Essendon Private Clinic
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Melbourne
Mental health difficulties and alcohol or other drug use can sometimes occur together and affect each other. For some people, this can make symptoms, everyday life and recovery more difficult to manage.
Essendon Private Clinic provides private, structured, psychiatrist-led treatment in Melbourne for people experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns.
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Private mental health hospital in Essendon West, Melbourne
Psychiatrist-led care
Inpatient, day program and TMS pathways
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is a term used when a person experiences a mental health condition alongside problematic alcohol or other drug use.
You may also hear this described as co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns.
How Can Mental Health and Substance Use Overlap?
Mental health and substance use can interact in different ways. This may include:
- Anxiety occurring alongside problematic alcohol or drug use
- Depression occurring alongside alcohol or drug use
- Trauma-related difficulties occurring alongside substance use
- Alcohol or drugs being used to cope with difficult thoughts, emotions or experiences
- Substance use contributing to changes in mood, anxiety, sleep or everyday functioning
These examples do not indicate that someone has a particular diagnosis. A professional assessment can help understand what is happening and what treatment may be appropriate.
Not sure whether you need help?
You do not need to have all of the answers before asking about support.
Dual Diagnosis in Australia
Mental health and substance use can affect each other, and it is common for people to experience both at the same time.
46%
of Australians with a substance use disorder also experienced anxiety or an affective disorder.
50-76%
of people entering Australian alcohol and other drug treatment programs meet criteria for at least one co-occurring mental illness.
1.8x
Adults with a mental illness were 1.8 times as likely to report illicit drug use in the previous 12 months as adults without a mental illness.
When Mental Health and Substance Use Start Affecting Each Other
Mental health and substance use can become closely connected. For some people, alcohol or drugs may initially feel like a way to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress or difficult emotions.
Over time, this pattern can become harder to manage. Substance use may worsen mood, anxiety, sleep or everyday functioning, while difficult mental health symptoms may make it harder to cut down or stop.
This is sometimes described as self-medication. If mental health and alcohol or drug use are affecting each other, it may be worth discussing both together with a health professional.
Treatment Options in Melbourne at Essendon Private Clinic
Treatment depends on a person's mental health needs, alcohol or other drug use, how these concerns are affecting everyday life and what treatment they may already have tried.
Inpatient Mental Health Care
Planned, psychiatrist-led care in a private hospital environment for people who may benefit from more structured mental health treatment.
Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) may form part of treatment, with medication considered depending on individual circumstances.
When Might Inpatient Treatment Be Considered?
A planned admission may be worth discussing when mental health and alcohol or drug use are significantly affecting everyday life and more structured support may be needed.
This may include situations where:
- Current treatment is no longer providing enough support
- Mental health symptoms and substance use are becoming difficult to manage together
- Previous attempts to make changes have not been sustained
- Everyday routines, relationships or responsibilities are being significantly affected
- A treating psychiatrist or doctor recommends a more structured treatment environment.
Admission to EPC is based on referral, assessment and clinical suitability. If you are unsure whether inpatient treatment may be appropriate, our Intake Team can explain the process and what information is required.
Inpatient Care Is Different From Emergency Care
EPC provides planned, private mental health treatment. We are not an emergency department and do not provide crisis or emergency care. If you are in immediate danger, please call 000 or present to your nearest emergency department.
Supporting the Whole Person
Mental health and substance use can affect many parts of everyday life, including emotions, relationships, routines, physical wellbeing and recovery.
EPC’s Whole-Person Recovery Model considers these different parts of recovery through three connected pillars — ESSENTIAL, EMPOWERED, ENGAGED.
ESSENTIAL
Build Safety & Stability
Support with overwhelming emotions, sleep and daily routines, grounding, practical coping skills and building stability.
SKILLS YOU MAY EXPLORE
- Understanding mental health and substance use patterns
- Building healthier routines and coping strategies
- Recognising early warning signs
Additional topics may be explored according to your individual needs.
EMPOWERED
Understand Your Emotions
Recognising unhelpful thinking patterns, behavioural activation, emotion regulation and building resilience.
