Dual Diagnosis: Challenges, Experiences and Recommendations

Description: Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness occur together frequently. Often times, there is a synergistic impact on the individual's well-being and their family relationships. It is important for clinicians and other practitioners to be able to discern appropriate level of care when treating these patients. The treatment of individuals with a dual diagnosis can present some challenges in modality and milieu for organizations, as well as private practices. Additionally, a holistic recovery approach needs to include the perspective and treatment of the family dynamics.

CE Broker Tracking #:  20-1099654 

This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the treatment and outcome implications when treating the dually diagnosed client as well as organizational issues that arise in implementing dual diagnosis programs.
2. Prepare better to provide appropriate treatment and planning for the dually diagnosed client.
3. Explain the necessity of giving attention to the families of dually diagnosed clients and gain perspective of the distress and difficulty the family faces with dually diagnosed loved ones.

Dina Smith is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Master's Level Certified Addictions Professional. Mrs. Smith is the Director of Clinical Services for the UF Health Florida Recovery Center. Mrs. Smith has worked in the field of Behavioral Health, primarily with Substance Use Disorders, for about 18 years. Mrs. Smith believes that Addiction coupled with a diagnosis such as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder or others can be lethal without treatment. Additionally, the appropriate level of care could be the difference between health and safety versus continued disease and risk. Mental Health and Addiction affect family dynamics and relationships. Mrs. Smith has witnessed entire systems becoming absorbed by a problem that is spinning out of control. However, Mrs. Smith has also experienced the miracle of recovery in the patients and family systems she treats. Mrs. Smith is motivated to instill hope in others that recovery is possible, as well as educate clinicians on how to help restore these dynamics.

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