For anyone researching treatment options in Los Angeles, the separation between addiction services and mental health care has long been a frustrating hurdle. Cliffside West Los Angeles is now drawing attention to the way its residential program addresses substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma within a single, coordinated treatment plan.
Outside of Cliffside West LA Treatment Center
One clinical team treats substance use and co-occurring depression, anxiety and trauma together for adults seeking care in Los Angeles.
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The educational push comes as more families seek clarity on how detox, psychiatric care, and therapy can work together in one setting on the city’s Westside. Rather than shuttling patients between separate providers, Cliffside’s model integrates both concerns into a unified plan from the very first days of care, which is a significant consideration for those navigating a fragmented healthcare system.
When Substance Use and Mental Health Overlap
The connection between these conditions is well-documented. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a substantial number of individuals with substance use disorders also grapple with other mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. NIMH points to environmental factors like stress or trauma, along with genetics, as contributors to the development of both, and stresses that accurate diagnosis is key because symptoms can overlap. The institute describes integrated care as the practice of combining mental health and substance use treatment so patients receive coordinated care in one place.
The intersection is particularly pronounced with trauma. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD reports that more than 4 in 10 U.S. adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also struggle with drug or alcohol use, and that treating PTSD and substance use simultaneously is an effective approach for addressing both conditions.
One Team and One Plan
Cliffside West Los Angeles offers dual diagnosis treatment for adults whose primary diagnosis is a substance use disorder, while also addressing mood conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety and panic disorders, PTSD and trauma, or personality disorders including borderline personality disorder. A single clinical team treats both conditions, working from one shared plan of care.
Many treatment stays begin with medical detox, during which licensed nurses provide around-the-clock supervision under the direction of addiction medicine physicians. Psychiatric care is initiated during this same phase, and a pre-existing mental health diagnosis is not required to start treatment. The clinical team observes a patient’s condition as substances clear from the body before drawing conclusions, a process that helps separate withdrawal effects from ongoing mental health symptoms.
Each patient meets at least weekly with a psychiatrist specializing in addiction medicine to review mood, sleep, and medication. Upon arrival, this psychiatrist reviews every medication a patient is taking and collaborates with the patient on what to keep, adjust, or change, so patients are asked to bring their records. For those with opioid involvement, medication-assisted treatment can help manage cravings following detox.
Evidence-Based Therapy in a Small Residential Setting
The clinical approach at Cliffside is built on the Stages of Change model, paired with evidence-based practices and a strong therapeutic alliance. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to address the thought patterns that drive anxiety and cravings, while dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) equips patients with skills for managing intense emotions without turning to substances. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps patients make choices aligned with their personal values, and trauma work is paced to ensure patients feel safe throughout the process.
The residential program operates out of two home-like residences, each housing six beds for adults aged 18 and older. Master’s-level therapists work with a maximum of six patients, allowing clinicians the time to understand each person’s history and goals. A structured daily routine includes individual therapy, group therapy, and weekly psychiatric care, with stays averaging more than 30 days. The program treats alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, opioids including fentanyl and heroin, and prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines.
Including Families in Care
Because substance use and mental health conditions affect the entire family, Cliffside hosts a weekly family group for loved ones and offers family sessions for those who choose to participate. These gatherings provide a space for family members to learn about co-occurring conditions, ask questions about the treatment plan, and prepare for the transition home.
Planning for Continued Care
Discharge planning begins on the first day of treatment. A certified counselor case manager meets with each patient for at least an hour every week to develop a discharge plan, which may include continued psychiatric and therapy care in Los Angeles or near home, as well as outpatient treatment or sober living when appropriate. For those with co-occurring conditions, ongoing mental health care after residential treatment is a core part of that planning.
Following treatment, patients receive one year of unlimited free access to Discovery365, a digital support platform. An alumni coordinator keeps former patients connected through a weekly alumni group led by an alum with six or more months of sobriety, a weekly evening alumni meeting, and quarterly get-togethers such as surfing, yoga, and beach cleanups.
Exploring Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Los Angeles
Individuals and families can reach Cliffside West Los Angeles admissions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (877) 621-5810 to discuss substance use, mental health concerns, current medications, and insurance verification. One admissions specialist stays with each person from the first call through admission. Coverage and admission depend on an individual review, and program details along with the contact form are available on the Cliffside West Los Angeles website.
The Cushdon House is located at 10700 Cushdon Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90064, and the Overland House at 2203 Overland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90064. Anyone in immediate crisis can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Wes Morgan
Cliffside West LA
+1 877-621-5810
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Why it matters: The integration of mental health and substance use treatment is increasingly recognized as essential for effective recovery, yet it remains difficult for many families to find. Cliffside’s model demonstrates how coordinated care under one roof can simplify the process and address the full scope of a patient’s needs, a shift that could set a standard for residential treatment programs elsewhere.
