Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Mississippi

What is a Dual Diagnosis?

The term dual diagnosis (aka co-occurring disorder) refers to the occurrence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), co-occurring disorders are relatively common. In fact, of the roughly 21 million people in the U.S. with a substance use disorder, 8 million also have a form of mental illness.¹

Although they certainly don’t always cause one another, a mental health condition can lead to a substance use disorder and vice versa. Indeed, among adults with mental illness, substance misuse is twice as prevalent—perhaps due to the desire to self-medicate symptoms. Similarly, substance misuse can worsen mental health issues and increase the risk of developing mental illness.¹

Some mental health conditions related to substance misuse include:²

• Anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder).
• Depression.
• Bipolar disorder.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Borderline personality disorder.
• Antisocial personality disorder.
• Psychotic illness.

According to insights from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, treating both mental health and substance use disorders at the same time is more effective than separate treatment for each diagnosis.³ To that end, many rehab facilities—including 67 treatment centers in Mississippi—offer treatment for co-occurring disorders.⁴

Signs You May Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Only healthcare providers and mental health professionals can diagnose mental health and substance use disorders. However, it can be helpful to understand general criteria typically used in substance use disorder diagnoses as well as the potential signs and symptoms of mental illness.

What to Expect in Dual Diagnosis Treatment in MS

Dual diagnosis treatment centers in Mississippi and elsewhere often feature integrated treatment, the preferred method of care for co-occurring disorders.⁷ Integrated treatment coordinates SUD and mental health services by linking people with the providers that best meet their combination of needs.⁸ Doing so allows patients to receive care for both conditions. It also helps providers and patients to better understand the ways in which each condition affects the other and to determine which treatments are most effective for each individual.⁷

While each person’s road to recovery is unique, the following levels of care are common components of treatment:⁹

• Detox. The first, as opposed to only, step in treatment is often medically managed detox. Provided in outpatient or inpatient settings, detox ensures patients are safe and as comfortable as possible during withdrawal.
• Inpatient. With inpatient rehab, patients live at a rehab facility, where they receive 24/7 care and monitoring.
• Outpatient. Outpatient care allows patients to live at home while attending treatment.
• Aftercare. Some forms of aftercare, such as continued therapy, sober living facilities, 12-Step programs, and more are often recommended following inpatient and/or outpatient care.

Outpatient Treatment in MS

Outpatient treatment is often an option for patients with supportive and safe living environments. There are varying levels of outpatient care available in Mississippi, including:¹⁰

• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). PHPs are the most intensive form of outpatient treatment, requiring patients to visit the treatment facility 5-7 days a week for a weekly minimum of 20 hours.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). IOP programs usually require patients to attend treatment 3-5 times a week for a minimum of 9 hours in treatment per week.
• Standard outpatient care. Standard outpatient care affords more flexibility in scheduling. Treatment visits and the duration of session blocks are determined by clinicians.
• Telehealth services are also considered outpatient care. Telehealth does not require patients to visit the facility in person, allowing patients to connect with clinicians from home via video call.

Does Insurance Cover Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Mississippi?

Thanks to protections offered by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) most health insurance plans cover at least part of the costs for substance use disorder and mental health treatment. However, each insurance plan varies in terms of coverage.¹¹

Additionally, many variables can impact the cost of rehab such as:

• Length of treatment.
• Level of care.
• Location.
• Facility amenities.
• Payment type.
• Insurance-related co-payments and deductibles.

The best way to determine how much you’ll pay for rehab—and/or how much your insurance plan will cover—is to contact a rehab facility directly. For example, you can verify insurance benefits with any of American Addiction Centers multiple U.S. facilities online or via an admissions navigator at . Available 24/7 for a confidential conversation, AAC staff can also answer questions about AAC’s dual-diagnosis rehab in Oxford, MS and its other U.S. locations.

Using Tricare, Medicare, or Medicaid for Dual Diagnosis Rehab in Mississippi

Tricare, Medicare, and Medicaid often cover at least a portion of the cost for substance use and mental health disorder treatment—including treatment for co-occurring disorders. But again, every plan is different.

While not all treatment facilities accept these insurance options, data from FindTreatment.gov reveals that of the 67 rehab centers in Mississippi offering dual-diagnosis treatment, the following number accept the respective insurance types:⁴

• Medicaid: 51.
• Medicare: 39.
• Tricare: 37.

Can You Get Dual Diagnosis Treatment in MS Without Insurance?

Yes. At many facilities, payment methods include self-pay with a debit or credit card. Potential options to make treatment more affordable include:

• Financing options provided through the facility.
• Facilities that charge fees based on a “sliding scale.” Patients with lower income may receive help at a discounted rate.
• Scholarships or grants.
• Free or low cost rehab, sometimes offered by government-funded facilities.

Finding Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in Mississippi

Rehab centers in Mississippi that offer dual diagnosis treatment are found in a wide variety of locations and provide various treatment approaches. Oxford Treatment Center in Etta, MS, offers one of the most serene settings and some of the most effective care.

Situated on 110 acres of wooded, rolling hills, Oxford is a leading and accredited provider of evidence-based care paired with a host of amenities. Along with an equestrian center, Oxford offers a fitness center, ropes course, art therapy studio, outdoor pavilions, and more.

To learn more about Oxford Treatment Center, contact an admissions navigator at to discuss everything from co-occurring disorder treatment and outpatient care to payment options and financing solutions.

To find additional rehab providers in Mississippi and throughout the U.S. visit FindTreatment.gov. Provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the site offers a valuable search tool that allows users to filter by a host of criteria, including location, co-occurring disorder treatment, payment types, and more.