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Tag: addiction and mental health

Recognizing World Mental Health Day in October

Posted on by cmarnew

Each year on October 10th, World Mental Health Day is celebrated to bring awareness to mental health illness’s debilitating effect on many people worldwide. Mental health issues affect men, women, and children around the world, and the number of cases increases every year, especially since the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, the world needs access to quality mental health rehab centers that can help those who are struggling to cope with mental health issues and substance use disorder regain control.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we specialize in treating both mental health and addiction, and we understand the importance of treating the whole person – not just the disease. Our trained team members will build a treatment plan that best suits your needs with our dual diagnosis treatment program. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues and co-occurring substance use issues, call 833.448.0127 today to schedule a consultation with our caring staff.

The History of World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day began on October 10th, 1992, by then-Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter to bring more awareness about mental health illness and its effect on people all over the world. On October 10th each year, events and prominent speakers discuss topics related to the theme of World Mental Health Day.

Each year there is a different focus or theme for the day. In 1994, the first theme of World Mental Health Day was Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services Throughout the World. Every year the theme focuses on a different area of mental health, such as mental health in the workplace or suicide awareness and prevention, to bring more attention to all areas of this illness.

How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs Help Mental Health Issues

One thing to come out of this awareness is a better understanding of mental health issues and how some symptoms can take the focus off the underlying issues behind the illness. Addiction is a mental health illness that often stems from a traumatic event or has developed as a coping mechanism for mental health issues or buried emotional distress. A detox center will treat the addiction, but not the underlying cause of the addiction. Without additional treatment after detox, patients experience a higher risk of relapse.

A dual diagnosis treatment program simultaneously treats a patient’s underlying mental health issue and the substance use disorder. When patients are able to heal from both the addiction and underlying causes, they experience a significantly reduced chance of relapse.

A dual diagnosis treatment program uses a wide range of holistic and evidence-based therapies such as:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Group and individual therapy
  • Family counseling
  • Medication-assisted therapy (MAT)

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we believe the best treatment for your mental health issues is not one-sided. We will diagnose your unique condition during your initial consultation and develop a plan based on your personal needs. Each dual diagnosis treatment program is custom-fitted to each patient that comes to us for help. Our dual diagnosis treatment program can help patients with:

  • General anxiety disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Depression
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Seasonal affective disorder
  • Bipolar disorder

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for a Mental Health Rehab Center

Thanks to the awareness and education that World Mental Health Day has brought to the world, the negative stigmas associated with mental illness have improved immensely. Today it is recognized and treated as a disease, and treatment is much more accessible to those who are struggling.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our dual diagnosis treatment program can help you with your mental health and addiction struggles, no matter the cause and symptoms. When necessary, we use medication-assisted therapy to help reduce addiction withdrawal symptoms so you can focus on your recovery.

If you would like to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment program and our mental health rehab center, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with one of our supportive therapists.

How to Help a Loved One Seek Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Posted on by cmarnew

Treating substance use disorder does not involve a one-size-fits-all approach. The same kind of treatment will not work for everyone. The underlying issues that can lead to substance abuse are hidden deep within us. Simply treating the addiction is not enough. However, a dual diagnosis treatment program can succeed where other single-focused programs fail. Finding the right dual diagnosis treatment center is the first step in finding the help you need for an effective recovery that lasts.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we focus on treating the addiction and the underlying reason behind it simultaneously. If you or a loved one is struggling with their recovery, give us a call at 833.448.0127 and schedule an appointment to see how we can help.

What Is a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program?

A dual diagnosis treatment program has shown more success with treating opioid and other substance use disorders by treating the mental and physical side effects at the same time.

Those suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety attacks will have a harder time staying away from their drug of choice. This can be due to the short-term relief that drugs or alcohol can provide.

In a dual diagnosis treatment program, there are several types of treatments available to treat the physical and mental symptoms of addiction:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Medication-assisted therapy
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Telehealth (virtual) therapy

Our dual diagnosis treatment center in Colorado can help with a complete recovery experience. We understand the difficulties of treating substance use disorder when combined with mental illness. That’s why we build treatment plans specific to our clients to teach them lifelong coping skills to reduce the risks of a relapse.

Helping a Loved One Enroll in a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

Convincing someone that they need treatment is the first hurdle to get over. Mental illness hides behind many things, and they may think they are under control or “functional.” They may not even be aware of their condition and therefore not even consider seeking help.

How can you tell if you or a loved one needs help from a dual diagnosis treatment program? Some of the signs to look for include:

  • Drinking or drug use begins to affect their work and personal lives
  • Withdrawing away from friends and family
  • Increased mood swings

Family history can play a role in addiction and mental illness, as children of parents who suffer from this disease are more susceptible to struggling with the same issues. Even if you feel like you have everything under control and don’t overuse drugs or alcohol, you can still benefit from a dual diagnosis treatment program. Remember, that OK feeling you get while under the influence is not reality.

