
    • sleep improvement
    • impulse control
    • depression relief

    We avoid unsafe or addictive medications and prioritize your safety.

  • 4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Motivational Interviewing

    These approaches help clients:


    • understand “why” behind their struggles
    • break harmful cycles
    • increase motivation
    • reshape negative thinking patterns
    • build emotional awareness
    • strengthen communication
  • 5. Relapse Prevention & Skill Building

    We teach tools for:


    • managing triggers
    • recognizing emotional cues
    • creating structure
    • preventing impulsive behavior
    • handling cravings
    • maintaining progress during stress
  • 6. Flexible Scheduling for Real Life

    With availability up to 10 p.m. and seven days a week, clients can attend consistent treatment without missing work, school, or family responsibilities.

Why Choose Triangle for Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual diagnosis requires more than treating symptoms—it requires compassionate understanding of the whole person. At Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, our approach combines clinical expertise, trauma-informed care, and deep respect for each client’s lived experience.

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Expertise in Co-Occurring Disorders

Richard Holligan, PMHNP-BC, provides skilled treatment for both mental health and substance use conditions.

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Compassionate, Judgement-Free Care

We meet every story with understanding—not shame—creating a safe space for honesty and healing.

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Integrated, Evidence-Based Treatment

Medication management, CBT, MI, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, and trauma-informed care.

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Support That Fits Real Life

Evening and weekend hours, plus whole-person support—including stress, sleep, lifestyle, and relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What exactly is dual diagnosis?

    Dual diagnosis refers to having both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. Treating both together improves long-term stability.

  • Do I need to be fully sober before starting treatment?

    No. We meet you where you are. Stabilization, harm reduction, and motivation-building are all part of the process.

  • What substances are included in dual diagnosis treatment?

    Alcohol, marijuana, opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, nicotine, and prescription medications used outside medical guidance.

  • Does dual diagnosis treatment include medication?

    It can. Medication may help regulate mood, anxiety, sleep, and cravings—but it is never required.

  • What if I’m not ready to stop using substances completely?

    We use a compassionate, motivational approach that meets you at your readiness level. Change takes time and support.

  • Is treatment private and confidential?

    Absolutely. Your privacy is fully protected and respected.


  • Do you treat teens with dual diagnosis?

    Yes. We provide specialized, age-appropriate care for teens struggling with both mental health and substance use issues.

  • Can I get help after work or on weekends?

    Yes. We offer sessions up to 10 p.m. and seven days a week.

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Start Your Journey Toward Stability, Healing, and Renewed Hope

Dual diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but recovery is possible with the right support. At Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we provide compassionate, integrated care to help you stabilize, understand your emotions, and build healthier coping skills.


Reach out today to begin your path toward lasting change. You deserve clarity and stability.