If your teen son or daughter is struggling with a mental health disorder along and/or substance use disorders, integrated care is crucial to success. Integrated care began as a reaction to the need for more effective, compassionate treatment for people with a dual-diagnosis. At an integrated treatment program, treatment for substance abuse is blended with treatment for mental illness. This provides more comprehensive, consistent care while reducing the risk of relapse and increasing a teen’s chances of success.
Key Features of an Integrated Program Include:
- Cross-trained staff: Psychologists, therapists, counselors, and social workers have training and credentials in both adolescent addiction treatment and adolescent mental health.
- A single location: Teens in integrated rehab programs receive care for substance use disorders and mental health issues in the same facility rather than going back and forth between different clinics or treatment centers.
- Customized treatment plans: Substance abuse treatment must be tailored to the needs of a teen with a dual diagnosis in order for rehab to be effective. Teens with depression, anxiety, or personality disorders may need more time and more individualized attention to succeed at recovery.
- Dedicated support groups: Peer support is a vital component of any drug rehabilitation program. As part of an integrated treatment plan, teens can attend support groups that are dedicated to dual diagnosis treatment. Twelve-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous offer dual diagnosis meetings, in which members can share their experiences in coping with both addiction and mental illness.
Despite the prevalence of dual-diagnosis disorders among adolescents, there are few quality rehabilitation programs in the U.S. that offer specialized, integrated care for teens. As you compare addiction treatment facilities, ask these questions:
- Does the program’s treatment philosophy include integrated care for a teen with a dual-diagnosis?
- Is the program tailored to the psychological, emotional, and physical needs of teens?
- Does the center offer a complete psychiatric evaluation and neuropsychological testing for its clients?
- Are therapists and counselors specially trained in psychiatric treatment, as well as addiction care?
- Do the treatment professionals work as a closely coordinated team to ensure strong continuity of care?
- Does the facility offer a full range of activities and experiential therapies to address all of a teenager’s needs?
At Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services, integrated treatment is tailored for each teen, and features a “whole person” approach addressing mental and physical well-being. With years of experience treating teens, we’ve developed therapeutic experiences that greatly enhance our clients’ recovery.
What is an Integrated Treatment Plan?
At one time, the fields of substance abuse treatment and adolescent mental health treatment were kept separate. Teens who had problems with drugs or alcohol had to go through treatment for their addiction before getting treatment for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or a personality disorder. In many cases, teenagers who went through rehab received no treatment for their co-occurring mental illness, if the mental health condition was accurately diagnosed at all.
Integrated care provides more effective, comprehensive treatment for the various disorders people with a dual-diagnosis suffer from. At an integrated rehab program, treatment for substance abuse is blended with treatment for mental illness, reducing the risk of relapse and increasing patients’ chances of success.
The Importance of Integrated Teen Treatment
Co-occurring disorders are more common than you may realize. The Partnership at Drugfree.org notes that while the rate of substance abuse among the general population is just over 16%, the rate of drug or alcohol addiction among people with a psychiatric diagnosis is much higher:
- 47% of people with schizophrenia also have a substance use disorder
- 32% of those with a mood disorder also abuse drugs or alcohol
- 32% of those with obsessive-compulsive disorder have an addictive disorder
- 23% of those who suffer from an anxiety disorder abuse alcohol or drugs
Integrated care addresses not just a teen’s substance use, but the mental illness that co-exists with addiction. In response to the need for integrated care, a credential was developed for mental health professionals who also specialize in addiction care. A Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP) has received advanced training in both therapeutic counseling and addiction treatment.
Teenagers who live with intense mood swings, depression, overwhelming fear, or compulsive behavior need help from supportive, compassionate professionals. Mental illness can cause problems with motivation, concentration, and social development. The counselors and therapists who work with teens at Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services are committed to giving these teens the very best chance at developing stable, satisfying lives as adults.
Muir Wood is an integrated treatment facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of teens between the ages of 12 and 17. We emphasize integrated care, neuropsychological testing, and family counseling to help our clients succeed in the recovery process. If you’re faced with the difficult task of finding the best-integrated treatment program for your son or daughter, call our central intake number at the top of this page or contact us through our contact form at any time. We’re here to help you and your teen build a bright, positive future.