  • Learn how to accept how you feel and begin to change it
  • Forming new relationships that will help you with your recovery
  • Increased energy and vitality
  • Gaining strong coping skills for life

The best way to help a friend or loved one understand the benefits of a dual diagnosis treatment program is to show how their actions hurt others. They might not be aware of the effects that their substance abuse has on others. However, by opening their eyes to how they affect others and themselves, they can accept help and begin the road to recovery.

Learn More About Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we are committed to your recovery with our dual diagnosis treatment programs. If you or a loved one can benefit from dual diagnosis treatment, contact us today. Our caring therapists will show you how our programs can help you lead a sober and happy life. Contact us 833.448.0127 today and schedule an appointment to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment programs.

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Cortland Mathers-Suter

MSSA
Managing Partner

Cortland Mathers-Suter entered the treatment space after his own battle with addiction. He first worked as a peer mentor, before starting clinical work while completing his Masters of Science in social administration from Case Western Reserve University where he focused on policy and direct practice. Cortland moved to Colorado in 2015 to start his first addiction treatment program, AspenRidge Recovery. Under his tenure, AspenRidge Recovery became a two-location, nationally accredited organization. He has since spent the last two years researching and developing what is now Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR).

According to Cortland, “Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is the most important organization I have had the honor to help build. We’re offering a service that seeks to not only improve the lives of our patients but also evolve how we look at medication-assisted treatment in Colorado entirely. Most individuals receiving medication-assisted care only receive medication and urinalysis. Sure you can call that ‘treatment,’ but you can’t call that ‘recovery.’ Our model is about adding the missing recovery component, and thus affords an opportunity to achieve lasting change for each patient and the industry.”

Cortland and his treatment programs have received numerous honors. These include Colorado Business Magazine’s “GenXYZ” award, the 2020 “Titan 100” award, and his program AspenRidge Recovery was both a finalist for “Best Healthcare Company” and named in the “Company’s to Watch” by Colorado Business Magazine as well. He has been interviewed and quoted by numerous publications for his “addiction expertise”, including News Week, 5280 Magazine, the Denver Post, Elephant Journal, Colorado Biz Mag, and TheRecoverySource.org.

Tyler Whitman

Compliance/HR Administrator

Tyler is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. He worked in manufacturing administration for 18 years until he chose to pursue recovery from alcohol addiction, which led him to Chicago, Illinois. Since then, Tyler gained experience in retail, retail pharmacy, and healthcare as a vaccine coordinator for a local Colorado clinic. At the clinic, Tyler discovered that healthcare was the career change he had been looking for. His newfound passion for healthcare, combined with his lived experience with addiction, brought him to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery as an Office Administrator.

In his free time, Tyler enjoys cooking, hiking, and skiing. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Regis University.

Simmeren Boanvala

BA
Outreach and Admissions Representative

Simmeren comes to CMAR after several years working admissions in inpatient psychiatry and addiction. A first-generation Colorado Native, Simmeren attended CU Boulder, where she earned a BA in psychology. Simmeren is currently completing her CAC III while working toward her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

According to Simmeren, “I joined CMAR because I believe in the quality and importance of the program whole-heartedly. My goal at CMAR is to guide each prospect who calls CMAR to find the best possible pathway to their recovery”. Simmeren currently lives in her hometown with her dog and cat.

Tyler Hale

Tyler Hale

Community Partnership Lead

Tyler Hale began his career in addiction treatment following a decades-long fight with his own substance abuse issues. Since achieving long-term recovery, Tyler has held various positions in direct care, client services, admissions and outreach departments at various addiction treatment organizations. From sober living program director to outreach director to admissions director at a drug and alcohol treatment program, Tyler consistently finds himself in leadership roles within the addiction treatment space.

Tyler is originally from Chicago, IL, where he graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bioethics. Thereafter, Tyler built a successful career in the tech industry, before finding sobriety and a subsequent calling to help others. Tyler joined the team at CMAR because he believes in the efficacy of comprehensive and patient-centered outpatient treatment. In his free time Tyler enjoys camping, hiking and spending time with his newborn son.

Kirstin O’Carroll

MSW
Engagement and Relations Director

Kirstin O’Carroll started her career in addiction and mental health services 23 years ago after graduating with an MSW from The Oho State University. Hired directly from an internship program, she served as a case manager and vocational specialist on a community treatment team in Columbus, OH, working to help severely mentally ill adults remain at home and in a community setting. Within the same organization, she later transitioned to clinical assessment and crisis intervention services with children, adolescents, and adults. Through these experiences, she learned the importance of providing empathetic, high-quality care and the need to “start wherever the patient is” with regard to finding the best treatment & solutions for her patients.

After seven years, Kirstin made a career change to diagnostic sales and worked for several Fortune 500 companies as an acute care sales specialist. She is delighted to return “home” to her passion for helping others and believes her new role as community engagement coordinator for CMAR is the perfect alignment of both her clinical and sales skills. When not promoting CMAR, she can be found reading, running, hiking, watching movies, and spending time with her husband Dennis and senior canine son Reggie.

