FAQs - Alter Behavioral Health

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Frequently Asked Questions

We encourage you to reach out—even if it’s just to clarify and get your questions answered. Our staff is highly-skilled and completely non-judgmental. There’s no risk of commitment. Just the support and guidance you’re looking for.

Clinical FAQs

How long is your program?

The length of our program is not the same for every person. Alter Health Group offers four different levels of treatment care. That said, the average length of inpatient residential treatment is 30-45 days, though some may choose to stay longer.

What are the different levels of treatment care that you offer?

The levels of treatment care that we offer are as follows:

Intensive Residential Treatment (IRT) – average length of stay 10-20 days.
Residential Treatment Care (RTC)- average length of stay 30-45 days.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)- average length of stay 31 days.
PHP/IOP Outpatient – average length of stay 60 days.

What Is The Difference Between IOP And PHP?

Partial Hospital Program (PHP) which is 6hrs a day / 5 days a week. We offer Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) which is 3hrs a day / 5 days or 3 days a week.

What Is The Difference Between IRT and RTC?

Intensive Residential Treatment (IRT) is a step down from a hospital level of care. The main focus at IRT medication stabilization. Clients attend six (6) hours of programming, seven (7) days a week. Clients receive two (2) individual therapy sessions a week, one (1) case management session a week, and one (1) psychiatric consultation a week or as needed. Residential Treatment Care (RTC) is a step down from IRT. Clients at RTC level of care are more stabilized on their medications but may still need medication changes or updates. Clients attend six (6) hours of programming, seven (7) days a week. Clients receive two (2) individual therapy sessions a week, one (1) case management session a week, and one (1) psychiatric consultation a week or as needed. Clients also go on outside experiential activities during the weekend.

When will I see my treatment team?

Your treatment consists of the psychiatrist NP, therapist, and case manager. The psychiatrist or the psych NP will complete an initial evaluation within 24 hours of your admission, in person. The psychiatrist/psych NP is responsible for the medication management and consulting with the treatment team regarding your care. Your primary therapist will meet with you within 24 hours of admission into the program to complete your initial evaluation and your initial treatment planning. The therapist will meet with you twice a week to work on your goals and overcoming obstacles that brought you to treatment. The case manager is the primary person that will meet with you regarding your discharge planning as well as any financial or outside obligations that you may have, including work or court related issues.

How Often Do Clients Attend Therapy?

The client meets with their assigned therapist twice weekly for regular scheduled sessions with opportunities to have more if needed.

Is My Treatment Confidential?

All patients are covered by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We are required by law to protect all confidential information about the treatment that is being received.

How Will My Treatment Plan Be Decided?

The treatment plan is created from day one. You will meet with a master’s level therapist who will go over your full comprehensive history and determine how we will move forward together to end the conflicts that are causing psychological suffering.

How Will My Family Participate In Treatment?

We strongly recommend that families have conversations with their loved ones about their diagnoses, experiences, and what treatment feels like. While we have very knowledgeable professionals who have studied different diagnoses, the real expert of your loved one’s unique experience and how it affects them would be your loved one. Moreover, having these conversations with your loved one meets one of the common treatment plan goals: more effective, open, and direct communication.

Do you offer a dual diagnosis program?

Yes, we offer dual diagnosis program, treating substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar, and more.

Admissions FAQs

What Are The Steps Of The Admissions Process?

There is a two-step process. First, one of our representatives will take down your basic demographic information and complete a brief pre-screening assessment. Then the assessment is reviewed by the clinical team to ensure that we are the best fit to meet the individuals needs

Does insurance cover mental health treatment?

Alter Behavioral Health can accept most health insurance plans and will work closely with your insurance company to secure insurance coverage for your treatment program. Our staff will manage and coordinate every aspect of your admission to the facility. We want to take as much stress out of this already stressful situation for you. We will determine your exact insurance coverage and eligibility, will bill your insurance company, and find out what, if any, out-of-pocket expenses (such as co-pays or deductibles) will be needed. You have insurance for a reason, we want it to cover as much of your stay in treatment as possible.

Is Alter Behavioral Health Accredited?

Alter Behavioral Health is accredited through the Joint Commission and is licensed by the Department of Healthcare Services in California and the Department of Social Services.

Do You Offer Financial Assistance?

Yes! Please call or send us an email for more information.

Do you have gender specific programs?

Alter Behavioral Health Program is co-ed, but we do offer gender specific rooms upon request.

Do you accept couples?

At Alter Behavioral Health we are more than happy to discuss couples treatment and therapy options. Our clinical team will decide the best programming options for you and your loved ones.

Do you treat adolescents?

Alter Behavioral Health is an 18+ program. We would be happy to provide referrals to other great programs that treat minors.

