Addiction Assessment and Aftercare in Southlake, TX
Prime Behavioral Health is a licensed psychiatric practice providing board-certified care for Addiction Assessment and Aftercare in Southlake, TX and the surrounding areas. Our practice is led by Dr. Vishal Shah, MD, Board Certified in Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry with over five years of experience serving the Dallas-Fort Worth region, alongside four certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. We accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield PPO, Optum, United Healthcare, and Cigna. Read verified patient reviews on Google. Telemedicine appointments are available for eligible patients. Call 817-778-8884 or schedule your new patient appointment online to begin.
Addiction Assessment and Aftercare in Southlake, TX
Addiction and substance use disorders affect millions of Americans and frequently co-occur with psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 50% of people with a substance use disorder have at least one co-occurring mental health condition. Treating addiction without identifying and addressing these underlying conditions typically produces fragile and incomplete recovery.
Prime Behavioral Health provides addiction assessment and aftercare in Southlake, TX and throughout the DFW region with a focus on identifying the full clinical picture, including both substance use patterns and co-occurring psychiatric conditions, and building a structured, personalized recovery plan.
What a Comprehensive Addiction Assessment Covers
An addiction assessment at Prime Behavioral Health reviews more than substance use history alone. The evaluation examines:
- Substance use history: type, frequency, quantity, duration, and impact on daily functioning
- Mental health symptom history: depression, anxiety, trauma, mood instability, sleep disorders, and behavioral patterns
- Medical history including any conditions that may interact with substance use or recovery
- Family history of substance use disorders and psychiatric conditions
- Prior treatment history including any rehabilitation programs, detox, therapy, or psychiatric care
- Current life circumstances including family dynamics, employment, and social support
This comprehensive approach distinguishes substance use disorders from other conditions with overlapping features and identifies what co-occurring psychiatric conditions must be addressed alongside addiction for recovery to be sustainable.
Dual Diagnosis: Addiction and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Co-occurring addiction and mental health conditions are the norm, not the exception. Research shows that depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD occur at significantly higher rates in people with substance use disorders than in the general population. This relationship is bidirectional: psychiatric conditions can drive substance use as a form of self-medication, and substance use can trigger or worsen psychiatric conditions.
Prime Behavioral Health evaluates both dimensions during the addiction assessment. Identifying whether a patient’s depression preceded or followed substance use, whether anxiety is primary or substance-induced, and whether ADHD is contributing to impulsivity and poor recovery adherence are all clinically critical questions that determine treatment direction. Integrated treatment addressing both conditions simultaneously produces better outcomes than treating them sequentially.
Aftercare: The Phase That Determines Long-Term Recovery
Aftercare is often undervalued in addiction treatment planning, yet it is one of the strongest predictors of long-term recovery. The period immediately following completion of an initial treatment program, whether detox, rehabilitation, or stabilization, is when relapse risk is highest. Without structured aftercare including ongoing psychiatric oversight, medication management when appropriate, and regular monitoring, gains made in initial treatment are frequently not sustained.
Prime Behavioral Health provides aftercare psychiatric support that maintains continuity of care, monitors for early relapse warning signs, adjusts treatment as recovery evolves, and addresses the mental health conditions that may resurface or intensify during recovery. Telemedicine appointments make consistent aftercare accessible for patients who face transportation or scheduling barriers.
The Role of Family in Addiction Assessment and Recovery
Family members of individuals with addiction often carry significant stress, confusion, and concern. They frequently need guidance on how to support recovery without enabling continued substance use. Prime Behavioral Health values appropriate family involvement in the assessment and aftercare process, providing education about recovery, guidance on responding to relapse warning signs, and support in understanding the psychiatric conditions that may be underlying the substance use. Clear family communication reduces conflict and improves recovery outcomes.
Meet Our Providers
Dr. Vishal Shah, MD – Psychiatrist and Medical Director
Dr. Vishal Shah is a board-certified psychiatrist and Medical Director of Prime Behavioral Health. He earned undergraduate degrees in Genetics and Computer Science from Rutgers University and his Medical Doctorate from Saba University of Medicine, graduating with honors. Dr. Shah completed a three-year Adult Psychiatry Residency at Howard University Hospital and a two-year Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Akron Children’s Hospital. He is Board Certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry and brings expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Motivational Interviewing, and crisis management.
