Alter Behavioral Health provides personalized PTSD and trauma treatment for adults across California, with residential, crisis stabilization, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs. Evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, family therapy, and mindfulness support whole-person healing. With Southern California facilities, 24/7 admissions support, and coordinated levels of care, individuals and families can pursue stability and lasting recovery.
Comprehensive trauma care across residential, crisis, PHP, IOP, and dual-diagnosis levels supports individualized recovery.
Residential treatment provides structured, around-the-clock mental health support for adults with trauma, PTSD, and co-occurring concerns. Care includes personalized planning, EMDR, CBT, DBT, family therapy, mindfulness, and supportive living environments.
Crisis Stabilization and Intervention offers acute support for adults experiencing mental health crises, including clinical assessment, risk assessment, safety planning, psychiatric stabilization, and family sessions at San Diego and San Juan Capistrano facilities.
The Partial Hospitalization Program provides intensive outpatient care for adults with trauma, PTSD, mental health, or substance use disorders. Treatment may include CBT, DBT, EMDR, family therapy, and other individualized evidence-based approaches.
Intensive Outpatient treatment offers structured support at a lower level of care than residential or partial hospitalization. Individualized therapy can address trauma, PTSD, addiction, and related mental health conditions through consultation.
Dual-diagnosis care addresses co-occurring trauma, PTSD, mental health conditions, and drug or alcohol addiction. Treatment can span residential, crisis, PHP, and IOP programs with clinical, family, and holistic supports.
Aftercare planning, local support groups, recovery resources, and gradual transitions help clients practice life skills and continue working toward stability after discharge from treatment.
Trauma and PTSD can affect emotional health, relationships, daily functioning, and physical well-being. Alter Behavioral Health combines individualized treatment plans with evidence-based therapies, holistic supports, family participation, and coordinated levels of care. Southern California facilities provide options ranging from crisis stabilization to residential, PHP, and IOP treatment, helping adults move toward stability while addressing co-occurring mental health or substance use concerns.
Personalized care and coordinated support help adults and families work toward stability, healing, and sustained recovery.
"Alter is an amazing place with amazing clinical staff and treatment professionals! You guys are a lifesaver!"
"Alter Behavioral Health truly saved my life. I have GAD, MDD, and ADHD, and in September of 2021 I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. I began spiraling into some really destructive tendencies and poor coping mechanisms. I was destroying my life. Finally, in early August of 2022, I decided..."
"My stay at Alter's Irvine facility was very pleasant. The staff and accomodations were excellect. They treated me with dignity and helped me get back on my feet. Mentally, emotionally, and physically. Highly recommend"
"It is such a blessing to be in the hands of the best care our country has to offer!! I am grateful that they offer so many therapies to help you heal from PTSD, or any other disorders or addictions. There is no other facility that has the Spirit of..."
"This was my first treatment center and was the best experience in my life. The staff are amazing. The care goes beyond. You will not find a place like this anywhere else in California. If you are looking for help in recovery from addiction this is the place to be!..."
"My experience was an amazing one. The staff were absolutely amazing. I couldn't give enough stars."
"I’m so grateful for Alter Mental Health. The staff went above and beyond to take care of my needs and provided me with a comfortable, safe place to heal. I can’t say enough about my case manager, Esteban, and the therapist, Neha; and the chef, Estelle, was amazing with five-star..."
"This is by far the best mental health treatment center I’ve experienced. From the admission staff to the therapists and counselors, I was treated with the utmost care and compassion. The staff and facilities are amazing and provided me with all the support and tools I needed to feel the..."
"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."
"I had a beautiful experience here and the staff was amazing. Everyone was so caring and sweet. They’ve turned my life around for the better."
"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."
"I had an incredible 30-day experience at Alter. Their staff is second to none, the care is absolutely extraordinary, and the accommodations were wonderful. Felt safe, secure, and seen throughout my treatment. I would not hesitate to recommend the Alter Behavioral Health program to anyone seeking mental health treatment."
"Alter helped me get through one of the toughest times of my life. I want to say thank you to the treatment team for going above and beyond every day!"
"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..."
"Alter is an amazing place with amazing clinical staff and treatment professionals! You guys are a lifesaver!"
"Alter Behavioral Health truly saved my life. I have GAD, MDD, and ADHD, and in September of 2021 I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. I began spiraling into some really destructive tendencies and poor coping mechanisms. I was destroying my life. Finally, in early August of 2022, I decided..."
"My stay at Alter's Irvine facility was very pleasant. The staff and accomodations were excellect. They treated me with dignity and helped me get back on my feet. Mentally, emotionally, and physically. Highly recommend"
"It is such a blessing to be in the hands of the best care our country has to offer!! I am grateful that they offer so many therapies to help you heal from PTSD, or any other disorders or addictions. There is no other facility that has the Spirit of..."
