If you or someone you care about struggles with addiction and/or mental health problems, you may have a lot of questions. Information can be the first step of a recovery journey.
If you are concerned that you have a drinking/drug problem or a mental health issue please seek professional help.
A drug screening test is available here.
An alcohol screening test is available here.
A depression screening test is available here.
Information for veterans is available at Make The Connection.
CenterPointe Outpatient Services is located at 1000 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE, 68508. Crisis Counseling is available on a walk-in basis at from 8am to 5pm. Outpatient Therapy is available on a walk-in basis from 8am to 4pm. Screening for other services is also available at this location.
If you are outside Lincoln, Omaha, and their surrounding counties, find a substance use or mental health treatment facility near you.
National Treatment Locator
If you live outside of Nebraska, you can still find help for addiction and mental health problems. Don't give up!
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The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers an easy-to-use map to search for drug and alcohol or mental health treatment facilities in your area.
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You can locate substance use and mental health services through the CARF International website.
Co-occurring Disorders FAQ
Accurate information can help you start your recovery journey or help you support a loved one. Here are some common questions and answers:
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What does "co-occurring disorders" mean?
The term co-occurring disorders refer to mental disorders that are independent of substance use but that occur at the same time with a substance use disorder.
A person with co-occurring disorders has at least one mental health problem and one substance use problem. Many of those with co-occurring disorders have more than one mental illness and more than one substance use issue resulting in multiple life problems.
Mental health problems can range from mild depression or anxiety to severe and persistent mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Substance use problems may range from abuse of alcohol or marijuana to dependence on intravenous drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine.
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How many people are affected with co-occurring disorders?
More than 10 million people in the United States may have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
3 million people with co-occurring disorders may have at least 3 disorders, and 1 million people with co-occurring disorders may have 4 or more disorders.
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How do I know if I have co-occurring disorders?
Only a mental health professional (such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed mental health counselor, or a licensed social worker) and/or substance use counselor can diagnose co-occurring disorders.
A professional will ask questions about your substance use and mental health history and may want to monitor you over a period of time in order to make a correct diagnosis.
There are many resources on the internet that can help you to determine whether you may have substance use or mental health problems.
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How does a person develop co-occurring disorders?
There are many ways in which co-occurring disorders develop. Most people with co-occurring disorders report that the symptoms of mental illness began first and that they used alcohol or other drugs to cope with the symptoms (often known as self-medication).
For example, if you feel depressed, you may find that a couple of drinks or a little cocaine makes the depression lift, at least for a while.
When the buzz or the high wears off, you will probably feel worse. The solution may be to drink or use more. The more you drink or use, the worse you feel, and the cycle of co-occurring disorders begins.
The cycle gets worse when the other consequences of substance use – family difficulties, employment problems, legal issues, or financial troubles – come into play.
The cycle doesn’t have to start with symptoms of mental illness though. For some people with co-occurring disorders, the cycle begins with substance use.
Alcohol or drugs may trigger a genetic predisposition to a mental illness, or the consequences of substance use may generate depression or anxiety.
Finally, it is possible that the mental health and substance use problems develop independently of each other.
No matter how the co-occurring disorders developed, the symptoms of the disorders interact, typically resulting in increased symptoms of both or all disorders.
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Which mental illnesses are likely to occur with substance use?
Any mental illness can co-occur with any substance use disorder. Studies have shown, however, that people with certain mental health disorders are more likely to also have a substance use problem.
85-90% of those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder also have a substance use disorder.
About 82% of those with Antisocial Personality Disorder misuse substances.
Around 71% of persons with Bipolar Disorder use substances.
About 50% of those with Schizophrenia also use substances.
Adolescents who have Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or Attention Deficit Disorder are up to 7 times more likely to have a substance use disorder than those without these disorders.
Adolescents with depression are 4 times as likely to use substances
Adolescents with anxiety are twice as likely to use substances compared to adolescents without anxiety.
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If I have a mental health AND a substance use disorder, which gets treated first?
Neither….or both, depending on how you think about it.
For people with co-occurring disorders, treatment for mental health and substance use issues should happen at the same time. This simultaneous treatment is referred to as integrated treatment.
Truly integrated treatment involves treating both (or all) disorders as if they were different parts of one disorder, just as they are components of one person.
Integrated treatment focuses on the interaction between or among the disorders.
Co-occurring disorders are sometimes treated in either a sequential or parallel manner.
Sequential treatment means that you receive either mental health or substance use treatment first, followed by treatment for the other issue. Parallel treatment means that mental health and substance use disorders are treated at the same time, but separately.
There are many problems with sequential and parallel treatment including mixed messages from different treatment providers. This often leaves you to figure out for yourself what to do.
CenterPointe specializes in truly integrated treatment. We treat both issues together in real-time.
