Comprehensive Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Des Moines, Iowa

Dual Diagnosis at Des Moines Wellness - At a Glance
Continuum of Care
Seamless transitions through Detox, Residential, IOP, and Aftercare.
Specialization
Simultaneous treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
Approach
Evidence-based therapies tailored to the specific needs of each individual.
Location
Fully integrated medical and clinical services in our Des Moines, Iowa rehab.
Accreditation
Recognized by The Joint Commission and licensed by the State of Iowa for excellence.
Accessibility
Most major insurance plans accepted with same-day admissions available.
Most Major Private Insurance Plans Accepted
At Des Moines Wellness Center, we believe that financial barriers should never stand in the way of life-saving care. Our admissions team works directly with your provider to maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs. We provide a 100% confidential insurance verification process to get you the answers you need in minutes.
Healing the Intersection of Mental Health & Addiction
The Foundation of Dual Diagnosis Care
Dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) describes the condition of having both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder simultaneously. These two issues are often deeply intertwined, with one frequently masking or worsening the symptoms of the other. When a mental health condition and a substance use disorder coexist, they create a complex cycle where one often fuels the other.
In Iowa, this challenge is a significant public health priority. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States struggle with a co-occurring disorder, yet only a small fraction receive specialized treatment for both conditions simultaneously. Effective recovery demands a dual-track approach that provides the tools to manage psychological triggers.
At Des Moines Wellness Center, we specialize in identifying these overlapping roots. Whether you are navigating the early stages of medical detox or transitioning into outpatient care, our clinicians ensure that neither your mental health nor your sobriety is treated in a vacuum.
Our Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Des Moines, Iowa
A Multi-Dimensional Strategy for Lasting Stability
Bio-Psychosocial Assessment
Every journey begins with a deep-dive intake assessment. Our clinicians evaluate your full medical history, psychiatric background, and substance use patterns to create a truly individualized roadmap for care.
Integrated Psychiatric Management
Our medical team provides specialized medication management to stabilize mental health symptoms while ensuring all prescriptions are non-habit-forming and safe for those in recovery.
Targeted Therapeutic Modalities
We utilize evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) specifically adapted to help patients recognize the links between their emotional triggers and substance use.
Relapse Prevention for Co-Occurring Triggers
We equip you with a specialized toolkit designed to manage double triggers: scenarios where a mental health symptom (like a panic attack) could lead to a craving, or vice versa.
Integrated Care Across the Continuum
- 1
Medical Detox
Physical Stabilization — Focus on physical safety and easing withdrawal while beginning initial psychiatric stabilization.
- 2
Residential Inpatient
Intensive Healing — 24/7 structured support. Daily therapy sessions focus deeply on the root causes of co-occurring disorders.
- 3
Intensive Outpatient
Community Integration — Part-time therapeutic support allowing for a return to work or school while refining mental health management tools.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders We Treat at our Des Moines Rehab
Addressing the Complexities of Mental Health & Addiction
Depression & Substance Use
We address the intersection of depressive symptoms and substance use through therapeutic support and non-habit-forming medication management.
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
We teach proven grounding techniques and DBT skills to help you manage a racing mind or social anxiety without the need for chemicals.
PTSD & Trauma
Our trauma-informed care addresses root experiences safely, ensuring past pain doesn't derail your future sobriety.
Bipolar Disorder
Our psychiatric team provides precise medication management to stabilize mood swings while you focus on your recovery program.
Family Healing & Support
Restoring the Family Unit in Des Moines
Dual diagnosis affects the entire family, often creating a cycle of stress, confusion, and strained communication. At Des Moines Wellness Center, we offer specialized programming designed to help your loved ones understand the complex intersection of mental health and addiction. Through our family education series and guided workshops, we provide the tools to mend relationships, set healthy boundaries, and create a stable home environment for long-term success.
