If you are looking for alcohol or drug rehab alongside depression, anxiety or another mental health concern, ask how the service addresses both. A general statement that a provider offers 'mental health support' does not explain who delivers it, what it includes or whether that program can meet the person's current needs.
This guide helps individuals, families and professional referrers organise those questions. It does not diagnose a condition or determine which treatment setting is appropriate.
What does dual diagnosis mean?
The Victorian Government's Better Health Channel uses 'dual diagnosis' to describe co-occurring substance use and mental health problems. Services may also use terms such as 'co-occurring conditions'. These concerns can interact, and it is not always clear which began first.
A diagnosis requires assessment. When making an enquiry, describe the concerns you want help with rather than trying to choose a diagnostic label yourself.
Can addiction and depression be addressed together?
healthdirect's rehabilitation guidance advises getting help for substance dependence and a mental health condition at the same time. Better Health Channel also describes the value of integrated care addressing both concerns.
Ask what this means at the particular service. Care might involve staff within one program, coordination with another treating team, or a referral to a different service. The important comparison is the actual arrangement proposed after assessment.
Useful opening questions include:
Check the limits of the program
A provider's willingness to receive an enquiry is not confirmation that it can meet every clinical need. Ask the admission team to explain what information it requires and which questions need its clinicians to answer.
For a residential program, ask:
Get specific answers. For example, 'psychiatric support available' leaves open whether consultations are included, external, scheduled or arranged only when requested. Ask the provider to clarify rather than filling in those gaps yourself.
Clarify withdrawal arrangements separately
Mental health support, withdrawal management and residential rehabilitation are different service questions. Ask whether withdrawal is provided at the same location and what must be completed before admission.
healthdirect's withdrawal guidance advises discussing withdrawal with a doctor or alcohol and other drug service before starting. Do not stop prescribed medicines or attempt withdrawal based on an article or a directory comparison. Discuss proposed changes with the treating clinician.
Our detox versus rehab guide provides questions about the handover between services. If the person is in immediate danger or there is a medical emergency, call 000 rather than waiting for a directory callback.
Prepare for the assessment
Ask the intake team which information it wants and how to send it securely. With appropriate consent, a treating GP or mental health professional can help provide the requested information.
You can prepare questions about:
You do not need to put sensitive records into a general directory enquiry. First establish who needs them and which secure channel the receiving service uses. If a referral is requested, see our GP referral guide.
Ask about care after discharge
Before booking, ask who plans ongoing care and how the service connects with existing clinicians. A broad promise of 'aftercare' is less useful than knowing the next appointment and who is responsible for arranging it.
Families can also ask what support is offered to them and what information can be shared with the person's agreement. Our guide to supporting a loved one through rehab covers that separate role.
Finding a service to speak with
Browse treatment services and review their published information, then ask each shortlisted provider to confirm its dual diagnosis arrangements. You can begin with Melbourne, Sydney, Perth or Brisbane and use the comparison tool to organise service details. A listing is not a clinical recommendation or confirmation of suitability.
For help locating alcohol and other drug support, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015. It routes callers to state or territory services; the government page notes South Australian service hours of 8.30am to 10pm.
The provider questions are RehabFinder's editorial guidance. The linked Australian health resources support the general information about co-occurring conditions and withdrawal.