For families searching for residential programs for troubled youth near me, it’s important to understand that many teens struggling with substance use also face underlying mental health challenges. Known as co-occurring disorders (or dual diagnosis), this combination of conditions requires specialized, coordinated care.
At Ember Recovery, our teen residential treatment in Central Iowa addresses both substance use and mental health disorders through an integrated approach. By treating the whole person—mind, body, and behavior—we help teens and young adults (ages 12–24) develop the tools they need for lasting recovery and emotional well-being.
Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders occur when someone experiences both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar disorder
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 60% of adolescents in substance use treatment also meet criteria for at least one mental health disorder.
This overlap is not coincidental. Substance use can develop as a way to cope with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma—but in turn, drugs and alcohol worsen those same symptoms. Without integrated treatment, recovery becomes much harder to maintain.
Why Integrated Treatment Is Essential
In the past, mental health and substance use disorders were treated separately, leading to fragmented care. Today, research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) confirms that integrated care—treating both conditions at once—leads to better outcomes and reduced relapse risk.
At Ember Recovery, this model is the foundation of our approach. Every client receives a personalized treatment plan that aligns therapy, medication management, education, and family involvement into one coordinated process.
Core Elements of Integrated Care at Ember Recovery
- Comprehensive assessment: Identifies both substance use and mental health needs early.
- Collaborative team approach: Counselors, medical providers, and educators work together to align care.
- Evidence-based therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed modalities address thought patterns and behaviors simultaneously.
- Medication management: For those who need it, psychiatric care supports emotional stability while therapy addresses coping skills.
Tailoring Treatment for Teens and Young Adults
The teenage and young-adult years are marked by rapid emotional and neurological development. Because of this, treatment must reflect their unique needs—not simply replicate adult recovery models.
Our teen residential treatment in Central Iowa is designed to meet clients where they are developmentally and emotionally. We incorporate:
- Age-appropriate therapy sessions that emphasize self-awareness, decision-making, and stress management.
- Educational support to help teens continue schoolwork while in treatment.
- Life skills training to prepare for independent living after discharge.
- Recreational and experiential therapy, allowing clients to process emotions through activity and movement.
These elements help young people understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact—key insight for overcoming both mental health challenges and teen substance abuse in Central Iowa.
Addressing Trauma as Part of Dual Diagnosis
Many young people struggling with addiction have experienced trauma, whether through family conflict, loss, abuse, or instability. Untreated trauma can perpetuate the cycle of substance use and emotional distress.
That’s why trauma-informed care is woven into everything we do at Ember Recovery. Our staff is trained to:
- Recognize signs of trauma and respond with empathy.
- Create a safe environment where clients feel secure and heard.
- Incorporate trauma-specific therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and mindfulness-based practices.
This approach promotes trust, emotional regulation, and resilience—critical for lasting recovery.
The Continuum of Care: From Residential to IOP
At Ember Recovery, treatment doesn’t end when residential care concludes. Our continuum of care ensures teens and young adults receive support at every stage:
- Residential Programs (Ages 12–17 and 18–24): A structured, therapeutic environment for stabilization and intensive treatment.
- Step-Down IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program): Provides ongoing therapy and accountability as clients transition back home or to school.
- Aftercare and Alumni Support: Virtual check-ins and alumni programs help maintain motivation and prevent relapse.
This seamless structure allows teens to stay engaged long after leaving residential programs for troubled youth near me, reinforcing new coping strategies and healthy routines.
Family Involvement in Recovery
Family is an integral part of recovery at Ember. Through family therapy, education, and virtual parent sessions, parents learn how to:
- Support recovery without enabling harmful behaviors.
- Communicate more effectively.
- Set healthy boundaries at home.
Research shows that family participation in treatment improves both short- and long-term recovery outcomes for teens.
Healing Mind and Body Through Connection
Recovery is not about addressing symptoms—it’s about rebuilding lives. At Ember Recovery, every program is designed to strengthen connection: to self, to others, and to the future.
Our holistic approach helps young people:
- Understand how emotions influence behavior.
- Replace substance use with positive coping tools.
- Build a sense of purpose and confidence beyond treatment.
By addressing mental health and addiction together, we give teens the best chance to thrive—academically, emotionally, and socially.
Take the First Step Toward Comprehensive Healing
Co-occurring disorders require specialized care—and the right environment makes all the difference. At Ember Recovery, our evidence-based, trauma-informed programs empower teens and young adults to heal fully and grow stronger than before.
If your teen is struggling with substance use or mental health challenges, we’re here to help.
Contact Ember Recovery today to schedule a confidential assessment.
Sources:
[1] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/co-occurring-disorders-health-conditions
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8380649/
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.