Co-Ed Treatment Program
Having helped thousands of clients from all over the world, we are proud of the difference our co-ed program has made in their lives and the lives of their families. Our clinical staff has developed a variety of co-ed programs which are supportive and treat men and women with the dignity they deserve. No two clients, whether male or female, will have identical backgrounds, and our therapy draws strength from this gender diversity.
Morningside’s interdisciplinary staff is knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with co-ed populations. Although clients are treated in realistic group and activity settings that are co-ed, housing is gender specific. This separation provides the safety and security necessary for recovery. As clients go through the phases of recovery, they maintain realistic social interactions with the opposite gender. Clients examine their own thinking, learning that many addictive behaviors are related to relationship issues and interactions can be triggers, as in the old saying, “My wife makes me drink.”
Another benefit of co-ed treatment is the fact that clients are better equipped to return to a positive intimate relationship when they leave treatment. Treatment that mixes genders not only maintains a realistic milieu, but can be a key source of motivation to change behavior. The shared experiences can be eye-opening and therapeutic in ways that gender-specific groups lack. This maintenance of a realistic setting is also a big part of treating co-occurring disorders. Too often, only one of the two problems is treated. At Morningside, we deal with all issues in as realistic a setting as possible while still maintaining a safe, secure environment free from temptations.
As co-ed clients move through their unique tracks, many benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that assists clients in recognizing anxious feelings and physical reactions to anxiety. CBT helps clients clarify cognition in anxiety-provoking situations, identify unrealistic expectations and develop a plan to help cope with the situation. Clients determine what coping actions might be effective, evaluate their performance, and administer self-reinforcement as appropriate. Co-ed behavioral training strategies also include modeling real-life situations, role-playing, relaxation training, and contingent reinforcement.
Throughout the sessions, clients practice the new skills in both imaginary and real-life situations varying from low stress to high stress, depending on what is appropriate for each client.
Treatment staff monitors clients’ progress and helps with strategies and plans. Later phases integrate employment and/or school activities into the client’s treatment plan. Clients begin accepting responsibilities in the community and begin making the gradual transition from the program to the community. The client learns to balance daily activities with his or her recovery.
Testimonials
