Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorder Services

About Substance Use Disorder Services

One step forward, two steps back. That’s a common dance for anyone trying to break free from substance use. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), more than 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. have a substance use problem with alcohol, tobacco, opioids, or other drugs. Having hope, getting treatment, and finding support are essential to recovery.

At Pittsburgh Mercy, we understand the complexity of substance use disorder and recognize the connections between mental health and substance use. Our experienced care team treats both conditions simultaneously, greatly improving the chances of lasting recovery.

We also know that recovery is possible. We’ll stay by your side, every step of the way. We give you the time, guidance, support, individualized attention, and the hope you need so you can live free from substances that interfere with your health, well-being, and relationships.

About Co-Occurring Disorder Services

When a person is experiencing mental illness and substance use simultaneously, they are said to have a co-occurring disorder. This can include any mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses. It is important to assess for both mental illness and substance use disorders. Individuals with mental illness are more likely to experience substance use disorder and vice versa.

There is no one reason why a co-occurring disorder develops. Sometimes those experiencing a mental illness self-medicate with substances to reduce the discomfort they experience from the symptoms of their mental illness. Other times, those with substance use disorders develop mental illness over time due to changes that substance use triggers in the brain and body. Mental illness and substance use disorders can develop simultaneously or independently from each other. The relationship between mental health and substance use is complex. Factors such as family history, genetics, stress, trauma, and environmental influences all play a part in why some individuals develop co-occurring disorders and others do not. Individuals who experience co-occurring disorders are at higher risk for negative outcomes such as relapse, hospitalization, incarceration, homelessness, and death.

How We Can Help

Fewer than 10 percent of individuals who have a co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder receive treatment. Many receive no treatment at all. At Pittsburgh Mercy, we offer many options for those seeking treatment. We take an integrated approach to co-occurring disorders, treating both mental illness and substance use together. Research shows that an integrated approach leads to the most effective outcomes. We use this integrated approach and other evidence-based practices to achieve the best results for persons we serve. This starts from the time of assessment, through treatment planning, and the interventions used to support each person in their individual recovery journey. Throughout the process, we emphasize care coordination. The integrated treatment team maintains regular communication so they help persons we serve make informed decisions about their treatment. Studies show that this type of coordination is an important aspect of delivering high-quality health care.

Levels of Care

At Pittsburgh Mercy, all our levels of care use evidence-based practices to ensure we provide treatment that works. We assess needs and plan treatment using the stages of change to meet persons we serve where they are in their individual recovery journeys. Specific therapeutic interventions we use include:

  • Acceptance and commitment therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Motivational enhancement therapy.

These methodologies are woven throughout treatment. In addition, we use validated measures to provide evidence that what we are doing is working.

To join our co-occurring disorders treatment program, persons we serve will receive a level of care assessment through the Sister Veronica McDarby Admissions Center to provide a recommendation for the most effective services that we can offer each person.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Intensive outpatient programs, also known as IOPs, offer services to individuals who need a higher level of care to address their substance use and mental health needs. An intensive outpatient program can be a helpful next step for those who are completing inpatient, residential, or withdrawal management programs, or for those who need more support than they would receive in individual or group treatment.

Participants in Pittsburgh Mercy’s Intensive Outpatient Program meet three hours a day, three days a week.

Services include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Psychiatry services.

The group also offers participants a safe place to find support, build motivation, and learn skills that will help them to live a full, meaningful life.

Individual Therapy Services

Individual therapy, also known as counseling, is offered in a 1-to-1 outpatient environment. Treatment is personalized to the unique needs of the individual. Evidence-based practices are used to inform treatment. Typically, treatment is held at a weekly, biweekly, or monthly frequency, based on the needs of the individual.

Outpatient Groups

We offer several outpatient groups to help support you in your recovery.

  • Keeping Recovery Groups

Our Keeping Recovery groups meet once or twice a week to offer support to individuals who are in the maintenance stage of recovery. Keeping Recovery groups cultivate a sense of community and accountability, aid in personal growth, and build the skills needed to live a balanced, value-driven life.

  • Motivation in Recovery & Harm Reduction Groups

Our Motivation in Recovery and Harm Reduction groups offer support to individuals who are in the precontemplation or contemplation stages of recovery. We ask participants to come ready to participate, but we do not require or even encourage abstinence from substances to join these groups. These groups, which meet once a week, provide a space free from judgment and stigma and help members to find community, support, and understanding.

  • Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Group

Our Medication for Opioid Disorder (MOUD) Group offers support to individuals who are currently receiving FDA-approved prescription medications for opioid use disorder, such as buprenorphine, naltrexone, or long-acting injectable medications. This group is a place for participants to connect with others who share this experience in an environment that is supportive and non-judgmental. It is scheduled to fulfill the therapy requirements many MOUD programs ask of participants in their programs and meets once a month. If a program requires a participant to receive additional therapy, treatment can be supplemented with individual therapy sessions.

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Clinic

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders (SUD), particularly those with opioid or alcohol use disorders. MOUD involves the use of FDA-approved prescription medications to help reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal symptoms, and greatly increase the chances of sustained recovery. Our MOUD clinic offers buprenorphine and naltrexone options. Those interested in joining our MOUD Clinic can report to the Sister Veronica McDarby Admissions Center during walk-in hours.

Our Location

Pittsburgh Mercy
330 South 9th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15233-1266
Phone: 1-877-637-2924

Walk-In Hours of Operation

Walk-ins are welcome. We see individuals on a first come, first served basis.

  • Monday, noon to 2 p.m.
  • Tuesday, noon to 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, noon to 2 p.m.

Co-Occurring Disorder Services for Adolescents

Pittsburgh Mercy’s individual therapy services for co-occurring disorders are open to adolescents ages 14 years or older. Pittsburgh Mercy does not currently offer adolescent-specific group therapy for co-occurring disorders but can refer to other providers, if needed.

Drug & Alcohol Services Annual Report 2025

Practice Administrators

  • Practice Administrator, Substance Use/Co-Occurring Disorders Unit:
  • Practice Administrator, Justice-Informed Care Adult Outpatient Unit:

Page Updated: March 12, 2026

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