Addiction and Mental Health Therapies and Specialty Programs

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is an effective method for identifying how a client’s thought processes and behaviors are related to their substance use or other maladaptive behaviors. It is particularly effective at teaching a client how to challenge the urge to drink or use drugs, as well as develop strategies to cope with stressful situations or thought processes that keep them stuck in a loop.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed specifically for treating borderline personality disorder, though it is useful for anyone who struggles with emotional regulation, impulsive behaviors, those whose substance use is tied to emotions, or those whose relationships involve severe conflict. DBT is an effective tool for developing skills in the areas of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Adventure therapy offers a non-traditional approach by allowing clients to apply new skills learned in therapy to real-life settings. It builds such things as confidence, communication skills, frustration tolerance, and trust. Many times, people in recovery or dealing with mental health issues experience feelings of shame, isolation, or fear of failing. Adventure therapy creates an environment where they have the opportunity to safely test themselves, develop resiliency, and build connections with others.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients accept their current pain rather than continue to fight against it. As a result, clients can then make decisions that align with what is truly important to them. For example, many people in recovery will avoid certain triggers or uncomfortable emotions due to fear of relapsing. Someone with anxiety might avoid certain places or people. By accepting these uncomfortable feelings, emotions, and urges, clients can then commit to living a meaningful life despite discomfort.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is generally used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, EMDR has been successful in treating other disorders, including substance use, anxiety, and panic disorders, when trauma is at the root. EMDR allows clients to address their underlying issues, which can help reduce distress and the need for using substances as a coping mechanism.

Mindfulness helps clients to become more aware of their thoughts, cravings, emotions, and physiological sensations while minimizing the urge to react to each sensation. Clients learn to observe their internal experiences without immediately reacting. This skill is often taught in the early stages of recovery as it provides an alternative response to urges associated with substance use and certain mental health conditions.

Substance use and mental health conditions can affect sleep, appetite, energy, mood, and physical health. Nutrition and wellness support can help clients rebuild daily routines that support recovery. This may include education around balanced meals, movement, hydration, rest, stress reduction, and the connection between physical wellness and mental health.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is an effective method for identifying how a client’s thought processes and behaviors are related to their substance use or other maladaptive behaviors. It is particularly effective at teaching a client how to challenge the urge to drink or use drugs, as well as develop strategies to cope with stressful situations or thought processes that keep them stuck in a loop.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed specifically for treating borderline personality disorder, though it is useful for anyone who struggles with emotional regulation, impulsive behaviors, those whose substance use is tied to emotions, or those whose relationships involve severe conflict. DBT is an effective tool for developing skills in the areas of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Adventure therapy offers a non-traditional approach by allowing clients to apply new skills learned in therapy to real-life settings. It builds such things as confidence, communication skills, frustration tolerance, and trust. Many times, people in recovery or dealing with mental health issues experience feelings of shame, isolation, or fear of failing. Adventure therapy creates an environment where they have the opportunity to safely test themselves, develop resiliency, and build connections with others.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients accept their current pain rather than continue to fight against it. As a result, clients can then make decisions that align with what is truly important to them. For example, many people in recovery will avoid certain triggers or uncomfortable emotions due to fear of relapsing. Someone with anxiety might avoid certain places or people. By accepting these uncomfortable feelings, emotions, and urges, clients can then commit to living a meaningful life despite discomfort.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is generally used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, EMDR has been successful in treating other disorders, including substance use, anxiety, and panic disorders, when trauma is at the root. EMDR allows clients to address their underlying issues, which can help reduce distress and the need for using substances as a coping mechanism.

Mindfulness helps clients to become more aware of their thoughts, cravings, emotions, and physiological sensations while minimizing the urge to react to each sensation. Clients learn to observe their internal experiences without immediately reacting. This skill is often taught in the early stages of recovery as it provides an alternative response to urges associated with substance use and certain mental health conditions.

Substance use and mental health conditions can affect sleep, appetite, energy, mood, and physical health. Nutrition and wellness support can help clients rebuild daily routines that support recovery. This may include education around balanced meals, movement, hydration, rest, stress reduction, and the connection between physical wellness and mental health.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is an effective method for identifying how a client’s thought processes and behaviors are related to their substance use or other maladaptive behaviors. It is particularly effective at teaching a client how to challenge the urge to drink or use drugs, as well as develop strategies to cope with stressful situations or thought processes that keep them stuck in a loop.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed specifically for treating borderline personality disorder, though it is useful for anyone who struggles with emotional regulation, impulsive behaviors, those whose substance use is tied to emotions, or those whose relationships involve severe conflict. DBT is an effective tool for developing skills in the areas of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Adventure therapy offers a non-traditional approach by allowing clients to apply new skills learned in therapy to real-life settings. It builds such things as confidence, communication skills, frustration tolerance, and trust. Many times, people in recovery or dealing with mental health issues experience feelings of shame, isolation, or fear of failing. Adventure therapy creates an environment where they have the opportunity to safely test themselves, develop resiliency, and build connections with others.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients accept their current pain rather than continue to fight against it. As a result, clients can then make decisions that align with what is truly important to them. For example, many people in recovery will avoid certain triggers or uncomfortable emotions due to fear of relapsing. Someone with anxiety might avoid certain places or people. By accepting these uncomfortable feelings, emotions, and urges, clients can then commit to living a meaningful life despite discomfort.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is generally used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, EMDR has been successful in treating other disorders, including substance use, anxiety, and panic disorders, when trauma is at the root. EMDR allows clients to address their underlying issues, which can help reduce distress and the need for using substances as a coping mechanism.

Mindfulness helps clients to become more aware of their thoughts, cravings, emotions, and physiological sensations while minimizing the urge to react to each sensation. Clients learn to observe their internal experiences without immediately reacting. This skill is often taught in the early stages of recovery as it provides an alternative response to urges associated with substance use and certain mental health conditions.

Substance use and mental health conditions can affect sleep, appetite, energy, mood, and physical health. Nutrition and wellness support can help clients rebuild daily routines that support recovery. This may include education around balanced meals, movement, hydration, rest, stress reduction, and the connection between physical wellness and mental health.