Mental health diagnoses are on the rise.
As more people are opening up about these issues in public, some of the stigmas that surround the topic seem to be lifting. Somehow, access to care hasn’t caught up. A recent NYU study found that services for many people suffering from mental health disorders are dwindling, making it difficult to find professional help. Despite strong demand and growing awareness about the importance of mental health, the decline in treatment options is felt across the country. For those with more than one diagnosis, receiving proper care may be even more difficult.
Alta Loma in Georgetown, Texas, is a transformational services center that seeks to give men suffering from mental health disorders and addiction a place where they can find stability and begin to heal. We provide primary mental health care for psychiatric concerns and co-occurring substance use disorders, helping men who may not have been successful in more traditional extended-care facilities.
Our goal is to offer the kind of comprehensive care that our residents need to achieve psychological stability and elicit hope for a positive change.
We treat a variety of mental health disorders, including:
Mental health concerns and psychiatric disorders are chronic, long-term conditions that affect numerous aspects of an individual’s life, including thoughts, feelings, moods, behavioral patterns and relationships with others. Many people with mental illness find it difficult to cope with the responsibilities, demands and stresses of daily life. This is especially true if mental health issues are left untreated.
At Alta Loma, we understand that mental illness is a serious, chronic condition that negatively affects all aspects of an individual’s life when ignored or not appropriately treated. Throughout a resident’s stay at Alta Loma, they will have their psychiatric needs regularly assessed by licensed mental health providers and, if appropriate, meet with clinicians who specialize in addiction medicine.
We know that a long-term treatment plan that addresses the full scope of a person’s mental, emotional and behavioral health by integrating psychiatric and substance use modalities can help them better understand their mental health challenges and learn better ways to manage their symptoms, as well as the stresses of everyday life.
Coordinated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Mental health and substance use disorders are closely linked. Research shows that almost half of all residents seeking treatment for substance use also have a diagnosable co-occurring psychiatric disorder. When these residents enter treatment for addiction, however, their mental health concerns aren’t always addressed. This significantly lowers their chances of success.
Without proper treatment, bipolar disorder, depression and other psychiatric concerns can spiral and lead to situations that may be life-threatening. This is especially true in the case of dual diagnosis residents, who often use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. When individuals use illicit substances to ease the distress caused by mental health concerns, it creates a dangerous cycle that leads to increased drug or alcohol use and worsening symptoms. If dual diagnosis residents begin recovery at a facility that ignores mental health, sobriety is difficult to sustain because psychiatric symptoms will still persist once discharged.
We offer integrative treatment from a collaborative group of health care providers that addresses two or more interwoven, connected disorders in a structured environment to help our residents discover a sense of balance and cohesiveness. Our continuum of care supports and guides residents as they move toward stability and integrate back into society. The levels of care we offer include:
- Initial stabilization coordination
- Primary care program
- Extended care
- Supportive living environment
At Alta Loma, we help residents dig deep into their mental health and substance use disorders and develop coping techniques for symptoms and triggers. Residents also learn life skills, medication management and healthy habits to prepare for continued success after treatment.