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I've been told that because I'm addicted, I can't take any mood altering drugs. What about medications for my mental health problem?
The idea that addicted people can’t take psychiatric medications because they won't really be clean and sober is false and dangerous.
There is a big difference between alcohol, street drugs, and medications prescribed by a psychiatrist. It is typically not recommended that persons with co-occurring disorders take potentially addictive medications such as benzodiazepines or opiates (although that decision needs to be made on an individual basis).
Most psychiatric medication is not addictive. Taking it will not jeopardize your sobriety. In fact, taking the medication may help you remain free from alcohol and other drugs.
Think of it this way – if you are addicted to meth, and have schizophrenia, which makes you hear voices, are you better off continuing to hear those voices or better off taking medication so you don’t hear the voices?
Which option would more likely lead to relapse?
If you find yourself being pressured to stop taking your psychiatric medication because someone thinks you're not clean and sober, provide that person with some education about the medication (you can get pamphlets and other information from your doctor).
If they continue to pressure you, consider whether he or she is really a supportive person in your overall recovery.
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If I get treatment for one disorder, won't the other one just go away?
No. You need treatment for both (or all) of the disorders, and at the same time.
For example: let's say you’re depressed and you use cocaine as a way to cope with the depression. It's likely that you have become addicted to cocaine.
If you stop using cocaine, the depression won't go away because it was there in the beginning.
If you tried to get treatment for the depression but continued to use it, you'd likely not learn any new skills for coping. Why would you? Your old coping skill is probably still working, and working much more quickly than any new skills or medication would work.
In the end, you'd still be depressed and addicted.
Another example: say you've been drinking for years now, and the drinking has caused chemical changes in your brain, created legal and financial trouble, and led to a divorce.
These events have caused you a great amount of anxiety, and you find you're having panic attacks quite often.
If you quit drinking but still have panic attacks, how long do you think you'll stay sober? Probably not for long; you'll likely go back to drinking because of the discomfort of the panic disorder.
The bottom line is that if you have co-occurring disorders, you need treatment that addresses ALL of your issues simultaneously, or your chances of recovery are greatly reduced.
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How do I find help for myself or a significant other?
There are many ways to find help. Good places to start may be at the SAMSHA treatment locator or the CARF International websites.
These sites allow you to search for a provider in your area and there are descriptions of their programs. The description will indicate whether the program provides treatment for people with co-occurring disorders.
You can also call your state's Health and Human Services Department for a referral.
CenterPointe offers walk-in outpatient services in the Lincoln community and residential treatment in both Lincoln and Omaha.
Just don't give up! Help is out there and recovery from co-occurring disorders is possible.
For Family and Friends
Join our Family & Friends Support Group
12noon - 1pm
3rd Saturday of each month
1000 S 13th St
In the U.S. as many as 1 in 4 people live with a mental illness. For every person diagnosed there are family members and friends who are part of the journey. Caring for someone with a chronic illness is difficult; it is especially difficult when the illness is mental or addictive in nature.
The support of someone who cares can be crucial for the person living with mental illness. Here are some tips to help you cope and be supportive:
Be informed – Learn as much as you can about your loved one’s diagnosis from a reputable source. Both the National Institute of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have reliable, in-depth information. Remember that all illnesses fall on a continuum – one person’s depression, bipolar, or personality disorder will not be the same as another’s.
Reach out for support – It’s easy to feel like you are facing these illnesses alone. A supportive organization can connect you with others that are coping with similar circumstances. Consider trying two or more meetings before deciding if a particular support group is helpful for you.
Take care of yourself – It’s important to focus on caring for yourself. No one can be supportive of another if they are not supporting their own health and well-being. Remember to engage in activities that keep you healthy. You are not being selfish when you care for yourself; you are replenishing your energy to be supportive. You are maintaining good boundaries.
Focus on recovery – While mental illness and addiction are chronic diseases, recovery is possible. People do get better and learn to live healthier lives. While you can’t do the work of recovery for your loved ones, you can support them as they do what they can to get better. Remember: relapse is often part of chronic illness but it doesn't mean recovery is impossible.
Consider therapy for yourself – It’s common for caregivers to struggle with their own depression or anxiety. Finding a qualified therapist who listens to your concerns can be vital. It’s not a sign of weakness to get help. Remember it’s best to be proactive rather than waiting until you are in crisis.
Finding a Therapist
CenterPointe provides Outpatient Therapy to those experiencing problems with mental illness, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. No appointment or referral is required for outpatient services between 8 am and 4 pm at 1000 S 13th St, Lincoln, Nebraska. Here are some helpful steps for finding a therapist who can support you on your journey.
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Ask friends or family members for their recommendations.
If you know someone who goes to counseling regularly, they may be comfortable giving you the name of their therapist, or someone who they believe would be a good fit for you.