"This was my first treatment center and was the best experience in my life. The staff are amazing. The care goes beyond. You will not find a place like this anywhere else in California. If you are looking for help in recovery from addiction this is the place to be!..."
"My experience was an amazing one. The staff were absolutely amazing. I couldn't give enough stars."
"I’m so grateful for Alter Mental Health. The staff went above and beyond to take care of my needs and provided me with a comfortable, safe place to heal. I can’t say enough about my case manager, Esteban, and the therapist, Neha; and the chef, Estelle, was amazing with five-star..."
"This is by far the best mental health treatment center I’ve experienced. From the admission staff to the therapists and counselors, I was treated with the utmost care and compassion. The staff and facilities are amazing and provided me with all the support and tools I needed to feel the..."
"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."
"I had a beautiful experience here and the staff was amazing. Everyone was so caring and sweet. They’ve turned my life around for the better."
"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."
"I had an incredible 30-day experience at Alter. Their staff is second to none, the care is absolutely extraordinary, and the accommodations were wonderful. Felt safe, secure, and seen throughout my treatment. I would not hesitate to recommend the Alter Behavioral Health program to anyone seeking mental health treatment."
"Alter helped me get through one of the toughest times of my life. I want to say thank you to the treatment team for going above and beyond every day!"
"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..."
"Alter is an amazing place with amazing clinical staff and treatment professionals! You guys are a lifesaver!"
"Alter Behavioral Health truly saved my life. I have GAD, MDD, and ADHD, and in September of 2021 I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. I began spiraling into some really destructive tendencies and poor coping mechanisms. I was destroying my life. Finally, in early August of 2022, I decided..."
"My stay at Alter's Irvine facility was very pleasant. The staff and accomodations were excellect. They treated me with dignity and helped me get back on my feet. Mentally, emotionally, and physically. Highly recommend"
"It is such a blessing to be in the hands of the best care our country has to offer!! I am grateful that they offer so many therapies to help you heal from PTSD, or any other disorders or addictions. There is no other facility that has the Spirit of..."
"This was my first treatment center and was the best experience in my life. The staff are amazing. The care goes beyond. You will not find a place like this anywhere else in California. If you are looking for help in recovery from addiction this is the place to be!..."
"My experience was an amazing one. The staff were absolutely amazing. I couldn't give enough stars."
"I’m so grateful for Alter Mental Health. The staff went above and beyond to take care of my needs and provided me with a comfortable, safe place to heal. I can’t say enough about my case manager, Esteban, and the therapist, Neha; and the chef, Estelle, was amazing with five-star..."
"This is by far the best mental health treatment center I’ve experienced. From the admission staff to the therapists and counselors, I was treated with the utmost care and compassion. The staff and facilities are amazing and provided me with all the support and tools I needed to feel the..."
"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."
"I had a beautiful experience here and the staff was amazing. Everyone was so caring and sweet. They’ve turned my life around for the better."
"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."
"I had an incredible 30-day experience at Alter. Their staff is second to none, the care is absolutely extraordinary, and the accommodations were wonderful. Felt safe, secure, and seen throughout my treatment. I would not hesitate to recommend the Alter Behavioral Health program to anyone seeking mental health treatment."
"Alter helped me get through one of the toughest times of my life. I want to say thank you to the treatment team for going above and beyond every day!"
"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..."
Compassionate, evidence-based care is coordinated around each person’s needs and level of support.
Residential, crisis, PHP, IOP, outpatient, transitional, and therapeutic support options coordinate care across changing needs.
Skilled clinicians use trauma-focused modalities alongside compassionate care for adults across Southern California.
Admissions and crisis support are available around the clock for individuals and families seeking immediate guidance.
Individualized plans, whole-person support, and Care Predictor technology guide treatment engagement and clinical planning.
Compassionate clinicians support personalized healing across Southern California.
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.
Alter Behavioral Health offers several levels of care for adults experiencing trauma or PTSD, including residential mental health treatment, Crisis Stabilization and Intervention, Partial Hospitalization Programs, and Intensive Outpatient Programs. Treatment may also address co-occurring addiction or other psychiatric conditions. A consultation helps determine which setting and combination of clinical supports best fit the person’s current needs.
Speak with the admissions team about care options, insurance verification, and next steps.
Alter Behavioral Health serves clients through facilities across Southern California and supports families nationwide.
Southern California
Regional Reach
24/7 Available
Admissions Support
Multiple Facilities
Care Locations
Contact Alter Behavioral Health to discuss available programs and admissions support.
Accreditation from The Joint Commission.
Recognition listed by Alter Behavioral Health.
National quality approval listed by Alter Behavioral Health.
Recognition and certification listed by Alter Behavioral Health.
Nomination listed by Alter Behavioral Health.
Contact Alter Behavioral Health to discuss trauma treatment, crisis support, insurance verification, and available levels of care.
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.