Self-Harm Treatment in California

Alter Behavioral Health offers several levels of behavioral health care that may support adults experiencing self-harm concerns, depending on clinical assessment. Options include Crisis Stabilization & Intervention, residential mental health treatment, Partial Hospitalization Programs, and Intensive Outpatient Programs. Care may address related depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, addiction, or other psychiatric conditions through individualized, evidence-based treatment planning.

If someone faces immediate danger, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not leave the person alone, and remove access to immediate means when it can be done safely. Alter Behavioral Health also provides crisis stabilization and 24/7 admissions contact for consultation. A qualified professional can help determine the safest next step and appropriate level of care.

Crisis Stabilization & Intervention is an acute care program for individuals experiencing mental health crises. Care includes immediate intervention, clinical assessment, psychiatric stabilization, risk assessment, safety planning, and family sessions. The program is available at Alter Behavioral Health locations in San Diego and San Juan Capistrano and is intended to help stabilize urgent needs before determining ongoing treatment recommendations.

Alter’s residential mental health treatment serves adults with complex psychiatric and co-occurring concerns, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, and drug or alcohol addiction. Treatment uses modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, brainspotting, family therapy, and mindfulness. Clinical assessment determines whether residential care is an appropriate setting for an individual’s needs.

Treatment may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, family therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, safety planning, risk assessment, psychiatric support, and other evidence-based modalities. The specific combination depends on the person’s clinical needs, diagnosis, safety considerations, and level of care. Alter emphasizes individualized treatment plans rather than using an identical approach for every client.

Family participation is available within applicable Alter Behavioral Health programs and may include family therapy or family sessions. Involvement can help families understand mental health concerns, support safety planning, strengthen communication, and prepare for transitions after treatment. The care team determines the appropriate role for family members based on clinical needs, privacy considerations, and the client’s treatment plan.

The main insurance providers we have high success rates with are Cigna, UMR, Anthem Blue Cross California, and Aetna. Insurance verification is also available for other major carriers, including GEHA or GEHealth as listed for specific programs, Meritain Health, Highmark BCBS, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Private-pay options are also available. Program availability and coverage vary by level of care, so admissions staff can review benefits and enrollment requirements during consultation.

Alter Behavioral Health has programs across Southern California, including locations in Irvine, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Diego, and Orange County. Service areas also include communities throughout Orange County and San Diego County, as well as support for families nationwide. Specific program availability varies by location, so consultation is recommended when identifying the appropriate facility and level of care.