Co-occurring disorders
Natalie Feinblatt, Psy.D.
LACPA Local Advocacy Network (LAN) Chair & Board Member

Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, refers to the presence of two or more disorders or conditions in an individual simultaneously. These disorders can be mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or Bipolar Disorder, or they can be substance use disorders such as alcoholism or drug addiction.

Co-occurring disorders can be challenging to diagnose and treat, as symptoms from one disorder can often mask or worsen the symptoms of another disorder. However, it is essential to identify and address co-occurring disorders to provide individuals with the best possible treatment and outcomes.

In the United States an estimated 8.4 million adults experience both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder in a given year. Among individuals with a substance abuse disorder, 43% also have a mental health disorder, and among individuals with a mental health disorder, 20% also have a substance abuse disorder.

The causes of co-occurring disorders are complex and can vary. However, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder simultaneously, including:

Alcohol abuse: links to common diseases
By Miriam Hamideh, Ph.D., LACPA 2023 President

Excessive drinking can have a variety of negative effects on the body. In fact, alcohol abuse is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide. In this blog, we will explore the link between alcohol abuse and common diseases. We will also provide you with some important facts that you should know about the dangers of excessive drinking.

Liver Diseases: The liver is a vital organ that plays an important role in breaking down and filtering out toxins from the body. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of liver diseases, including:

Supporting Parents of Children with Language-Based Learning Disabilities
Daniel Franklin, Ph.D. LACPA Continuing Education Chair & Board Member

Language-based learning disabilities (LBLDs) such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD impact over 2.4 million students in the United States and represent over 45 percent of all students receiving special education. When children, teens, and young adults have LBLDs, families often face an array of challenges at school and at home. Parents and clinicians frequently ask me for strategies they can use to make schoolwork go more smoothly for these children. The strategies I recommend address many of the challenges students with LBLDs and their parents contend with day-to-day, but they are not a set of “quick fixes.” My approach is a collaborative method that encourages parents to commit their time, energy, and kindness to improve their child’s learning experience. 

Welcome to the Los Angeles County Psychological Association!
By Daniel Franklin, Ph.D.
LACPA Membership Committee Chair & Board Member

I joined the Los Angeles County Psychological Association (LACPA) over six years ago. I am a board-certified educational therapist, and I was seeking a strong, clinical organization to be a member of that would represent my interest in the areas of psychology, education, and mental health. I was especially drawn to LACPA because of the many opportunities to connect with psychologists and affiliated clinicians and practitioners.

Upon joining, I quickly took advantage of the opportunity to submit an article to the Los Angeles Psychologist, the LACPA award-winning quarterly magazine. It was gratifying to have my article published in the following issue. I am now one of the co-editors of Los Angeles Psychologist. I also joined the LACPA Child and Adolescent Special Interest Group, which I am now the co-facilitator of.