Deciding to enter a mental health or addiction treatment center is a big step. Even if you’re considering reaching out for help, you might feel hesitant. Knowing what happens in a mental health and addiction treatment facility can help you feel more confident about the choice to seek support.
Alvarado Parkway Institute, a mental health and addiction treatment center in San Diego, has helped countless individuals start anew. If you’re struggling with a mental health condition, an addiction, or both, our facility offers a safe, supportive space where you can begin to heal.
Let’s walk through what your journey might look like at a center like Alvarado Parkway Institute.
Initial Assessment and Intake
During your initial intake, we get to know you for who you are. Our team takes the time to learn not only your symptoms, but your experiences, goals, and what’s brought you to this point.
You’ll start by speaking with an admissions specialist who will guide you through your options and schedule an assessment. During the assessment, a licensed professional will ask about:
- Your mental health and/or substance use history
- Any medical conditions or medications you’re taking
- Previous treatment experiences
- Your current home environment and support system
- Your goals for treatment
This information helps us determine which level of care will best meet your needs. Depending on your circumstances, you will be recommended for one of the following programs:
- Inpatient treatment if you need 24/7 support and a highly structured environment
- Partial hospitalization (PHP) if you need intensive care during the day but can return home at night
- Outpatient treatment if your symptoms are more manageable and you want intensive support while balancing everyday life
Treatment Planning: Mental Health, Addiction, or Both
Once your intake is complete, we’ll work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan to help you achieve both immediate stabilization and lasting wellness.
At Alvarado Parkway Institute, we offer specialized tracks for:
- Mental health treatment
- Addiction recovery
- Dual diagnosis treatment (for those dealing with both mental health and substance use disorders)
If you’re facing co-occurring disorders, it’s best to treat them together. For example, untreated depression can make it harder to stay sober, and ongoing substance use can worsen anxiety. Addressing both conditions at the same time sets you up for a more effective recovery.
For the most profound impact, we harness the expertise of several specialized professionals. No matter what track you’re on, your care team will likely include:
- Therapists or counselors
- Psychiatrists or nurse practitioners
- Case managers or social workers
- Adjunctive therapy clinicians
This approach ensures your treatment is cohesive and aligned with your goals.
Regular Therapy
Therapy is a key part of your healing process at Alvarado Parkway Institute. Through a combination of individual, group, and family therapy, you’ll begin to unpack the past, build healthier habits, and grow stronger than before.
Individual therapy
A licensed therapist will work one-on-one with you to explore personal challenges, identify thought patterns or behaviors that aren’t serving you, and learn new coping strategies. These conversations are judgment-free and confidential.
Group therapy
In group sessions, you’ll connect with others who are working through similar struggles. These sessions are guided by a therapist and cover topics like emotional regulation, healthy boundaries, self-esteem, and relapse prevention. Our hope is that you’ll gain helpful insights and a sense of community from people who understand you on a deeper level.
Family involvement
When appropriate, family involvement can be a powerful part of the recovery process. We offer opportunities for loved ones to participate in therapy, learn about your experience, and gain the tools they need to support your healing outside of treatment. Recovery is easier when the people around you understand and uplift you.
Life Skills and Ongoing Support
Healing often extends beyond therapy. At Alvarado Parkway Institute, our programs also focus on helping you develop the skills you need to thrive in everyday life.
You’ll have opportunities to learn and practice:
- Coping strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety, and triggers
- Emotional regulation techniques to help manage mood swings or strong feelings
- Practical life skills like time management, goal setting, and self-care
- Relapse prevention tools to help you stay grounded in recovery
We also support you in rebuilding routines, like healthy sleep patterns and balanced meals, which are foundational to your overall well-being.
As you approach the end of your treatment, your team will work with you on aftercare planning. This ensures that when you transition out of the program, you have a plan in place to keep moving forward. Aftercare may include:
- Ongoing therapy sessions
- Support groups
- Medication management
- Referrals to community resources
- Sober living arrangements (if needed)
Learn more about how we help you plan for long-term success.
Recovery doesn’t end when you leave treatment—it’s a lifelong journey, and we’ll help you take those first steps with confidence.
Visit Our Center for Mental Health and Addictive Disorders
If you’ve been living with the weight of mental health issues or addiction, it’s important to know that things can change. With the right tools and support, recovery is within reach.
Contact Alvarado Parkway Institute today to speak with an admissions specialist and learn more about our programs. Whether you need inpatient care, daytime treatment, or outpatient support, we’re here to help you find a path forward.