Thomas Mazzarella

LAC
Primary Therapist

Thomas is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in the State of Colorado and a Licensed Addictions Specialist (LCAS) in the State of North Carolina with particular expertise in the treatment of chronic Substance Abuse Addiction and Dependency.

Thomas is dedicated to Individual, Couples, Family, and Group Counseling and Therapy for individuals with Substance Use and Mental Health issues and concerns.

James Jackman

CAS
Primary Therapist

James Jackman is a Certified Addiction Specialist and has been practicing addiction treatment in Colorado since 2015. James is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Metropolitan State University Denver. James is a traditional CBT therapist specializing in childhood events that lead to adult addictions.

James has received special training in Family Systems, Inner Child, Maladaptive Schemas, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. James has worked in many treatment settings throughout his career and uses a client-centered treatment approach to help one recover from destructive patterns that facilitate addiction. In addition, James enjoys working with rescue animals and advocates for several local rescue organizations outside of work.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Megan Hanekom

LPC, LAC, NCC
Therapist & Clinical Compliance Officer

Megan is a licensed counselor who has worked in various mental health and addiction treatment environments. She practices cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing and believes in pulling from various therapeutic approaches to best support each individual. Megan received her bachelor’s in psychology and Spanish from Concordia College. She relocated from North Dakota to Colorado where she earned a master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Denver.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Maggie Coyle

MA, LPC
Primary Therapist

Maggie Coyle, MS, MA, LPP, LPCC has worked in the mental health and addictions counseling field for the past six years. She has extensive experience in working in the varying levels of mental health and addictions treatment as well as with diverse populations.

She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy as primary intervention methods. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology as well as a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling both from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. She has also earned a master’s degree in addictions counseling from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. Maggie moved from South Dakota to Colorado in June 2020 and is excited to be a part of the CMAR team.

Michael Damioli

LCSW, CSAT
Clinical Director

Michael Damioli has been passionately working in the fields of addiction treatment and mental health since 2012. He has held a variety of different roles within the addiction recovery space, ranging from peer support to direct clinical practice. Notably, Michael was part of a leadership group that developed a small therapy practice into a nationally branded addiction treatment program, which offers multiple levels of care to recovering professionals. Michael is a strong believer in the family disease model of addiction and has focused much of his clinical work and training on supporting families impacted by addiction. He also specializes in treating individuals suffering from co-occurring chemical and process addictions.

Michael is honored to be leading the clinical care team at CMAR and believes that excellent clinical care begins by simply treating a patient with dignity and respect. Michael is a strong advocate for ethical reform within the addiction treatment field and is excited to promote CMAR as an ethical and thought leader throughout the treatment & recovery industry. Michael earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver and is independently licensed as a clinical social worker with the state of Colorado. He holds an advanced post-graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy from the Denver Family Institute as well as an advanced certificate in sexual addiction counseling from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals.

Dwight-Duncan

Dwight Duncan

Psy.D
Psychologist

Dr. Duncan was born and spent most of his early life in California. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver in 1987. He is a licensed psychologist as well as a licensed addiction counselor. He has had extensive training and experience throughout his professional career in medical psychology, mindfulness, integrated behavioral healthcare, and substance abuse.

Dr. Duncan is married and has one daughter, a neurologic physical therapist in Los Angeles.

Susan-Miget

Susan Miget

NP
Medical Provider

Susan has been in healthcare for more than 20 years. She was an ICU nurse for nine years, then returned to school and completed her master of nursing and family nurse practitioner degree at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2007. She practiced pain management for many years before developing her current passion for addiction treatment.

Susan has transitioned her practice to focus entirely on addiction treatment. She has worked in residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs. Susan most enjoys working with patients one-on-one in a private office to protect their confidentiality and ensure top-rate care. Knowing that addiction can affect anyone, anywhere, and at any time, Susan continues to strive to make treatment more accessible and confidential.

Whitney-Grant

Whitney Grant

MSN, FNP-BC, ARNP, RN, CPN
Medical Provider

Whitney Grant is an experienced family nurse practitioner with experience and expertise in medication-assisted treatment. Whitney earned her BSN at the University of Miami before moving on to achieve a master of science in nursing degree there as well, becoming a nurse practitioner immediately thereafter.

Whitney has since achieved board certification from the ANCC as a family nurse practitioner. After spending her entire formative and educational years in South Florida, Whitney moved to Denver in 2018 to pursue a career as a provider in family practice, sub-specializing in addictions medicine. Whitney has worked under the guidance of Dr. Nathaniel Moore, CMAR’s medical director, since moving to Denver.

Nathaniel Moore

MD
Medical Director

Dr. Nathan Moore is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Moore attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA for his undergraduate work and then attended Duke University School of Medicine and obtained his M.D. in 1995. Dr. Moore then came to Colorado and completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Colorado’s Family Medicine Program at Rose Medical Center.

Dr. Moore practices primarily at our Aurora location. He provides comprehensive family medicine services and has a special interest in addiction medicine, treating patients with opioid use disorder as well as alcohol addiction.

Dr. Moore is married with three children. He enjoys mountain biking, running, and golf.