For many teens, substance use is only part of the story. Underlying mental health conditions—such as depression, anxiety, or trauma—can contribute to substance use and make recovery more complex. When these issues occur together, it’s known as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis.
At Ember Recovery, we understand that addressing only one side of the problem is not enough. That’s why our approach to teen residential treatment in Central Iowa includes specialized care that treats both addiction and mental health needs at the same time. This integrated approach is essential for helping young people achieve long-term stability and a healthier future.
Understanding Dual Diagnosis in Teens
Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder (SUD) and at least one mental health disorder. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly one in four teens with a mental health condition also struggles with substance use¹.
Common co-occurring conditions in teens include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar disorder
The relationship works both ways: mental health challenges can lead teens to use substances as a coping mechanism, while substance use can intensify or trigger mental health symptoms.
Why Treating Both Conditions Matters
Traditional treatment programs that focus only on substance use may miss the underlying mental health issues that fuel it. Similarly, addressing mental health alone without tackling substance use can leave dangerous behaviors unaddressed.
Treating both conditions together offers several benefits:
- Better relapse prevention: Managing mental health symptoms reduces the urge to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
- Improved emotional stability: Teens learn healthy coping strategies to replace destructive patterns.
- Increased engagement in treatment: Addressing the full scope of challenges keeps teens more invested in their recovery.
Ember Recovery’s Integrated Dual Diagnosis Care
Our teen substance abuse treatment in Central Iowa program includes specialized dual diagnosis support designed specifically for teens and young adults. We take a holistic approach that considers each client’s physical, emotional, and social well-being while addressing both disorders in one coordinated plan.
1. Comprehensive Assessment
Before treatment begins, we conduct a thorough evaluation to identify both substance use patterns and mental health concerns. This allows us to:
- Understand how the conditions interact
- Identify triggers that may affect recovery
- Develop a personalized treatment roadmap
2. Coordinated Therapeutic Approach
Teens in our dual diagnosis program receive care from professionals trained in both addiction and mental health treatment. This ensures strategies are consistent and mutually supportive.
Therapies may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps teens recognize how thoughts influence behaviors and emotions.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches skills for managing strong emotions and improving relationships.
- Trauma-informed care: Creates a safe space for processing past events without retraumatization.
3. Medication Management (When Needed)
For some mental health conditions, medication can be an important part of treatment. Our licensed providers carefully evaluate each case to determine if medication is appropriate, ensuring it’s always used alongside therapy and other supports—not as a stand-alone solution.
4. Continuum of Care: Residential to IOP or Standalone IOP
A key feature of our program is the Continuum of Care, which ensures clients have a clear and supportive path beyond residential treatment. Many transition into our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) as a step-down option, providing continued therapeutic support while allowing more independence.
Our IOP is also available as a standalone program for those who would benefit from structured care without a residential stay. We currently serve two distinct age groups:
- Teen IOP for ages 12–18
- Young Adult IOP for ages 18+
This structure ensures clients receive the right level of care for their stage in recovery.
5. Family Engagement in Dual Diagnosis Care
Families play a key role in helping teens manage both addiction and mental health needs. We offer:
- Family therapy sessions to improve communication and understanding
- Education on co-occurring disorders and relapse prevention
- Support in creating a stable, recovery-focused home environment
This involvement strengthens family bonds and equips loved ones to offer the right kind of support after residential or IOP care.
Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Teens
When both substance use and mental health are treated together, recovery becomes more comprehensive and lasting. Key benefits include:
- Reduced Risk of Relapse: By addressing the root causes of substance use—such as depression or anxiety—teens are less likely to return to harmful coping mechanisms.
- Better Academic and Social Functioning: Improved emotional stability can help teens re-engage in school, rebuild friendships, and participate in positive activities.
- Stronger Self-Awareness and Resilience: Teens learn to recognize warning signs early and use healthy strategies to manage stress, preventing small setbacks from becoming major obstacles.
Overcoming the Stigma of Dual Diagnosis
Unfortunately, many teens hesitate to seek help because of stigma around mental health and addiction. At Ember Recovery, we work to break down these barriers by creating an environment that is inclusive, respectful, and focused on growth.
Our goal is to show teens—and their families—that seeking help for both conditions is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Lifelong Support Beyond Residential Care
Recovery doesn’t stop when a teen or young adult leaves our program. That’s why our dual diagnosis treatment includes aftercare planning with:
- Referrals to trusted outpatient or IOP providers for ongoing therapy
- Virtual alumni support groups for peer connection
- Regular check-ins from an Ember advocate to monitor progress
These continued connections help clients maintain stability and keep building on the progress they made in treatment.
Building a Healthier Future
Dual diagnosis treatment gives teens and young adults the tools they need to manage both their mental health and their recovery from substance use. By addressing the full picture—not just part of it—Ember Recovery helps young people develop the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive.
If your teen is struggling with both addiction and mental health challenges, integrated care could be the turning point.
Learn more about our dual diagnosis program and how we can help your family take the first step toward lasting recovery by visiting Ember Recovery’s contact page.
Sources:
[1] https://www.samhsa.gov/resource-search/ebp
[2] https://store.samhsa.gov/product/TIP-57-Trauma-Informed-Care-in-Behavioral-Health-Services/SMA14-4816
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.