Netcare Akeso Dual Diagnosis Adolescents Programme

Adolescents

Dual diagnosis/addiction

This programme is designed for young people between the ages of 12 and 18 (depending on the facility), and aims to provide specialised age appropriate help and relief for adolescents suffering from substance abuse or addictive behaviours.

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Who will benefit from this programme?

Our adolescent dual diagnosis/addiction programme is available at certain Netcare Akeso facilities and is specifically aimed at helping young people and their families find a way out of destructive cycles. This is done by providing the best possible mental healthcare and assistance to meet their individual needs, with the aim of not only stopping the cycle in its tracks, but also preventing it from recurring in the future.

Our adolescent dual diagnosis/addiction programme

The therapeutic aims of the adolescent dual diagnosis programme are always in line with the dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) model. We want to help young people develop the skills they need to tolerate overwhelming feelings, reduce impulsive acting out (particularly those that are self-harming), regulate emotions, and sustain healthy relationships. We have a multidisciplinary treatment team with the skills to help young people define their life goals and purpose and find ways to reach those goals.

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Our aim

This programme helps the adolescent to learn how to self-regulate in any environment or situation, using sensory strategies and practical skills. The programme also includes an experiential aspect which allows for real life learning with the support of qualified therapists.

What to expect

The treatment programme

The treatment programme in the adolescent unit is holistic and focuses on treating the individual adolescent patient in the context of their various environments, including family, school, friends and community.

The programme consists of the following:

Individual therapy
Family therapy where required
Mindfulness
Leisure/social activities
Group therapy
Skills development
Therapeutic relaxation

The multidisciplinary treatment team

The multidisciplinary treatment team comprises of professionals with a specialist interest and expertise
in adolescent development and psychiatry, and includes:

Nursing staff

Occupational
therapists

Psychiatrists

Psychologists

Social workers

The dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) model

Dialectical behaviour therapy, more commonly known as DBT, is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy used in psychotherapy. It’s highly effective, and helps to treat mental health disorders such as depression, substance abuse disorders, borderline personality disorder, and many more.

The main theory behind DBT is that people are often more likely to react strongly or in a way that is concerning only in particular situations. These emotional situations occur mainly in relationships with family, romantic partners, or friends. Among other things, DBT teaches people with these intense arousal levels how to manage their stress, their distress, and their emotional reactions in order to cope better with these often destructive emotional surges.

Take a self-assessment

Our adolescent self-assessment is designed especially for young people, and can help you to understand more about how you're feeling and help you find the assistance you may need.

Complete self-assessment

Our admissions process

Because of the sensitivities in dealing with under age patients, a pre-admission assessment is often required. The team will assess whether we would be able to effectively accommodate and treat the patient.

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We offer mental healthcare for a range of disorders

Disorders treated in the adolescent programme

The adolescent programme offers mental healthcare for a range of disorders.
Understanding more about these disorders can help you to know when you may need help.

Anxiety

Intense, persistent feelings of worry or fear about everyday situations may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

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Bipolar mood disorder

Characterised by unusual or extreme shifts in mood, energy, and the ability to manage day to day life.

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Depression

Constant, sustained low mood, and feelings of hopelessness or apathy may be indicative of a depressive disorder.

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Eating disorders

Eating habits that are continuous, excessive, uncontrolled, or insufficient, and are associated with a negative body image.

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Substance use
disorders / addiction

Addictions can be related to a substance such as alcohol or drugs or may be behavioural.

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Get in touch

As part of our commitment to providing the best and safest care to all of our patients, we listen. If you have anything you'd like to ask us, or need assistance accessing our services, please get in touch.