Do you offer transportation?

Yes, we offer free transportation to and from treatment. Our driver can come pick you up – even if you are hours away! We want your admission with us to be as easy, safe, and stress-free as possible. Let us know if you will need some help getting to treatment.

How Do I Tell My Loved Ones Where I Am Going?

We can help. Give us a call and we can evaluate the situation and help guide the discussion.

What If My Loved One Refuses Treatment?

Give us a call or email. Our admissions team can speak to you or your loved one to provide education on the steps to take.

What Happens If I Have A Pending Legal Issue?

Our team has experience dealing with the court system and legal issues. We’re able to vouch for your progress and presence in treatment.

Does My Job Need To Know I'm In Treatment?

Every employment situation is different but if you qualify for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you are only required to let your employer know that you are taking a medical leave. Our team is able to assist you not only in FMLA but also can provide additional support in any state leave that you may qualify for.

Facility FAQs

Is Alter Behavioral Health a lockdown facility?

No, Alter Behavioral Health is not a lockdown facility. All our programs are completely voluntary.

What do I need to bring?

In order to provide an efficient and comprehensive admission process please bring the appropriate paperwork and follow the guidelines and rules provided below.

Client Checklist:

Driver’s License or Identification Card
Insurance Card
All prescription medications in original containers with up-to-date prescription labels
Any necessary over the counter medications (e.g. Acetaminophen, Tums, Vitamins) in UNOPENED containers

Dress Code
Modest dress is required at all times. No extreme styles are allowed. T-shirts may not have sayings or logos that are related to drugs or alcohol.
Suggested Items

Underwear
Socks
Bras/sports bras (if applicable)
Casual Shirts
Shorts
Casual Pants
Pajamas
Jacket
Bathing Suit
Beach Towel
Tennis Shoes
Shower Shoes
Sandals/Beach Shoes
Reusable Water Bottle
Stationery
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Shampoo and Conditioner
Body Soap
Deodorant
Razor

What am I not allowed to bring?

For the safety of self and others, as well as space and hygiene of self and others we do not permit the following items.

Items you CAN’T bring.

Alcohol, drugs, or any other kind of paraphernalia (this includes foil, syringes, straws, etc).
Toiletry items containing alcohol or ethanol in the first three ingredients.
Perfumes and colognes
Hairspray
Mouthwash
Nail polish and nail polish remover
Hair dye products
Toiletries or other items in glass containers
Pocket knives, scissors, or other sharp objects
Incense, candles, etc.
Aerosols
Clothing with drawstrings longer than 3 feet
Any hair tool with a cord longer than 3 feet

Now that I am here, what do I do?

Treatment is individualized, but group attendance is expected of all patients at our facility. We offer a variety of therapy groups by different disciplines with topics that have been designed to provide education relevant to recovery. A copy of the group schedule is posted and updated daily on the schedule board TV. A nurse will meet with you to complete an initial medical assessment and a psychiatrist NP will meet with you within the first 24 hours of your stay.

Can I Bring My Pet With Me?

At Alter Behavioral Health facilities, we understand the therapeutic benefits of having pets as companions. We allow dogs to accompany clients upon meeting specific criteria. This policy outlines the guidelines and requirements for clients who wish to bring their dogs to our facilities.

Eligibility Criteria:
Prior to admissions, Admissions representatives will gather the following information to assess a client’s eligibility to bring their dog to our facilities:

Weight Requirements: Dogs must not exceed a maximum weight of 45 pounds.
Vaccination Records: Dogs must have up-to-date vaccination records.
Registered Service Animal: If a dog is a registered service animal, additional documentation may be required.
Social Behavior: Dogs must demonstrate friendliness towards other dogs and people.
Age Requirement: Dogs must be at least 8 months old.
Potty Training: Dogs must be fully potty trained.

What We Treat

Treatment Programs

Mental Health Treatment

Substance Mis-Use Disorder Treatment

View Our Facilities

Dana Point

Detox & Addiction Treatment Center

Irvine

Residential Mental Health Treatment

Mission Viejo

Residential Mental Health Treatment

Laguna Beach

PHP/Intensive Outpatient

San Diego

Crisis Stabilization Facility

San Juan Capistrano

Crisis Stabilization Facility

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Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical FAQs

Admissions FAQs

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California Rehab Campus - Dana Point

Addiction Detox & Treatment Center

Alter Behavioral Health - Irvine

Residential Mental Health Treatment

Alter Mental Health - Mission Viejo

Residential Mental Health Treatment

Altignis Health - Laguna Beach

PHP/IOP

Alter Mental Health - San Diego

Crisis Stabilization Unit

Alter Mental Health - Dana Point

Crisis Stabilization Unit