Intensive Outpatient Program
Alter’s IOP provides structured mental health and substance abuse treatment using DBT, CBT, EMDR, family sessions, and individualized care for adults who need support below residential or PHP intensity.
Alter Behavioral Health provides structured DBT IOP treatment programs for adults navigating mental health, trauma, substance use, or co-occurring concerns. Through skills-based therapy, individualized care planning, family sessions, and evidence-based support, clients can build emotional regulation and coping strategies while maintaining greater connection to daily life. Programs are available through Alter’s Southern California care continuum, with consultation and enrollment support.
Explore structured DBT-centered care and connected treatment options for mental health, trauma, addiction, and co-occurring concerns.
Alter’s IOP provides structured mental health and substance abuse treatment using DBT, CBT, EMDR, family sessions, and individualized care for adults who need support below residential or PHP intensity.
PHP offers intensive outpatient care for adults with mental health, trauma, and substance use disorders, combining DBT with CBT, EMDR, family therapy, and other tailored evidence-based approaches.
Integrated treatment addresses addiction alongside conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, or bipolar disorder through a continuum that includes IOP, PHP, residential, and crisis support.
DBT IOP treatment helps clients strengthen emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills within a structured outpatient setting. Alter Behavioral Health tailors care to each person’s concerns, including mental health conditions, trauma, addiction, and co-occurring disorders. Southern California clients can access a broader continuum of care when clinically appropriate, supporting gradual progress toward everyday functioning and sustained recovery.
Discover how personalized, evidence-based care can support healing, functioning, and long-term stability.
"Me being a Registered Nurse never imagined being in need of the same services that I’ve given over the years. I can truly say I’m very pleased with my overall stay at Alter Behavioral Health, starting with the admission coordinator, The Therapist and case manager I give all staff an..."
"Great staff and a wonderful program. Would absolutely recommend any stage of their treatment! Everyone was so supportive and wanted what was best for me, it was an incredible environment."
"Alter has been the BEST experience in our son's 7-year battle against Bipolar 1! The staff actually cares about their patients and family members. They truly understand the difference between stable, safe, and baseline. The staff was a lifesaver and also kept us informed, being extremely timely in responding to..."
"Alter had been an incredibly unique opportunity for my family. If you or a loved one are facing a mental health crisis look into Alter. The staff was absolutely amazing and the treatment program is top notch."
"Our son has been struggling for 4 years with mental health issues. We’ve had some terrible experiences with other hospitals and getting his medications right. Once we heard about Alter Mental Health, we hoped this was an answer to our prayers. From the first time we contacted them, they have..."
"Me being a Registered Nurse never imagined being in need of the same services that I’ve given over the years. I can truly say I’m very pleased with my overall stay at Alter Behavioral Health, starting with the admission coordinator, The Therapist and case manager I give all staff an..."
"Great staff and a wonderful program. Would absolutely recommend any stage of their treatment! Everyone was so supportive and wanted what was best for me, it was an incredible environment."
"Alter has been the BEST experience in our son's 7-year battle against Bipolar 1! The staff actually cares about their patients and family members. They truly understand the difference between stable, safe, and baseline. The staff was a lifesaver and also kept us informed, being extremely timely in responding to..."
"Alter had been an incredibly unique opportunity for my family. If you or a loved one are facing a mental health crisis look into Alter. The staff was absolutely amazing and the treatment program is top notch."
"Our son has been struggling for 4 years with mental health issues. We’ve had some terrible experiences with other hospitals and getting his medications right. Once we heard about Alter Mental Health, we hoped this was an answer to our prayers. From the first time we contacted them, they have..."
"Me being a Registered Nurse never imagined being in need of the same services that I’ve given over the years. I can truly say I’m very pleased with my overall stay at Alter Behavioral Health, starting with the admission coordinator, The Therapist and case manager I give all staff an..."
"Great staff and a wonderful program. Would absolutely recommend any stage of their treatment! Everyone was so supportive and wanted what was best for me, it was an incredible environment."
"Alter has been the BEST experience in our son's 7-year battle against Bipolar 1! The staff actually cares about their patients and family members. They truly understand the difference between stable, safe, and baseline. The staff was a lifesaver and also kept us informed, being extremely timely in responding to..."
"Alter had been an incredibly unique opportunity for my family. If you or a loved one are facing a mental health crisis look into Alter. The staff was absolutely amazing and the treatment program is top notch."
"Our son has been struggling for 4 years with mental health issues. We’ve had some terrible experiences with other hospitals and getting his medications right. Once we heard about Alter Mental Health, we hoped this was an answer to our prayers. From the first time we contacted them, they have..."
Receive compassionate, evidence-based support designed around your needs and recovery goals.
Treatment integrates DBT, CBT, EMDR, family sessions, trauma-focused modalities, and holistic supports.
Psychiatrists and doctorate- or master’s-level clinicians oversee individualized care plans for each client.
Southern California programs support transitions across residential, PHP, IOP, outpatient, and therapeutic services.
Admissions and clinical support help clients and families navigate care when urgent guidance is needed.
Compassionate clinicians support individualized healing across the care continuum.
Founder and CEO
Michael Castanon is the Founder and CEO of Alter Behavioral Health, a Southern California-based organization dedicated to advancing the future of mental health care. With a vision rooted in combining scientific rigor, genuine compassion, and lasting transformation, Michael has built Alter Behavioral Health into a comprehensive provider offering a full continuum of care, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient services. He is committed to ensuring that every client receives individualized, evidence-based treatment delivered by skilled psychiatrists and clinicians. Under his leadership, the organization has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval and recognition as a Care Predictor Certified Treatment Facility. Michael's mission is to empower individuals and families across Southern California and nationwide to heal, thrive, and achieve sustained recovery through innovative, whole-person care.
A DBT IOP program is an Intensive Outpatient Program that uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients develop practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and relationships. It provides structured behavioral health treatment while allowing more connection to everyday responsibilities than residential or partial hospitalization care. Alter Behavioral Health may also integrate CBT, EMDR, family sessions, and other individualized therapies.
Speak with Alter Behavioral Health about care options and program fit.
Accreditation from The Joint Commission.
Recognition as a Care Predictor Certified Treatment Facility.
National quality approval from The Joint Commission.
Recognition and certification from DHCS.
Nominated in California in 2024.
Contact Alter Behavioral Health to discuss DBT IOP treatment, consultation, enrollment, and available care options.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at (866) 248-9285.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at (866) 248-9285.