Lauren Cooper, LPC

Co-Occuring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Therapy for Adolescents and Adults in GUNNISON & Crested Butte

Living with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders can feel overwhelming and isolating. Mental health challenges—like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or trauma—often intersect with substance use, making symptoms more intense and recovery more complex. You don’t have to face this alone.

Our therapy services in Gunnison, Colorado and Crested Butte, Colorado provide compassionate, integrated care that addresses both mental health and substance use concerns, helping you regain balance, stability, and hope.


Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders occur when a person experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. These conditions often influence each other, making recovery challenging if only one is addressed. Common experiences include:

  • Anxiety or panic alongside alcohol or drug use
  • Depression paired with prescription medication misuse
  • Trauma symptoms with compulsive substance use
  • Mood swings linked to stimulants, depressants, or alcohol
  • Difficulty maintaining relationships, work, or routines

Addressing both conditions together increases the chance for meaningful, long-term recovery.


How Therapy Helps

Therapy for co-occurring disorders helps you:

  • Understand the connection between your mental health and substance use
  • Reduce cravings, urges, or unhealthy coping strategies
  • Build skills for emotional regulation and stress management
  • Develop healthier coping strategies and routines
  • Improve relationships and communication
  • Reconnect with your values, goals, and sense of self

Therapy is collaborative and individualized, supporting your unique journey toward stability and well-being.


Our Integrated Approach

We use evidence-based approaches tailored to co-occurring disorders, including:

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation and coping with urges
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to reconnect with values and foster self-compassion
  • Mindfulness and grounding practices for stress reduction
  • Holistic, client-centered care addressing both mental health and substance use
  • Coordination with medical providers when needed for comprehensive care

Whether you’re seeking support in Gunnison, CO or Crested Butte, CO, we provide a safe, structured environment to address both aspects of your experience.


What Sessions Look Like

Sessions are designed to be supportive, practical, and focused on recovery. You may:

  • Explore how mental health and substance use interact in your life
  • Learn skills to manage triggers, cravings, or emotional intensity
  • Develop coping strategies for stress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms
  • Practice mindfulness, grounding, and emotional regulation
  • Create a plan for long-term stability, wellness, and meaningful life changes

You will be met with understanding, guidance, and a nonjudgmental approach.


Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Therapy in Gunnison & Crested Butte

If you are struggling with both a mental health condition and substance use in Gunnison, Colorado or Crested Butte, Colorado, integrated therapy can help you regain control, build stability, and reconnect with your life. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone—support is available, and recovery is possible.

Reach out today to take the first step toward integrated care and lasting wellness.