When life becomes too exhausting and overwhelming, you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. At Alter Behavioural Health near Allied Gardens, we’ve created a safe, welcoming place where you can finally catch your breath and pause. Our caring team is here for you, ready to help you through thick and thin and to celebrate your wins, big or small. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or just feeling lost, we’ll help you find your way back and reclaim your life.
Our Allied Gardens centre isn’t like a cold, clinical hospital. It’s a warm, welcoming place made for comfort. Sunlight streams through open rooms, and cozy chairs are perfect for relaxing or chatting. Every single detail is there to help you feel at ease. If you need a little space to yourself, there are quiet corners where you can just breathe and be. And if you’re up for company, there are comfortable spots to sit and talk with people who really understand what you’re feeling.
Healing is found in the little details: your morning routine, a comfy chair, a quiet walk outside.
These aren’t luxuries, but what you need to really start healing and feel better, day by day.
In the peaceful San Diego neighbourhood, our residential facility gives you the perfect setting for healing. Our gardens are away from the busy highways and city noise, yet still easy to reach from anywhere in East County. Families from Del Cerro to Grantville, Lake Murray to San Carlos, trust us because we offer the quiet they need to heal while staying close enough to maintain connections with loved ones. The tree-lined streets and calm residential feel of Allied Gardens create an atmosphere where your nervous system can finally settle.
Our location also puts you near everything you’ll need after treatment. Outpatient therapists, support groups, and wellness resources are just minutes away, making your transition home smoother and more supported. This means instead of being isolated, you’re in a peaceful bubble with easy access to ongoing care.
Thousands of people don’t get help because they assume they can’t afford it. Don’t let costs hold you back from getting the help you deserve. At Alter Behavioural Health, we work hard to make treatment accessible. We work with most major insurance providers. Our admissions team can help you understand what your insurance plan covers and any out-of-pocket fees.
You won’t be just another case number here. You’ll work with compassionate professionals who chose this field because they genuinely care about people finding their way through the darkness.
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
Each clinician has years of specialised training, but more importantly, they bring humanity, patience, and a belief that you and everybody else can heal. They’ll adjust your treatment plan as you grow, celebrate your wins, and sit with you through the hardest days.
We use a tailored approach for every single person according to what they need at the moment, instead of using the same approach for everybody.
Your treatment plan is designed keeping in mind what worked for you in the past, your goals, and your learning style. Some people need talk therapy and medication management. Others thrive with body-based trauma work and creative expression. We meet you exactly where you are and help you build the skills you’ll use long after your treatment ends.
A proper structure can calm an anxious mind, but too many strict rules can get in the way of healing. That’s why our daily schedule gives you routine and helps bring stability, while letting you breathe and be yourself.
You’ll have individual therapy, group sessions, help with medication if you need it, and lots of free time to relax and take in what you’re learning. In the evenings, you can join in on art or mindfulness activities, or just take it easy if that’s what you need. We’ll show you how to build healthy routines that fit your life, so when you go home, you’ll have a simple plan that really helps you stay well.
Right now, reaching out might seem really hard, but we’ve made it as easy as possible for you. All it takes is one phone call to get started. We’ll ask a few simple questions like how you’re feeling, check your insurance, and if our program is right for you, you could start within a day or two. You don’t have to have all the answers or wait until things get worse. If you’re having a tough time, that’s enough to ask for help.
After you contact us, we’re with you every step of the way. You just need to show up with an open mind; we’ll take care of the rest, giving you the support, guidance, and care you need to find your strength again. Book your free consultation today.
Yes, our chefs make nutritious, delicious meals every day that support your overall health and wellness.
Yes, your family can visit. We have set visiting hours and also offer family therapy sessions if we think they will help you.
Bring comfortable clothes, your personal toiletries, any medications you take, and a few things that bring you comfort, like photos or a journal. We’ll provide everything else you need.
Yes, we can help if you’re dealing with both mental health and substance use issues. Our team is trained to treat co-occurring disorders.
Absolutely. Your privacy is very important to us. We follow strict laws to keep your information confidential.
We’ll make a plan with you for what comes next, like finding a therapist, support groups, or other resources to help you keep moving forward.
Yes, we work with most insurance plans. We’re happy to check your coverage for you.
Yes, all rooms are private. Your comfort matters. It ensures you feel at home during your stay.
No problem. Our free consultation will help us evaluate what level of care fits your needs right now. There is no pressure. You don’t need to have everything figured out.
No, medication is not required. We offer it if it’s helpful for you, but it’s always your choice.
Connect with our compassionate team to get a personalized treatment plan designed around your needs.
All calls are 100% free and confidential
