Autism & Co-Occuring Disorders TREATMENT

Inpatient Autism & Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment in Yorba Linda, California

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Autism presents differently in every individual—and when it overlaps with other co-occurring conditions, mental health treatment must be handled with precision and care. At We Conquer Together, we understand that autism often exists alongside depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, or trauma-related conditions. These overlapping experiences can complicate diagnosis and make traditional mental health programs feel incomplete or overwhelming.

That’s why we proudly state: We Treat Autism as a Co-Occurring Diagnosis.

Our treatment center in Yorba Linda focuses on individuals with Level 1 support needs (requiring support) who may excel academically or socially mask well, yet still struggle internally with emotional regulation, executive dysfunction, and relationship challenges. In our supportive, inpatient environment, clients can stabilize their symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and begin healing with the guidance of a compassionate, multidisciplinary team.

Inpatient Care at We Conquer Together in Yorba Linda, CA

Inpatient care at We Conquer Together offers a safe, structured environment designed for  individuals on the autism spectrum who require lower support needs. Clients live in an upscale,  peaceful residential home in Yorba Linda, supported 24/7 by compassionate clinicians and residential staff.

Each day blends therapeutic work with rest, community, and mindful structure—helping clients rebuild consistency and confidence.

A Typical Day Includes:

  • Morning Mindfulness & Check-In: Begin with grounding exercises to center and set goals.
  • Group Therapy (5–6 hours daily): DBT, CBT, and trauma-informed therapy sessions focused on emotional regulation, communication, and self-awareness.
  • Individual Therapy (1–2x weekly): Personalized sessions exploring root causes, goals, and coping strategies.
  • Medication Management: Continuous oversight by psychiatric providers to ensure stability and comfort.
  • Holistic Activities: Art therapy, yoga-inspired movement, nature walks, and mindfulness practice for nervous system regulation.
  • Psychoeducation & Life Skills: Learning how to identify triggers, manage stress, and maintain healthy daily habits.

This structured model promotes predictability and emotional safety—both vital for neurodivergent individuals adjusting to change and treatment routines.

Autism and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

Our inpatient program in Yorba Linda, California serves adolescents and adults with high-functioning autism and co-occurring mental health conditions who need intensive, round-the-clock mental health support.

We treat individuals experiencing:

  • Depression and persistent low mood
  • Anxiety and panic disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Bipolar disorder and mood instability
  • Eating disorders, including ARFID, anorexia, and bulimia
  • Substance use or behavioral addictions

While our program supports clients capable of participating in therapy, structured routines, and group interaction, it’s not designed for individuals needing 24-hour behavioral assistance or long-term residential care. Instead, we provide a balanced environment that combines stability, understanding, and evidence-based support for those seeking emotional and behavioral progress.

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Autism and Co-Occurring Eating Disorders

Many individuals with autism also experience eating disorders, particularly ARFID, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. Sensory sensitivities, rigidity around food textures, or anxiety surrounding mealtimes can make traditional eating disorder treatment overwhelming—or even counterproductive.

Our clinical team at We Conquer Together includes dietitians and therapists specializing in neurodivergent eating behaviors, ensuring treatment respects both the sensory and emotional experiences of autism.

Our Approach Includes:

  • Gentle nutrition counseling tailored for ASD and ARFID sensitivities
  • CBT and DBT therapies to reduce obsessive food-related anxiety
  • Sensory-safe dining environments that promote comfort and control
  • Family and caregiver education to extend recovery support at home

This integrated care model acknowledges the unique link between autism and disordered eating—addressing not only the nutritional aspect but also the emotional and sensory foundations beneath it.

Specialized Therapies for High-Functioning Autism

At We Conquer Together, we understand that individuals with autism often process emotions, sensory input, and relationships differently—and that healing requires more than traditional talk therapy. That’s why we integrate a wide range of experiential, sensory-informed, and evidence-based modalities designed to help neurodivergent clients build awareness, regulate their nervous systems, and develop practical tools for emotional balance and daily life.