Barbara Schoen Johnson, PhD, APRN, PMHNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Barbara Schoen Johnson holds a PhD in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University and is board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She completed her PMHNP certification at the University of Texas at Arlington and served 16 years as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Cook Children’s Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic. She has authored two nationally recognized psychiatric nursing textbooks, earned the AJN Book of the Year Award, and was named among the Great 100 Nurses of Dallas-Fort Worth.
Mariah Mathews, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Mariah Mathews is board certified in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric Nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She brings seven years of pediatric RN experience from Children’s Health Dallas and completed clinical rotations at UT Southwestern Outpatient Adult Psychiatry and Children’s Health Plano.
Keri Kendall, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Keri Kendall is board certified in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric Nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. Prior to her psychiatric specialization, she practiced as a cardiac nurse and a school nurse. She is committed to helping each patient develop a clear path toward long-term mental health and daily wellness.
Pragya Pathak, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-C – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Pragya Pathak is a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the State of Texas. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington (2025) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University (2016). She brings over eight years of psychiatric inpatient nursing experience from UT Southwestern Medical Center and completed clinical rotations in outpatient psychiatry and the ECT Service.
View full provider credentials and bios
Why Choose Prime Behavioral Health
| What We Offer | What It Means for You |
| Board-Certified Psychiatrist (Dr. Shah, MD) | Physician-led care with dual board certification in adult and child/adolescent psychiatry |
| 4 Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners | Multidisciplinary team with broad availability across all age groups |
| FDA-Approved NeuroStar TMS Therapy | Clinically proven non-medication depression treatment with documented 12-month results |
| TMS Approved for Ages 15 and Older | Qualifying teens access the same advanced treatment as adults |
| Major Insurance Accepted | Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield PPO, Optum, United Healthcare, Cigna |
| Telemedicine Available | Virtual follow-ups reduce travel for busy families and professionals |
| Full Lifespan Psychiatric Care | Children, adolescents, and adults all served under one practice |
| GeneSight DNA Testing Available | Genetic guidance to reduce medication trial-and-error |
| 5+ Years Serving DFW | Established psychiatric practice with deep North Texas community roots |
Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction Assessment and Aftercare in Southlake, TX
What is an addiction assessment and who needs one?
An addiction assessment is a structured clinical evaluation that examines a person’s substance use history, frequency, patterns, and impact on daily life, relationships, health, and functioning. It identifies whether substance use has become a clinical problem requiring treatment and what level of care is most appropriate. Anyone who is concerned that their own or a loved one’s substance use may have become a dependency, or who has experienced negative consequences from substance use, should consider a professional assessment.
What does Prime Behavioral Health evaluate during an addiction assessment?
The assessment reviews substance use history including type, frequency, and quantity; emotional and behavioral symptoms; mental health history; medical background; family history of addiction or psychiatric conditions; past treatment experience; current life stressors; and daily functioning across work, family, and relationships. Family input is incorporated when appropriate. This comprehensive review helps identify not only whether addiction is present but also what underlying or co-occurring conditions may be affecting recovery.
What substances does the addiction assessment cover?
The assessment covers all substance types including alcohol, prescription medication misuse, illicit drugs, cannabis, stimulants, opioids, sedatives, and any pattern of substance use that has produced dependency or loss of control. The evaluation is non-judgmental and clinically structured, with the goal of providing accurate information to guide effective treatment planning rather than to assign blame or judgment.
Can addiction occur at the same time as depression, anxiety, or PTSD?
Yes. Co-occurring addiction and mental health conditions, sometimes called dual diagnosis, are the norm rather than the exception. Research shows that approximately 50% of people with a substance use disorder also have at least one co-occurring mental health condition. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder are among the most common. Prime Behavioral Health evaluates these overlapping conditions together, because treating addiction without addressing the underlying psychiatric condition typically produces incomplete or unstable recovery.
What should I expect at my first addiction assessment appointment?
Your first appointment involves a structured psychiatric and clinical interview lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Your provider reviews your substance use history, mental health symptoms, medical background, family history, and life circumstances. The evaluation is collaborative and conversational, not a test or interrogation. By the end, your provider shares preliminary findings and discusses what treatment options or referrals may be most appropriate for your specific situation.
What does aftercare include and why does it matter?
