Addiction Treatment and Dual Diagnosis Care in Portland, OR
Addiction rarely shows up alone. Most people struggling with substance use are also carrying depression, anxiety, trauma, or another mental health condition that played a role in how the addiction started and what keeps it going. Treating one without the other tends to fail, which is why dual diagnosis care exists. At Aspirant Wellness Solution our PMHNP provides psychiatric evaluation, medication-assisted treatment, and ongoing support for people dealing with substance use and the conditions that accompany it. We see patients in Portland and across Oregon through telehealth. Inpatient detox and residential treatment are referred out, but outpatient psychiatric and medication support is what we do directly.
What We Provide
Why Treating Addiction Alone Rarely Works
Addiction is a medical condition that changes how the brain processes reward, stress, and decision-making. It is not a matter of willpower, and treating it as a moral failing rather than a clinical issue is part of why so many people struggle to get effective help. The goal of treatment is to foster insight, support abstinence and recovery, and develop the skills needed to maintain sobriety once someone is back in their community.
Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of a substance use disorder alongside a mental health condition. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder are among the most common. Research consistently shows that roughly half of people with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health condition, and treating one without addressing the other significantly increases the chance of relapse.
Our approach treats both at the same time. A psychiatric evaluation identifies what conditions are present, medication is used where appropriate for both the addiction and the co-occurring condition, and we coordinate with group counseling, family support, and community resources to build a complete treatment picture.
Common Co-Occurring Conditions With Addiction
- Often present before substance use begins or develops as a result of it. Treating the depression directly reduces the likelihood of using substances to self-medicate.
- Many people use alcohol or other substances to manage anxiety symptoms. Treating the anxiety reduces the underlying drive to self-medicate.
- Trauma history is extremely common in people with substance use disorders. Addressing trauma symptoms directly is often necessary for lasting recovery.
- Untreated ADHD increases the risk of substance use, particularly with stimulants. Treating ADHD appropriately can reduce that risk significantly.
- Substance use is common during both depressive and manic phases of bipolar disorder. Mood stabilization is a key part of addressing the addiction.
Psychiatric and Medication Support for Addiction Recovery
Our role focuses on the psychiatric and medication side of addiction treatment. We work alongside group counseling, family support, and community resources rather than trying to replace them.
Step 1: Full Evaluation
We assess substance use history, patterns, prior treatment attempts, and screen carefully for co-occurring mental health conditions. We ask directly and without judgment.
Step 2: Diagnosis and Planning
We identify which substance use disorder is present and which co-occurring conditions need to be addressed. We build a treatment plan that covers both.
Step 3: Medication-Assisted Treatment
For opioid and alcohol use disorders, medications can significantly reduce cravings and support recovery. We discuss options and prescribe when appropriate.
Step 4: Coordinated Ongoing Care
We connect patients to weekly group meetings, family drug and alcohol counseling when relevant, and refer to higher levels of care including detox and residential treatment when needed.
Medications Reference Card
Blocks the rewarding effects of opioids and reduces alcohol cravings. Available as a daily pill or monthly injection. Useful for both opioid and alcohol use disorders.
Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Often combined with naloxone (Suboxone) to reduce misuse potential. Requires a specific waiver to prescribe, which our PMHNP holds.
Helps reduce alcohol cravings and supports abstinence by restoring some chemical balance disrupted by long-term alcohol use. Taken three times daily.
Creates an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed, acting as a deterrent. Requires strong patient motivation and is not appropriate for everyone.
Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers are used as appropriate for any co-occurring condition identified during evaluation.
Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Care by Telehealth Across Oregon
We offer telehealth appointments for addiction evaluation and ongoing medication management to patients anywhere in Oregon. Telehealth is appropriate for outpatient care and works well for ongoing medication-assisted treatment follow-ups. If detox or a higher level of care is needed, we will help coordinate that referral.
📍 Locations Served
In-Person Offices
Multnomah Village, OR (Primary)
Portland, OR (Secondary)
Regional Areas
SW Portland, Lake Oswego, Beaverton
Gresham, Milwaukie, Clackamas
What is dual diagnosis treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health condition at the same time. Roughly half of people with addiction also have a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Treating both together produces significantly better outcomes than addressing either one in isolation.
Do you provide inpatient detox or residential treatment?
No. We provide outpatient psychiatric evaluation and medication management. If detox or residential treatment is clinically needed, we refer to appropriate inpatient services and coordinate care once you return to outpatient treatment.
What is medication-assisted treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment uses FDA-approved medications like naltrexone, buprenorphine, or acamprosate to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to sustain recovery. It is most effective when combined with counseling and support.
Can addiction treatment be done through telehealth in Oregon?
Yes, for outpatient evaluation and ongoing medication management. We see patients anywhere in Oregon through telehealth. If a higher level of care is needed, we help arrange that referral.
Does insurance cover addiction treatment in Oregon?
Most major Oregon insurance plans cover psychiatric evaluation and medication management for substance use disorders, including Oregon Health Plan. We verify your coverage before your first appointment.
Accepting New Patients for Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Care in Portland
If substance use has been part of your life alongside depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, a combined evaluation can identify what is actually going on and what treatment will help. Book a time and we will start from there.
Crisis note below buttons: If you are in crisis, call or text 988. Cascadia Crisis Line: (503) 988-4888.