Struggling with both a mental health condition and substance use at the same time is more common than most people realize — and it requires a level of care that treats both issues together, not separately. At Invicta Recovery Center, located in Altadena, CA, we provide specialized dual diagnosis treatment for adults facing co-occurring disorders.
Our integrated approach addresses the full picture of what you’re experiencing — from the underlying mental health condition driving substance use, to the neurological and behavioral patterns keeping both in place. Conveniently situated near Pasadena and throughout the San Gabriel Valley, Invicta Recovery Center offers compassionate, evidence-based care close to home.
Ready to take the first step? Call us at 626-238-1511 or verify your insurance here.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis — also called a co-occurring disorder — refers to the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. These two conditions are deeply interconnected: mental health symptoms often drive substance use as a form of self-medication, while substance use in turn worsens mental health over time.
Common combinations seen in dual diagnosis include:
- Depression and alcohol use disorder
- Anxiety and benzodiazepine or opioid dependence
- PTSD and stimulant or cannabis misuse
- Bipolar disorder and substance use
- Schizophrenia or psychosis and drug use
Because these disorders reinforce each other, treating only one — while ignoring the other — leads to high relapse rates and incomplete recovery. Effective dual diagnosis treatment must address both conditions simultaneously through an integrated, personalized care plan.
Signs You May Have a Co-Occurring Disorder
Many people don’t realize they’re living with a dual diagnosis. Below are common warning signs that suggest both a mental health condition and substance use disorder may be present.
Emotional & Mental Symptoms
- Persistent mood swings — cycling between highs and deep lows
- Chronic anxiety, racing thoughts, or panic attacks
- Depression, hopelessness, or loss of interest in daily life
- Paranoia or irrational fears
- Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors
Substance-Related Symptoms
- Using alcohol or drugs to manage stress, emotions, or mental health symptoms
- Increasing tolerance — needing more to achieve the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms when stopping use
- Repeated failed attempts to cut back or quit
- Neglecting work, family, or daily responsibilities due to use
Behavioral Symptoms
- Social isolation and withdrawal from loved ones
- Impulsive or risky decision-making
- Declining hygiene or physical health
- Disrupted sleep and appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
If you or someone you love is showing signs in multiple categories above, a dual diagnosis evaluation is an important next step. Invicta Recovery Center is located in Altadena and easily accessible from Pasadena and surrounding communities — call 626-238-1511 to speak with a specialist today.
What Causes Dual Diagnosis?
Several interconnected factors contribute to co-occurring disorders. Understanding these causes helps shape effective, personalized treatment:
Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder increase vulnerability to substance use as individuals seek relief from their symptoms. Over time, self-medication creates a cycle that worsens both conditions.
Trauma and Chronic Stress Unresolved trauma — whether from childhood abuse, domestic violence, or major life events — alters brain function, making emotional regulation difficult and increasing the risk of both mental illness and addiction. Our team uses trauma-informed care to address these roots.
Genetics and Family History A family history of mental illness or addiction significantly increases risk. Genetic predispositions can affect how the brain responds to stress and substances.
Neurobiological Changes from Substance Use Prolonged substance use alters dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitter systems in ways that can mimic or intensify psychiatric symptoms — creating a feedback loop that requires integrated clinical treatment to break.
Social and Environmental Factors Isolation, lack of support, and exposure to high-risk environments amplify both mental health struggles and substance use. Building community and structure is a central part of recovery at Invicta.
Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Approach
At Invicta Recovery Center in Altadena — conveniently located near Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley — we treat the whole person through an integrated care model that addresses mental health and substance use simultaneously.
Individualized Treatment Plans
No two people experience dual diagnosis the same way. Every client at Invicta receives a thorough clinical assessment and a personalized treatment plan that integrates evidence-based therapy, psychiatric support, and trauma-informed care.
Psychiatric and Medication Support
Our licensed psychiatrists and nurse practitioners evaluate each client’s mental health needs and, when appropriate, prescribe medication as part of a broader treatment plan. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) may be used for substance use disorders, while psychiatric medications address underlying conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder — always with the goal of supporting therapy, not replacing it.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Our clinical team uses a range of proven therapeutic modalities tailored to each client’s needs:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — identifying and restructuring negative thought patterns driving both mental health symptoms and substance use
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — developing emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills
- Trauma-Focused Therapy — processing unresolved trauma that underlies co-occurring conditions
- Individual Therapy — one-on-one sessions with a licensed clinician for personalized support
- Group Therapy — peer connection and shared healing in a structured, facilitated setting
- Family Therapy — helping loved ones understand dual diagnosis and support recovery
Multilingual Treatment Tracks
Invicta Recovery Center is proud to offer multilingual treatment tracks in English, Spanish, and Armenian — ensuring that clients in Altadena and the surrounding region can access care in their primary language.
