Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Group Therapy • Psychopathology • Treatment Planning

Dual Diagnosis

Term from Mental Health Counseling industry explained for recruiters

Dual Diagnosis refers to a specialized approach in mental health treatment where a person has both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. For example, someone might have both depression and alcohol dependency. Mental health professionals who work with dual diagnosis patients need special training to treat both conditions together, as these conditions often affect each other. This is also sometimes called "co-occurring disorders" or "concurrent disorders." Having experience with dual diagnosis is increasingly important in mental health roles as many facilities now offer integrated treatment for both conditions.

Examples in Resumes

Provided therapy and treatment planning for Dual Diagnosis clients in an outpatient setting

Conducted assessments and developed treatment plans for Co-Occurring Disorders patients

Led group therapy sessions for Dual Diagnosis and Concurrent Disorders clients

Typical job title: "Dual Diagnosis Counselors"

Also try searching for:

Mental Health Counselor Substance Abuse Counselor Clinical Therapist Behavioral Health Specialist Chemical Dependency Counselor Co-Occurring Disorders Specialist Addiction Therapist

Where to Find Dual Diagnosis Counselors

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a comprehensive treatment plan for a dual diagnosis client?

Expected Answer: A senior clinician should discuss conducting thorough assessments, coordinating with other healthcare providers, creating individualized treatment plans that address both conditions simultaneously, and implementing evidence-based practices for both mental health and substance use disorders.

Q: How do you handle crisis situations with dual diagnosis clients?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of crisis intervention protocols, risk assessment, emergency response procedures, and coordination with emergency services while maintaining therapeutic rapport and ensuring client safety.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What approaches do you use to maintain client engagement in treatment?

Expected Answer: Should discuss motivational interviewing techniques, building therapeutic alliance, addressing barriers to treatment, and strategies for preventing relapse while managing mental health symptoms.

Q: How do you collaborate with other healthcare providers in treating dual diagnosis clients?

Expected Answer: Should explain experience in working as part of a treatment team, coordinating care with psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and other specialists, and maintaining clear communication channels.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the importance of treating both conditions simultaneously in dual diagnosis?

Expected Answer: Should explain how mental health and substance use disorders interact and influence each other, and why treating both together leads to better outcomes than treating them separately.

Q: What are common challenges in working with dual diagnosis clients?

Expected Answer: Should identify challenges like medication compliance, relapse prevention, coordination of care, and maintaining engagement in treatment while managing both conditions.