New Adolescent Recovery Program opens for teens with mental health and substance use disorders

Posted on 07/03/17 12:00:pm

(West Allis, Wis.) – Through a new residential Rogers Adolescent Recovery Program, adolescents age 12 to 17 have an extended, intensive treatment option when facing the dual diagnoses of mental health and substance use disorders.   

The program opened July 3 at Rogers Memorial Hospital in West Allis, Wisconsin with a capacity of eight beds with plans to increase to 12 beds. Teens receive comprehensive, evidence-based therapies to address substance use as well as existing mental health challenges that are often at the root of alcohol or drug misuse. Experiential therapy activities and addiction education complement a strong cognitive behavioral therapy approach to encourage lasting, recovery-focused change. Individual, group and family therapy sessions are part of the treatment plan. Patients can expect an average length of stay of 30 to 60 days, and insurance is accepted.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about one-third of people with mental illness also experience substance abuse. Some studies estimate that an even larger percentage of adolescents than adults struggle with these co-occurring conditions. Substance use disorders can include abuse of alcohol or drugs including opioids, and the program also addresses depression, bipolar disorder and other mood or anxiety disorders. This new program builds upon adolescent dual diagnosis outpatient programs at Rogers’ Brown Deer location.

“Our current services for teens with a dual diagnosis have proven to be valuable,” says Azhar M. Yunus, MD, the Adolescent Recovery Program’s medical director who is board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and addiction medicine. “This new program at West Allis brings a more intensive level of care for patients who need that additional time in treatment.” Dr. Yunus is joined by a multi-disciplinary treatment team including a psychologist, behavioral therapists, residential counselor, nurse and experiential therapists.

Renovations at Rogers–West Allis have transformed part of an inpatient unit into a residential program, bringing a homelike feel to the setting. “We know there is a tremendous need for this level of care, and are pleased we can accommodate this new service within our setting at West Allis,” says Paul Mueller, chief executive officer of the hospital division for Rogers Behavioral Health. He adds that Rogers next plans to proceed with a four-bed addition which will include a new, separate entrance and enhanced community space.

This is the first Rogers residential program offered outside of its Oconomowoc campus. In addition to extending existing Rogers services related to substance use and mental health, it broadens the array of residential services for teens, including treatment for eating disorders, depression and other mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders. Admissions are now being accepted. For a free confidential screening, call 800-767-4411.

 

Note that for adolescents, depending on particular state laws, family involvement may depend on approval by the patient.