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Integrated Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment for Transitional Age Youth (TAY)

What Is Integrated Treatment?

Integrated treatment means addressing substance use and mental health together, rather than treating them as separate or unrelated issues. At Sierra Pathways, we recognize that for many young people, substance use and mental health challenges are deeply interconnected — and effective care must reflect that reality.

Our integrated approach is designed specifically for Transitional Age Youth (TAY) and delivered through a focused program: our Day Treatment Intensive (DTI) program.

Why Integrated Treatment Matters

For teens and young adults, substance use often develops alongside mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, or difficulties with emotional regulation. Treating only one part of the picture can leave underlying needs unaddressed.

Integrated treatment allows participants to:

  • Explore how substance use and mental health influence one another

  • Build skills that support both emotional wellness and recovery

  • Reduce the risk of relapse by addressing root causes

  • Experience care that feels cohesive, coordinated, and person-centered

Day Treatment Intensive (DTI) program

Within our DTI, integrated treatment means that substance use recovery and mental health support are addressed together within a single, coordinated treatment plan.

Participants in our program may receive:

  • Comprehensive assessments that consider mental health, substance use, trauma history, and developmental stage

  • Individual and group counseling that integrates recovery-focused and mental health–informed approaches

  • Support for co-occurring substance use recovery within the scope of Specialty Mental Health services

  • Skills development focused on emotional regulation, coping strategies, and stress management

  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), when clinically indicated, coordinated with qualified prescribing providers

  • Ongoing treatment planning and progress review

A Developmentally Informed Approach for Young Adults

Integrated treatment at Sierra Pathways is tailored to the unique needs of Transitional Age Youth (approximately ages 16–25). This stage of life involves identity development, increasing independence, and major life transitions — all of which can intensify mental health and substance use challenges.

Our approach supports young adults in developing insight, autonomy, and practical skills while honoring their strengths, experiences, and goals.

What Integrated Treatment Is — and Is Not

To support clarity for participants and referral partners:

  • Integrated treatment does not mean separate programs for mental health and substance use

  • It does not require multiple providers or locations

  • It does not pathologize normal developmental struggles

Instead, integrated treatment at Sierra Pathways means coordinated, trauma-informed care delivered through one structured Day Treatment Intensive (half day) program.

Our Commitment

Sierra Pathways is committed to providing ethical, evidence-based, and integrated care that supports long-term recovery and emotional well-being. Through our Day Treatment Intensive (half day) program, we help young people move beyond fragmented services toward a more connected, effective path to healing.

This page reflects Sierra Pathways’ current integrated treatment model as of our February opening and will be updated as programs expand.