Skip to content
Des Moines Wellness Center

Comprehensive Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Des Moines, Iowa

The Joint Commission (Gold Seal of Approval)
A private therapy room with natural light

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.

Your details are sent securely and reviewed only by our admissions team.

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. 1

    Medical Detox

    Physical Stabilization — Focus on physical safety and easing withdrawal while beginning initial psychiatric stabilization.

  2. 2

    Residential Inpatient

    Intensive Healing — 24/7 structured support. Daily therapy sessions focus deeply on the root causes of co-occurring disorders.

  3. 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.

Wesley Starlin - Executive Director

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.

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.

5820 Winwood Dr, Johnston, IA 50131
888-378-2158