SKILLS YOU MAY EXPLORE
- Recognising triggers and patterns
- Managing difficult emotions and distress
- Developing alternatives to alcohol or drug use
Additional topics may be explored according to your individual needs.
ENGAGED
Connect With What Matters
Rebuilding relationships, confidence, meaningful activities, purpose and plans for life beyond hospital.
SKILLS YOU MAY EXPLORE
- Rebuilding relationships and social connection
- Returning to meaningful activities and routines
- Planning ongoing treatment and support
Additional topics may be explored according to your individual needs.
How To Get Started With Treatment
1
Contact our Intake team
We’ll listen and answer your questions.
2
Referral and assessment
Your psychiatrist will review your needs.
3
Understand your treatment options
We’ll explain the options that may help.
4
Plan your treatment
Together, we’ll create your treatment plan.
Worried About Someone With Dual Diagnosis?
When someone is struggling with both their mental health and alcohol or drug use, it can be difficult for family members and carers to know what support is needed or where to start.
You do not need to know whether someone has a dual diagnosis before asking for help. Family members and carers can contact our Intake Team to ask about treatment options, referral requirements and the admission process.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Treatment?
Coverage depends on the treatment, your health fund, and your individual policy.
We work with major health funds
Most major Australian private health funds are accepted for eligible admissions. Cover depends on your fund, policy and level of hospital cover.
Out-of-pocket costs
Excesses and out-of-pocket costs vary by policy and treatment. Intake can explain what information is needed so you can confirm costs before admission.
We can help explain your cover
The intake team can walk you through the funding process and what to check with your health fund, including waiting periods and eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Treatment
What is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis describes the co-occurrence of a mental health condition and problematic alcohol or other drug use.
The term co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions is also commonly used.
What is an example of dual diagnosis?
Examples may include depression alongside problematic alcohol use, anxiety alongside alcohol or drug use, or PTSD occurring alongside a substance use disorder.
The combination varies from person to person.
Does dual diagnosis always require inpatient treatment?
No.
Some people may receive treatment through outpatient or community services.
Inpatient treatment may be considered when someone needs a more structured level of support or when mental health and substance use are significantly affecting everyday functioning.
Can alcohol and depression affect each other?
Depression and alcohol use can occur together, and the relationship can work in different directions.
Some people drink to cope with low mood, while alcohol use can also contribute to worsening mental health.
Assessment can help clarify what may be happening for an individual.
Can trauma or PTSD occur alongside alcohol or drug use?
Yes.
Some people experiencing trauma-related distress may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to manage difficult emotions, memories, sleep problems or heightened arousal.
Treatment may need to consider both trauma-related symptoms and substance use.
Do I need a psychiatrist for dual diagnosis treatment?
Referral and assessment requirements depend on the treatment pathway.
Essendon Private Clinic's Intake Team can explain what is required and what information may be needed before admission.
Does private health insurance cover dual diagnosis treatment?
Cover varies between health funds and individual policies.
Our Intake Team can explain the admission process and what information you may need when confirming cover with your health fund.
Do I need a referral to Essendon Private Clinic?
A GP or psychiatrist referral is generally required for a private admission. If you do not have an admitting psychiatrist, contact intake to ask about the pathway.
Can a family member contact EPC about someone with a dual diagnosis?
Family members and carers can contact intake to ask about treatment options and the referral process. EPC still protects the privacy and shares information only in line with consent and legal requirements.
Where is Essendon Private Clinic located?
Essendon Private Clinic is located at 35 Rosehill Road, Essendon West VIC 3040, in Melbourne’s north-west. Contact our Intake Team if you would like to ask about anxiety treatment options, referrals or how to access care.
You Don't Need to Diagnose Yourself Before Asking For Help
Reading about symptoms online can help you recognise that something may not be going well. It cannot determine why you are experiencing those difficulties or what treatment you need.
Our Intake Team can discuss your circumstances and explain available treatment options.
YOU DO NOT NEED EVERY ANSWER BEFORE YOU CALL
Talk to Intake About Admission
Send a short enquiry and the intake team can explain treatment options, referrals, costs and next steps.