Your Gateway to Wellness in Valley Center
Valley Center is a small town tucked away in the scenic hills of North County. It’s calm, quiet, and sometimes quaint. If you’re looking for open skies and peaceful roads, this is the place for you.
Serving clients from Valley Center and nearby areas, Alter Behavioral Health offers treatment in peaceful settings that promote healing through nature. Our goal is to ground you in the present, making clinical care more effective — our secret ingredient is the human connection, which you’ll find plenty of in this close-knit community.
Did you know that being close to nature can improve your mental health? Imagine a calm environment, fresh air, and open spaces that encourage mindfulness and self-reflection, allowing you to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
Our programs combine the power of environment and empathy to help you feel grounded and to help you take steps towards long-term wellness.
Here’s what you can expect:
Emotional healing happens where you feel safe, supported, and comfortable — that’s what we offer.
To find truth, hope, and purpose, you sometimes need professional guidance. We offer a wide range of programs and the support of world-renowned mental health experts to help you overcome challenges and take the first step toward a brighter future.
Our approach meets you where you are. The residential treatment program provides 24/7 care in a nurturing environment with structured support.
Our nearby facilities are designed for comfort, privacy, and calm — easy to reach from Valley Center. We believe that no story is the same, so why should your treatment be? At Alter Behavioral Health, we encourage you to be yourself and tailor our wellness approach to your unique needs.
We do our best work with the help of trained professionals who encourage reflection and connection at the same time.
Our clinicians, therapists, and counselors work together to understand your life goals, emotional strengths, and concerns. We specialize in helping people manage depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Our team includes:
Dr. Araz Tawfique, M.D.
Medical Director/Psychiatrist
Dr. Araz Tawfique, M.D. is an award-winning, Board Certified psychiatrist in La Jolla, CA with over ten years of experience working with people of diverse needs. He pursued his true passion for psychiatry and completed his psychiatric residency training at the University of Reno, Las Vegas. A San Diego native, he returned to Southern California to receive additional training in mental health, and start his private practice. His specialties are psychiatry and psychotherapy, which are techniques that facilitate a better understanding of thoughts, feelings, and motivations. His approach explores the interplay of biology, psychology, and sociology in shaping individuals and their relationships.
Dr. Tawfique’s experience includes delivering comprehensive addiction treatment at substance abuse centers in San Diego.
Medical Director / Psychiatrist
Primary Therapist
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
These programs help you overcome mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and more. We have served over 2,000 clients with a 97% satisfaction rate.
We equip you with the tools you need to overcome mental health challenges so you can rebuild your life.
We blend emotional, mental, and spiritual healing in a space that may not be home but feels just as comfortable. Ever wonder what a day at Alter Behavioral Health looks like?
A day at Alter Behavioral Health looks like:
Whether you’re just starting your recovery journey or seeking continued treatment, we help you structure your day for success.
You come to Valley Center for its nature and serenity — the perfect environment to heal from trauma and overcome life’s challenges.
Choosing Alter Behavioral Health is one of the best decisions you can make for your mental health. You’ll experience genuine compassion and the expertise of mental health professionals dedicated to your recovery.
Yes. Every client’s program is customized based on their diagnosis, needs, and goals.
We treat a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
Yes. Family involvement is encouraged as part of the recovery process.
Yes. We provide chef-prepared meals and private, comfortable living spaces.
Of course. Our admissions team can review your benefits and guide you through the process.
Yes. We provide 24/7 residential care at our facilities near Valley Center in a peaceful, home-like environment.
Residents take part in therapy sessions, mindfulness activities, and community-based programs designed to build confidence and emotional balance.
Our staff includes board-certified psychiatrists, licensed therapists, and experienced nurses who specialize in evidence-based mental health care.
Yes. Our programs are designed to support individuals managing both mental health and substance use challenges.
Simply call our admissions team at (866) 609-9503. We’ll answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you begin your healing journey.
