Mental Health Disorders

Substance abuse and addiction often co-occur with emotional problems such as depression disorders, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Adolescents and young adults also may have behavior problems, oppositional defiance disorders, or attention deficit disorder. San Cristobal Academy provides the capability to treat both the substance abuse disorder and mental health disorders through the development and execution of a comprehensive integrated treatment plan. Treating in this fashion significantly increases the chances that the student will recover. Our treatment counselors find that a student needs to be completely free from chemicals for a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks before an accurate diagnosis can be made. In many circumstances, students enroll in the SCA program having come directly from a primary treatment program where full psychiatric assessments have been completed, shortening or potentially shortening the time needed to diagnose and treat.

Substance abuse and addiction often lead to, or are preceded by, some type of mental health disorder, leading to longer and more involved treatment plans. San Cristobal Academy has significant experience and capabilities in treating anxiety disorders, depression disorders, attention deficit disorders, bi-polar disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders. Our clinical team utilizes many proven, evidence-based therapeutic methodologies including; cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, EMDR therapy, and positive peer culture approaches in the development of individual treatment plans. The SCA Treatment Team includes a staff psychologist, psychiatrist, master's-level therapists, and teacher/mentors. Several of our current teacher/mentors are past students, which strongly supports our Positive Peer Culture environment.

Medication therapies prescribed by the student's prior doctor are continued immediately after admission under the supervision of the San Cristobal Academy Clinical Team. These medications are generally for previously diagnosed emotional and/or psychiatric conditions. SCA doctors will manage the existing medication protocol while observing and assessing ongoing efficacy. Potential modifications to the student's medication(s) will be discussed with the student and the parents if the student is under 18 or has signed an Authorization for Release of Information form required under the HIPPA laws.   

Integral to the student's recovery and growth involves family education and counseling. The San Cristobal Academy Clinical Team provides both phone and onsite family education seminars and counseling to help family members understand the disease of addiction--its causes, effects, and treatment. Long term recovery is often contingent on family involvement and support for the student once he graduates the SCA Program.

To learn more about San Cristobal Academy's treatment for students who are dually diagnosed or have co-occurring conditions, please contact the Admissions office at 866-918-8383.