The impact of this support is statistically significant. According to research cited by the Recovery Research Institute , treatments that integrate family or significant others are associated with a substantial increase in positive substance use outcomes and a reduction in relapse-related problems compared to individual therapy alone. By involving your inner circle, you build a powerful foundation of accountability and shared understanding that can persist for years post-treatment. While we highly encourage family involvement as a cornerstone of sustainable recovery, participation is not mandatory and we adapt care to each individual’s situation.
Beyond Our Doors: Your Iowa Support Network
Connecting You to the Des Moines Recovery Community
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Access daily meetings and a strong sober fellowship through AA Des Moines Central Office.
NAMI Greater Des Moines
Connect with local mental health advocacy, education, and support groups at NAMI Greater Des Moines.
Safe Housing
Coordination with local sober living environments and transitional housing in the Polk County area.

Medically Reviewed By Wesley Starlin, LMHC
Wesley Starlin is the Executive Director at Des Moines Wellness Center with over 15 years of experience in behavioral health and addiction treatment.
Immediate Clinical Consultation & Placement
Don’t navigate the complexities of addiction alone. Whether you are seeking admission for yourself or a loved one, our Des Moines team is ready to provide a confidential clinical assessment and verify your insurance coverage. Your path to stabilization begins with a single conversation.
Expert Dual Diagnosis Care Tailored for the Iowa Community
Your Local Partner for Dual Diagnosis Recovery in Iowa
Finding an accredited dual diagnosis treatment center in Des Moines is the most critical step in breaking the cycle of co-occurring disorders. While many facilities treat addiction as a standalone issue, our clinical philosophy is rooted in integrated recovery. We recognize that without addressing the underlying psychiatric triggers, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, the risk of relapse remains high. As a proud member of the Quadrant Health Group, our programs bring the clinical expertise of a national network of excellence directly to Polk County. We provide a full continuum of care, from medically supervised detox to outpatient support, using a trauma-informed approach that addresses root causes through integrated psychiatric management and evidence-based therapies.
Conveniently located for local families, we are easily accessible via I-235 and I-80, and just a short drive from Des Moines International Airport (DSM). We offer same-day assessments and insurance verification to ensure you can start your recovery in a safe, healing environment without delay. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to provide a confidential consultation, verify your insurance, and walk you through our intake process. Whether you need detox in Des Moines or long-term dual diagnosis care, we are ready to help. Call us today.
Secure Your Private Clinical Assessment
START THE PROCESS
Ready to move from research to recovery? Fill out the confidential form below to connect directly with our Des Moines admissions team. We provide a comprehensive medical review and insurance verification to ensure your transition into detox, residential or outpatient programs is seamless and immediate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers & Resources
If you find yourself using drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain, racing thoughts, or past trauma, you likely benefit from a dual diagnosis program. During our comprehensive intake assessment, our clinical team will help identify any underlying conditions that may be impacting your sobriety.
Yes. At Des Moines Wellness Center, we understand that the window of opportunity for seeking help can be brief. We offer same-day admissions and can often coordinate transportation to our facility to ensure you begin your stabilization process immediately.
Treatment is highly individualized. While most patients transition through our continuum of care (Detox, Residential and IOP) over 30 to 90 days, your specific timeline will depend on your unique progress and clinical needs identified during your stay.
Yes. While we serve individuals from across the region, we are deeply rooted in the Des Moines community. We coordinate closely with local resources like NAMI Greater Des Moines and local peer support groups to ensure you have a strong support system once you complete your program.
We accept most major private insurance plans. Our admissions team provides a free, no-obligation insurance verification to help you understand your coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs before you even arrive. Call us at (888) 378-2158 to get a fast answer.
Local & National Support Resources
Independent organizations offering information, helplines and community support.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Visit resource — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationAlcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Access daily meetings and a strong sober fellowship through AA Des Moines Central Office.
Visit resource — Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)Client Testimonials
They Trusted Us. So Can You.
Find Us
Minutes from Des Moines, in Johnston
Our campus sits at 5820 Winwood Dr, Johnston, IA 50131, a short drive from downtown Des Moines and easily reached from Polk and Dallas County.
