Abstract: The number of children in the United States suffering from some type of mental or emotional disorder combined with the adverse consequences brought on by their involvement in drug use and substance abuse, is increasing at an alarming rate. Treatment for these dually diagnosed adolescents has typically followed the therapeutic strategies employed by either the mental health system or the substance abuse treatment facilities. Until recently, there has not been an organized and coordinated effort by these two systems to work together in providing treatment for these youth. The purpose of the research presented in this study was developed to: (1) provide a picture of the current services being provided to dually diagnosed adolescents in the Tampa Bay area; (2) identify the gaps in service and treatment strategies not being provided to these youth; and (3) formulate recommendations to a local funding agency for children's services enabling the development of a model program for therapeutic intervention that addresses the emotionally disturbed adolescent substance abuser collectively. My internship involved a review of the current literature, interviews with professionals from community agencies, and a questionnaire distribution to key informants identified as important information resources. Data was collected using these three research components to formulate recommendations for improving, coordinating and developing effective treatment strategies for dually diagnosed adolescents. The present approaches to treatment of the dually diagnosed adolescent are missing a common and unified thread, that is, a committed and coordinated holistic approach. To achieve that coordination within the community, efforts must be made to facilitate cooperation with the key players involved in the adolescent's treatment through managed case management. In addition, collaborative and innovative approaches to treatment by providers should be encouraged and modified to the needs of the adolescent not the standards of the treatment facilities.