Aftercare refers to ongoing psychiatric support after an initial treatment phase, rehab program, or period of stability. At Prime Behavioral Health, aftercare may include regular follow-up appointments for medication management and symptom review, monitoring for early relapse warning signs, referrals for ongoing therapy or support groups, family communication when appropriate, and adjustment of treatment as recovery progresses. Research consistently shows that consistent aftercare significantly reduces relapse risk and improves long-term recovery outcomes.
How long does the addiction assessment process take?
The initial assessment appointment lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes. In some cases, follow-up sessions are needed to gather additional information or to clarify diagnostic questions. The time required depends on the complexity of the patient’s history, the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions, and how much information is available from outside sources such as prior treatment records.
Can family members be involved in the addiction assessment and aftercare?
Yes. Family involvement is encouraged when it serves the patient’s recovery and is done in a clinically appropriate way. Family members can provide valuable context during the assessment and may benefit from education about the recovery process, understanding of warning signs, and guidance on how to support the patient without enabling unhealthy patterns. Prime Behavioral Health coordinates family communication in a way that respects both the patient’s privacy and the family’s need for information.
Does insurance cover addiction assessment and aftercare at Prime Behavioral Health?
Prime Behavioral Health accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield PPO, Optum, United Healthcare, and Cigna. Insurance coverage for addiction assessment and mental health services varies by plan. The team verifies your specific benefits before your appointment so you understand your coverage before treatment begins. Call 817-778-8884 for information about your specific plan.
What is the difference between addiction and physical dependence?
Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to a substance so that reducing or stopping it produces withdrawal symptoms. This can happen with prescribed medications taken as directed. Addiction involves compulsive substance use despite negative consequences and continued craving even when the person wants to stop. A person can be physically dependent without being addicted, and addiction often involves more than physical dependence. A clinical assessment provides the distinction that determines what kind of treatment is most appropriate.
What are the signs that a professional addiction assessment is needed?
Signs include continued substance use despite negative consequences in relationships, work, or health; unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop; spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from substance use; continuing to use despite knowing it worsens a mental or physical health problem; neglecting responsibilities or interests due to substance use; using more than intended; and experiencing cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Any of these signs warrants a professional evaluation.
Can anxiety or depression make addiction recovery harder?
Yes. Untreated anxiety or depression significantly increases relapse risk because substances often serve as a coping mechanism for emotional distress. When the underlying psychiatric condition is not treated alongside the addiction, the emotional pain that originally drove substance use continues, making sustained recovery much harder. This is why Prime Behavioral Health evaluates and treats co-occurring psychiatric conditions as part of a comprehensive addiction assessment and aftercare plan.
What is dual diagnosis and how does Prime Behavioral Health address it?
Dual diagnosis refers to having both a substance use disorder and at least one co-occurring mental health condition. Prime Behavioral Health evaluates for dual diagnosis as a standard part of the addiction assessment process. Treatment plans address both conditions simultaneously rather than in sequence, because treating them separately typically produces worse outcomes. Medication management, psychiatric follow-up, and therapy referrals are coordinated to serve both the addiction recovery and the mental health treatment goals at the same time.
Why is aftercare more important than the initial treatment phase?
The initial treatment phase, whether a detox program, rehabilitation, or assessment and stabilization, provides a foundation. Aftercare is what sustains recovery over time. The period immediately after completing initial treatment is when relapse risk is highest, particularly when patients transition back to environments or relationships that contributed to substance use. Consistent aftercare provides monitoring, accountability, adjustment of treatment when needed, and support during the most vulnerable phase of recovery.
How does Prime Behavioral Health support relapse prevention?
Relapse prevention at Prime Behavioral Health includes regular follow-up appointments to monitor mood, cravings, and functional status; medication management when medications support recovery; early identification of warning signs including mood shifts, sleep disruption, or return of cravings; referrals to therapists experienced in relapse prevention strategies; and family education about what warning signs to watch for and how to respond supportively.
Can medication help with addiction recovery and aftercare?
Yes. Medication-assisted approaches can be an important component of recovery for certain substance use disorders. A psychiatrist evaluates whether medication is appropriate based on the substance involved, the patient’s medical and psychiatric history, and treatment goals. For patients with co-occurring depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions, medication management addresses these conditions and reduces the emotional drivers of substance use.
Are telemedicine appointments available for addiction aftercare?
Yes. Telemedicine appointments are available for eligible patients for ongoing psychiatric follow-up, medication management, and aftercare support. This makes consistent follow-up more accessible for patients who face transportation challenges, work demands, or other barriers to in-person appointments. Initial evaluations are available both in-person and via telemedicine depending on clinical appropriateness.