Structured Outpatient Programs
Invicta provides flexible levels of outpatient care designed to meet clients where they are:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): 5–6 days per week, 4–6 hours per day — for clients who need intensive support while living at home or in sober living
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): 3–5 days per week, 3–4 hours per day — for those transitioning from higher levels of care or managing co-occurring conditions while maintaining daily responsibilities
- Standard Outpatient: Ongoing individual therapy and psychiatric care to support long-term recovery
Our Altadena outpatient facility is easily accessible for residents of Pasadena, Arcadia, Monrovia, Glendale, and throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
Dual Diagnosis and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication plays an important role in many dual diagnosis treatment plans. At Invicta, medication is used purposefully to stabilize symptoms and create the foundation for meaningful therapeutic work — never as a standalone solution.
Psychiatric medications we work with include:
- SSRIs and SNRIs for depression and anxiety (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor)
- Mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder (e.g., Lithium, Lamictal)
- Antipsychotics for schizophrenia or psychosis (e.g., Abilify, Risperdal)
- Non-habit-forming options for anxiety (e.g., Buspirone)
- Sleep and PTSD support (e.g., Prazosin)
MAT medications for substance use disorders include:
- Opioid use disorder: Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), Naltrexone/Vivitrol, Methadone
- Alcohol use disorder: Naltrexone, Acamprosate (Campral), Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Why Choose Invicta Recovery Center for Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Invicta Recovery Center is a licensed, accredited outpatient substance abuse program located at 2235 Lake Ave Suite #110, Altadena, CA 91001 — close to Pasadena and accessible from throughout the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles area.
What sets Invicta apart:
- DHCS licensed and accredited with a Gold Seal of approval
- Multilingual staff — native speakers of English, Spanish, and Armenian
- Integrated dual diagnosis care — mental health and addiction treated together, not separately
- TRICARE accepted — serving active military, veterans, and their families through our dedicated military program
- Personalized treatment plans — no cookie-cutter programs; every client’s plan is built around their specific needs
- Convenient Altadena location — close to Pasadena, Sierra Madre, San Marino, Arcadia, and surrounding communities
Communities We Serve
Invicta Recovery Center is located in Altadena, CA, and proudly serves individuals and families from across the region, including:
- Altadena, CA
- Pasadena, CA (neighboring community)
- Arcadia, CA
- Monrovia, CA
- San Marino, CA
- Sierra Madre, CA
- Temple City, CA
- El Monte, CA
- Alhambra, CA
- Glendale, CA
Verify Your Insurance for Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Invicta Recovery Center accepts most major insurance plans. As required by law, all communications are HIPAA compliant and 100% confidential.
Verify your insurance coverage here →
We accept TRICARE and work with most commercial insurance providers to make treatment as accessible as possible.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
At Invicta Recovery Center in Altadena, we believe recovery from dual diagnosis is not only possible — it’s achievable with the right support. Our team of licensed clinicians, psychiatrists, and recovery specialists walk alongside every client with compassion, clinical expertise, and a commitment to lasting change.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether you’re in Altadena, nearby Pasadena, or anywhere in the San Gabriel Valley, we’re here.
Call us today at 626-238-1511 Or contact us online →
Invicta Recovery Center 2235 Lake Ave Suite #110, Altadena, CA 91001 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm Email: Contact@invictarecovery.com
Frequently Asked Questions: Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Altadena, CA
What is the difference between dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders? The terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder that require integrated, coordinated treatment.
Does Invicta treat dual diagnosis on an outpatient basis? Yes. Invicta offers PHP, IOP, and standard outpatient levels of care, making it possible to receive intensive dual diagnosis treatment while living at home or in sober living.
Is dual diagnosis treatment covered by insurance? Most major insurance plans cover dual diagnosis treatment. Invicta accepts TRICARE and works with many commercial insurers. Verify your coverage here.
How close is Invicta to Pasadena? Invicta Recovery Center is located in Altadena, which directly borders Pasadena — typically a 5–10 minute drive from most Pasadena neighborhoods.
What languages does Invicta offer treatment in? Invicta provides multilingual treatment tracks in English, Spanish, and Armenian.