These therapies are thoughtfully adapted to meet the needs of autistic adults and adolescents with co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or depression.

Therapeutic Modalities Tailored for Neurodivergent Clients:

  • Somatic & Experiential Therapies: Help clients reconnect with their bodies through gentle movement, sensory grounding, and emotional processing. These practices are especially valuable for individuals who may experience alexithymia (difficulty identifying feelings) or chronic tension from sensory overload.
  • Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation Training: Teaches structured, accessible mindfulness exercises—like guided breathing, sensory grounding, and visualization—to reduce anxiety, increase self-awareness, and strengthen emotional control in moments of stress.
  • Yoga & Joyful Movement: Encourages sensory regulation, coordination, and body confidence through non-competitive physical activity. These sessions are designed to be inclusive, trauma-informed, and adaptive for each person’s comfort level.
  • Nutrition Counseling for Neurodiverse Clients: Dietitians trained in autism and eating disorders support balanced nutrition, sensory preferences, and meal routines. This is especially helpful for individuals with ARFID or food-related anxiety.
  • Art & Creative Expression Therapy: Provides alternative communication pathways for clients who express emotions visually or symbolically rather than verbally. Art therapy helps reduce anxiety, build confidence, and process complex feelings safely.
  • Sensory Integration & Self-Regulation Exercises:Guided by multidisciplinary clinicians and trained staff, these activities help improve focus, reduce overstimulation, and strengthen daily living skills.
  • Psychoeducation for Autism & Co-Occurring Disorders: Clients and families receive clear, supportive education about how autism intersects with mental health conditions—empowering them to understand triggers, strengths, and self-care strategies.
  • Family & Caregiver Support: Specialized family therapy sessions help loved ones understand autistic communication styles, reduce unintentional stressors, and learn how to provide appropriate emotional and sensory support at home.

Each of these therapies supports the core goals of inpatient care: self-regulation, self-awareness, and sustainable emotional growth. By combining structure with compassion, We Conquer Together helps neurodivergent individuals not just manage symptoms—but thrive in their recovery journey.

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Get started today

Getting help can feel hard, but you’re not alone. Our team can check your insurance for free, and many plans cover all treatment costs.

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Individualized Treatment Plans

No two clients are the same. At We Conquer Together, each treatment plan is customized to match an individual’s neurotype, co-occurring diagnosis, and goals. Our clinicians emphasize collaboration, ensuring every intervention aligns with the client’s values and strengths.

Your care plan may include:

  • Therapy sessions adapted for communication and sensory preferences
  • Neurodivergent-friendly behavioral interventions
  • Social and interpersonal skill-building workshops
  • Coordination with schools, IEPs, or external providers (when applicable)
  • Personalized aftercare planning for sustained recovery

Why Families Choose We Conquer Together

Families often come to us after exhausting traditional options that failed to recognize their loved one’s unique needs. At We Conquer Together, we provide neuroaffirming, emotionally intelligent care that validates your loved one’s experience and addresses the overlapping challenges of autism and mental illness.

We don’t see clients as “problems to fix,” but as people learning to understand themselves—worthy of stability, connection, and growth.

Begin the healing journey today

If your loved one is navigating autism and co-occurring mental health challenges, you don’t have to face it alone. Our inpatient program in Yorba Linda, California, offers specialized, evidence-based care for high-functioning autistic individuals ready to find balance and clarity.

Call today to speak with our admissions team or submit a referral. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports long-term stability, well-being, and confidence—because healing is always possible when we conquer together.

Dr. Kelly Gonderman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in clinical practice, supervision, and program administration. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Biola University’s Rosemead School of Psychology and has developed broad clinical expertise in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders, co-occurring substance use, and personality-related concerns.

As Clinical Director at We Conquer Together, Dr. Gonderman specializes in fostering supportive and structured therapeutic environments where clients can heal, build resilience, and develop lasting skills for long-term well-being.