Can trauma contribute to substance use and addiction?
Yes. Trauma and PTSD are among the most significant contributors to substance use disorders. Research shows that people with trauma histories use substances at significantly higher rates as a way of managing emotional pain, intrusive thoughts, or hyperarousal. Treating addiction without addressing underlying trauma typically produces fragile recovery. Prime Behavioral Health evaluates trauma history as part of the addiction assessment and incorporates appropriate treatment or referrals into the care plan.
What is the most important factor in long-term addiction recovery?
Research consistently identifies consistency of treatment engagement as the most important predictor of long-term recovery. This includes regular psychiatric follow-up, consistent use of prescribed medications when applicable, ongoing therapy, social support, and structured routine. One-time interventions or short-term programs without continued aftercare produce much lower recovery rates than sustained, consistent engagement with psychiatric care over time.
How often should aftercare appointments occur after an initial assessment?
Aftercare appointment frequency depends on the individual patient’s clinical needs, stability, and recovery progress. In the early stages of recovery, more frequent appointments, sometimes every two to four weeks, are typically recommended to monitor closely and respond quickly to any signs of difficulty. As stability is established over time, appointment frequency may be adjusted based on clinical judgment. Your psychiatrist discusses the recommended follow-up schedule at each appointment.
Does Prime Behavioral Health treat both adults and teenagers for addiction?
Yes. Prime Behavioral Health provides addiction assessment and aftercare for adults and adolescents. Adolescent substance use requires age-specific evaluation and treatment approaches because developmental factors, family dynamics, and school performance all play important roles. Barbara Schoen Johnson and other providers have specialized experience in pediatric and adolescent psychiatric care relevant to teen substance use.
What role does the family play in long-term addiction recovery?
Family support, when approached in a healthy and informed way, is one of the most significant factors in sustained recovery. Families benefit from education about the recovery process, guidance on how to provide support without enabling, and understanding of what progress and warning signs look like. Prime Behavioral Health incorporates appropriate family communication into the care model while maintaining appropriate clinical boundaries regarding the patient’s privacy.
Can Prime Behavioral Health coordinate with an outside rehab or treatment program?
Yes. If a patient is transitioning from a rehab program, Prime Behavioral Health can coordinate with outside treatment providers to ensure continuity of care. Aftercare planning often begins before a patient exits an initial treatment program, and Prime Behavioral Health can provide the ongoing psychiatric oversight and medication management that supports the transition back to daily life.
What is the difference between an addiction assessment and substance abuse treatment?
An addiction assessment is the clinical evaluation process that determines whether a substance use disorder is present, how severe it is, and what treatment approach is most appropriate. Substance abuse treatment refers to the actual interventions, which may include detox programs, rehabilitation, medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and aftercare. Prime Behavioral Health provides the assessment and the ongoing psychiatric treatment component, including medication management and aftercare, and provides referrals to appropriate treatment programs when higher levels of care are needed.
How do I schedule an addiction assessment at Prime Behavioral Health?
Call 817-778-8884 or complete the online appointment request form at primebehavioralhealth.com. No referral is required. Have your insurance information and a list of any current medications available when you contact us. Bring any prior treatment records, evaluations, or relevant medical documentation to your first appointment. Prime Behavioral Health accepts most major insurance plans and verifies coverage before treatment begins.
Areas We Serve
Prime Behavioral Health serves patients from Southlake and throughout the greater Dallas-Fort Worth region, including:
- Grapevine, TX
- Colleyville, TX
- Keller, TX
- Fort Worth, TX
- Trophy Club, TX
- Flower Mound, TX
- Hurst, TX
- Denton, TX
- Dallas, TX
- View all service areas
Get Addiction Assessment and Aftercare at Prime Behavioral Health
If you or a family member in Southlake, Colleyville, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, or the greater Dallas-Fort Worth region is struggling with addiction assessment and aftercare, Prime Behavioral Health is ready to help. Our board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Vishal Shah, MD, and licensed psychiatric team have over five years of experience providing comprehensive psychiatric care for addiction assessment and aftercare. We accept Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield PPO, Optum, United Healthcare, and Cigna, and offer telemedicine appointments for added convenience. Read our verified patient reviews on Google, then schedule your new patient evaluation online or call Prime Behavioral Health at 817-778-8884.