Asking friends and family can help break down the stigma of seeking treatment for mental health issues and provide good options for your own treatment.
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Ask a health professional you already work with.
Health care professionals form a well-connected community. Your doctor may have one or more reputable names to offer you regarding therapy.
When asking, you don’t even need to go into detail as to why you’re requesting therapists’ names.
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If you’re insured, ask for a list of therapists your policy covers.
Many times, larger insurance companies will have a list of therapists on their websites. If you have trouble finding it online, call a customer service representative and request the list.
If you are covered by Medicaid or Medicaid, your state's Health and Human Services Department may maintain a directory of providers who will accept this insurance.
These lists are great resources for finding therapists nearby and for cross-referencing any names suggested to you through another source.
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Take advantage of your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Some benefits packages will cover a set number of appointments with an EAP therapist. Seeing an EAP therapist is confidential. Once you use your allotted appointments, they can refer you to someone covered by your insurance for additional sessions if needed.
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Talk to a school nurse or University health center.
This resource is twofold. If you have a child in grade school, the school nurse can easily direct you or your child to a therapist in your area.
For University students or faculty and staff, the health center on your campus most likely has a counseling division. Trained professionals within that division are available to you at set prices or are covered by your school fees.
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Use reliable internet listings.
The internet has made searching infinitely easier with the invention of qualified listings.
Websites like Psychology Today and WebMD have searchable lists of licensed therapists for you to choose from. Just make sure to cross-reference your findings with another source to ensure its reliability.
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Steer clear of Yellow Pages and Craigslist.
Yellow Pages ads are expensive and outdated. And what’s worse is that there are no set requirements for placing a professional advertisement. Anyone with a little disposable income can post an ad offering counseling services, which makes it a hazardous place to look.
The same goes for Craigslist. While some professionals do use Craigslist to reach a younger audience, there are also many fraudulent accounts that just want your money.
Use good judgment and always cross-reference your findings with another resource.
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Use Google to find out more.
Once you have a fair amount of names, try Googling them.
Many, but not all, reputable therapists have work published that is available for public consumption. Reading someone’s research can give you a good idea of their style.
You may find a website for their practice that includes information about their training, areas of specialty, or testimonials from other patients.
All of this information can help you decide whether someone is potentially a good fit for you.
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Book at least 3 different therapists.
When you've found a few therapists you would be comfortable meeting, book an initial appointment.
Try out several therapists on your list.
Are you comfortable talking with this person? If they have office staff are they welcoming and knowledgeable? Are the location and hours convenient?
Exploring these and other questions can help you get a feel for what it is you want out of the experience.
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Choose your best fit!
It can sometimes be a challenging road to finding the therapist that’s right for you, but the difference it makes will be well worth it.
We believe everyone has the ability to recover if they have access to quality treatment.
And we know that being supportive of someone in recovery sometimes means accessing your own treatment.
Recovery is a process and a journey worth taking.
What's a CCBHC?
A Certified Community Behavior Health Clinic - an entity designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated range of mental health, substance use, and primary health services to any individual, regardless of funding, to improve outcomes through the use of strong collaborative coordination care.
CenterPointe was awarded $2 million per year for two years to develop and operate as a CCBHC in Lincoln.
This grant gives us an opportunity to improve and expand our services by integrating mental health and substance use care with physical health care, utilizing a wide variety of evidence-based practices, and promoting same-day access to high-quality, evidence-based care.
CCBHCs are responsible for directly providing (or contracting with partner organizations to provide) nine required types of services:
- Crisis mental health services
- Screening, assessment, and diagnosis, including risk assessment
- Patient-centered treatment planning
- Outpatient mental health and substance use services
- Primary care screening and monitoring of key health indicators/health risk
- Targeted case management
- Psychiatric rehabilitation services
- Peer support and family supports
- Intensive, community-based mental health care for members of the armed forces and veterans
CCBHCs must also meet requirements related to quality reporting, governance, staffing, access to care, and care coordination.
Some information provided by: thenationalcouncil.org
What treatment is provided through CenterPointe's CCBHC?
- Integrated physical health, mental health, and substance use disorder care
- Screening for HIV and Hepatitis
- 24/7 Crisis Intervention Services
- Nobody turned away due to the inability to pay
- Same-day access to care
- Evidence-based practices, including medication-assisted treatment
- Collaborative care with other agencies
- Quality measures that guide clinical care decisions
Since many of these services are already provided through CenterPointe, here are specific changes that will take place:
- Physical healthcare was provided for the first time!
- Service of more individuals, especially children, adolescents, and families
- Expansion of our team by 17 new staff members
- Organizational restructuring to accommodate the expansion
- Expansion of our operational hours to include some nights and weekend hours
- Improvement our internal and external processes for collaborating and coordinating care
- Greater focus on data collection for making data-informed decisions