Dual Diagnosis

Hannah Mills videoWe welcome patients with dual diagnosis problems and have a programme designed to help them in their journey towards recovery. 

These individuals experience mental health problems (generally personality disorder, psychosis, bipolar disorder or other affective disorders) as well as substance misuse or dependence (alcohol/illicit substances).

Programme Description

We provide assessments of the mental health and substance misuse problems, and help the individual to consider the various issues which may have led to their difficulties. We then provide integrated treatment for both.

Our programme is flexible, and utilises and integrates Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy and mindfullness-based approaches.  The treatment is delivered via group and individual therapy.

The substance misuse component is specifically addressed via one-to-one sessions and involvement in the "Double Trouble" group.

The therapy embedded in the Hannah Mills community, which operates as a therapeutically informed environment, allows individuals to learn to support and appropriately challenge each other, with the aim of developing secure adult attachments.

Members of the multidisciplinary team (nursing staff, occupational therapist, clinical psychologist and doctor) are trained in dual diagnosis treatment.

We consider referrals for informal patients and those detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.  We are able to support patients through detoxification and, following this, move on to engage them in therapy with an aim to discharge to a meaningful and enriched life in the community.

In order to safeguard the integrity of the programme, individuals will be required to abstain from using illicit substances while they are with us.

Who will benefit from our services?

• Men or women with a diagnosis of mental health illness and substance misuse.
• People requiring both detoxification and rehabilitation in an inpatient environment.

Testimonial

"Hi

My name is O.. and I was a patient at The Retreat for 4½ years.

On my arrival I was very unwell and was very unhappy.

The Retreat is like a primary school and my consultant asked me to tell you about how I found The Retreat when I first came and about the transition I made before discharge.

For a man in his 30s suffering with Schizophrenia and substance misuse problems, I had come from intensive care straight to Hannah Mills, it was very difficult – I hated it. I was very rebellious, I felt I didn't fit in.

As time went on I had a breakdown and the nurse of whom I had rebelled against the most became my saviour.

The Clinical Team Manager used the team's full power to love and support me and terminate my illness. In time I stopped drinking and the drugs went with it and I found that I was able to be the life and soul of the party, but had been fully rehabilitated without feeling the system had beaten me.

It was the 'Primary School' side of The Retreat that protected me while I was ill. I guess what I am trying to tell you is that The Retreat is very good at dealing with challenging behaviour and it stood by me until I turned to them for help. 

That's what rehab is for - making sure that people find their feet and move on. I'm now living in the community (in York) where I am very happy and still 'old O...' but have the memories of what the clinical team did for me. So from total rebellion to total rehabilitation and someone who is hopefully not going to have to go back to hospital again." From an ex-Hannah Mills Patient

Download the Hannah Mills Guide for further information.

For information about accessing treatment, please click here.