At our mental health treatment center for teens, we understand how difficult this time is for the parents and families of a struggling teen. Our therapeutic and clinical team will provide therapeutic support and guidance for the family unit during the entire process.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Teens & Adolescents (12-17)
Dual Diagnosis Teen Treatment
When a teen struggles with both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a co-occurring mental health disorder, this is termed “dual diagnosis.” Emphasizing the importance of dual diagnosis treatment for teens becomes crucial because, whether the SUD developed first or the mental health disorder took precedence, both conditions must be addressed together for a successful recovery outcome.
Undoubtedly, a teen with an SUD and a co-existing mood disorder presents a complex treatment landscape. For optimal recovery, dual diagnosis treatment for teens is essential. A skilled psychotherapist can guide the teen towards uncovering underlying emotional pain, shedding light on the contributing factors to both the SUD and the accompanying mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or others. Through this holistic approach, an effective and individualized treatment plan can be developed.
What Is Dual Diagnosis for Teens?
Dual diagnosis (also called co-occurring disorders) means a teen is experiencing both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder simultaneously. These conditions often interact, worsen each other, and make recovery more complex when treated separately.
BNI is the #1 Rated Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Center for Teens in California
mental health & wellness
How Teen Dual Diagnosis Develops
When an adolescent presents with a dual diagnosis, the odds are high that the mental health component likely appeared first. Often the teen with a dual diagnosis experienced difficulties in childhood, possibly exhibiting impulsive behavior, poor frustration tolerance, aggressive behavior.
The SUD may have developed as a method of self-medicating internal struggles and turmoil that found no healthy outlet. By the time the teen has an entrenched drug or alcohol problem, the combined consequences of the psychological issues, related school and social problems, and deteriorating family relationships have taken a significant toll.
Our dual diagnosis program for teens may include:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
3. Trauma-informed therapy
4. Family therapy
5. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management (when appropriate)
Your Teen's Future is Bright
Teen Dual Diagnosis Treatment and Management
Conditions we commonly treat amongst teens as part of the dual-diagnosis program:
1. Depression
2. Anxiety disorders
3. ADHD
4. Bipolar disorder
5. PTSD and trauma-related conditions
6. Self-harm behaviors
7. Alcohol, cannabis, and drug use disorders
Because each teenager is unique in his or her treatment requirements and needs, a thorough mental and physical evaluation is conducted prior to starting treatment. Based on this assessment, a customized treatment plan can be created to treat both the addiction and the co-occurring disorder. Adolescent dual diagnosis treatment includes:
- Detox and Withdrawal. A medical detox is necessary when the SUD has a lengthy history and dependency has developed. Through the medical detoxification phase, and under the care of our doctors, the body cleanses itself of the chemical toxins related to the substance of use disorder, providing the teen with a better chance for participating fully in the subsequent treatment for both the SUD and the mental health component.
- Active treatment of the dual diagnosis. The teen will be guided toward the best treatment fit for his or her particular situation. An inpatient treatment program provides the highest standard of treatment for dual diagnosis rehab, with in-depth therapeutic interventions and activities integrated for both disorders. An outpatient treatment program is appropriate for a mild SUD and a mental health disorder that is responsive to medications.
Whichever program is selected to treat the teen’s dual diagnosis, it will encompass individual psychotherapy, assessments and diagnostics, psychiatry, group therapy, medication management, addiction education, relapse prevention, and adjunct experiential therapies, such as meditation, mindfulness training, and art therapy.
- Continuing care. After completion of a dual diagnosis treatment program it is imperative that outpatient addiction therapy be ongoing, albeit to a lesser degree as active treatment. There is much value in continuing to receiving counseling and participating in group therapy sessions, which will help ensure a successful treatment outcome.
What We Treat
Primary Mental Health
Primary Mental Health
Our primary mental health program offers an integrative wellness model that aims to offer high-quality treatment designed for success.
Behavioral Issues
Behavioral Issues
Our behavioral therapy program for teens & adolescents with behavioral issues can help teach your teen healthy coping skills to build a foundation for their future.
Dual-Diagnosis
Dual-Diagnosis
The dual-diagnosis program at BNI Treatment Center provides our clients with a foundation for long-term healing & recovery.
Request a Confidential Callback for Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
Our caring admissions team is standing by ready to help your teen or adolescent. Call us 24/7 or fill out our free form to request a callback right now.
More About Our Dual Diagnosis Adolescent Treatment Center
BNI Treatment Centers provides individually tailored safe and effective dual diagnosis teen treatment aged 12-17. Owned and operated by medical doctors, the team at BNI Treatment Centers has in depth experience with addiction psychiatry and dual diagnosis. BNI Treatment Centers provides a powerful medical and psychological support team to aid teens in early recovery, in addition to developing a long-term treatment plan for them.
We are located near Los Angeles in Agoura Hills and Calabasas in Southern California. Our dual diagnosis adolescent treatment center offers treatment to clients from all 50 states and from across the world. We are conveniently located near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Get in touch today.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dual-diagnosis teen rehab center treats both mental health conditions and substance use disorders at the same time. This integrated approach is critical because treating only one issue often leads to relapse or worsening symptoms
If your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, mood changes, or behavioral issues alongside alcohol or drug use, dual-diagnosis treatment may be appropriate. Warning signs include declining school performance, isolation, emotional instability, or failed attempts at therapy or sobriety alone.
Teen brains are still developing. Untreated mental health symptoms combined with substance use can interfere with emotional growth, learning, and decision-making. Dual-diagnosis treatment helps teens build healthy coping skills while reducing long-term relapse risk.
Yes. Standard rehab often focuses primarily on substance use. Dual-diagnosis treatment addresses the underlying mental health causes driving substance use, leading to more stable and lasting recovery outcomes.
Program length varies depending on symptom severity, progress, and level of care. Treatment may range from several weeks to a few months, with step-down options such as PHP or IOP when appropriate.
Many insurance plans provide coverage for teen mental health and substance use treatment. Coverage depends on the plan and level of care. Admissions teams typically assist families with insurance verification.
Families choose BNI Treatment for its specialized focus on adolescents, integrated mental health and substance use treatment, experienced clinical team, and strong emphasis on family involvement and long-term recovery.