Guidance Center Gives Teens Dual-Diagnosis Aid

Teens suffering from mental illness and substance abuse can now get help for both problems simultaneously through a new comprehensive program offered by the Child and Family Guidance Center.

The dual-diagnosis program combines treatment for alcohol and drug addiction and mental health disorders into a singular recovery program, said Kathleen Welch-Torres, who created the program.

Previously, teens seeking to overcome depression, apathy, sexual abuse, attention deficit or eating disorders or mental illnesses were rarely questioned about possible drug and alcohol use, she said.

Conversely, teens who abused street drugs and alcohol were hardly ever assessed for mental health problems, she said.

“Some kids were falling through the cracks because they didn’t clearly fit into either program,” said Welch-Torres, director of Outreach and Delinquency Treatment Programs. “Now, initial assessments include screening for both substance abuse and mental illness.”

Once a teen is diagnosed, she said, therapists help parents monitor their child’s activities, establish rules and consequences, and encourage involvement in school, sports and other activities.

At the same time, case managers seek vocational training, health services and other community resources that may benefit the recovering teen, she said.

The ultimate goal, Welch-Torres said, is to get teens off drugs and alcohol, treat their mental illness and help them to lead a productive life.

Some 100 teens and their families have enrolled in the dual-diagnosis program since its launch last month, she said. The Los Angeles County Department of Health has adopted the dual-diagnosis program as a model for its own adolescent treatment programs.

The program operates from the center’s branch office at 15157 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City.

For information about the dual-diagnosis program, call (818) 830-0200.