Expert Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Teens in Menlo Park

Compassionate, evidence-based care for adolescents with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges.

Or Call 650-507-3888

Teen boy in therapy session at Guide Behavioral Health for dual diagnosis treatment in Menlo Park.

What Is Dual Diagnosis in Teen Mental Health?

At Guide Behavioral Health, we specialize in treating teens ages 12–17 who are navigating both mental health challenges and substance use concerns—a condition known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Our outpatient treatment programs in Menlo Park provide structured, individualized care for adolescents experiencing conditions such as:

Dual diagnosis in teens requires integrated care that addresses both the underlying mental health condition and the substance use itself. Our licensed therapists and clinical team work closely with each teen and family to build a treatment plan that supports healing on both fronts.

Many of our teens begin in our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or step into higher-support options like Partial Hospitalization (PHP), depending on need. Our goal is to keep teens connected to their families and schools while giving them the tools they need to heal.

We use evidence-based approaches including:

  • CBT and DBT-informed therapy

  • Motivational interviewing and relapse prevention

  • Group therapy to build skills and reduce isolation

  • Family therapy to strengthen home support systems

Learn more about the full range of conditions we treat, or reach out to speak with our admissions team about whether Guide’s dual diagnosis care is the right fit for your teen.

Teen boy in a one-on-one therapy session discussing dual diagnosis recovery at Guide Behavioral Health.

Take the First Step Toward Integrated Healing

If your teen is struggling with both emotional health and substance use, Guide Behavioral Health offers a safe, supportive path forward. Contact us today to learn more about our dual diagnosis services and how we can help your family thrive.

FAQ: Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Teens at Guide Behavioral Health

  • Dual diagnosis refers to when a teen experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use issue at the same time. This might include anxiety, depression, or trauma alongside vaping, alcohol, or drug use. At Guide Behavioral Health, we treat both sides of the issue with an integrated, evidence-based approach that helps teens build long-term coping skills.

  • Some common signs include mood swings, isolation, academic decline, changes in friend groups, or secretive behavior. Substance use may be a form of self-medicating for untreated mental health struggles. If you're unsure, our clinical team offers comprehensive assessments to determine if dual diagnosis treatment is appropriate.

  • Not necessarily. Our outpatient programs are specifically designed for teens who need intensive care but can still safely live at home. Many families start with our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which provides 12 hours of weekly therapy after school. More acute cases may be better suited for Partial Hospitalization (PHP), which offers daytime care.

  • Yes. One of the biggest benefits of our IOP and PHP programs is that they allow teens to remain enrolled in school while receiving the support they need. We work with each family to accommodate academic schedules and minimize disruption to their daily life.

  • Guide Behavioral Health is based in Menlo Park, and we proudly serve teens and families from surrounding cities including Palo Alto, Redwood City, Los Altos, Mountain View, and across San Mateo County. All of our care is provided at our outpatient clinic in Menlo Park.

  • We provide a full aftercare plan to support continued progress at home. Teens may step down into weekly therapy, join our teen skills workshops, or continue with family therapy depending on their needs. Long-term success is built into every stage of our program.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation with our admissions team to learn whether dual diagnosis treatment at Guide Behavioral Health is the right fit for your teen.