Substance abuse treatment at the San Diego Transformation Center is a structured, evidence-based path to lasting recovery from addiction. From medically supervised detox to outpatient care, our programs are designed to meet you where you are — and guide you forward.
You’ll start with an assessment that matches you to ambulatory detox, PHP, IOP, or OP. The same team stays with you as intensity steps down, so your therapy, medication support, and case management stay connected rather than restarting.
A medically supervised, outpatient detox program that ensures safe and comfortable withdrawal management—minimizing disruption to your daily life while prioritizing your health and safety.
Intensive, structured daytime treatment for individuals who need comprehensive support for substance use disorder. PHP includes daily therapy, psychiatric care, medication management, and wellness activities.
Flexible step-down care that supports ongoing recovery while you maintain work, school, or family life. IOP includes group and individual therapy, skill-building, and relapse prevention planning.
Ongoing therapeutic support, relapse prevention, and case management for individuals seeking to maintain progress and prevent relapse as part of their long-term recovery journey.
Level of Care | What It Includes | Schedule Structure | Who It Fits | Next Step in the Continuum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ambulatory Detox | Medical oversight, withdrawal monitoring, medication support, safety planning | Scheduled outpatient visits | Adults who meet outpatient criteria following a safety assessment | Transition into PHP or IOP |
PHP (Partial Hospitalization) | Daily therapy, psychiatric care, medication management, skills groups, wellness services | Weekday daytime programming | Adults who need intensive structure in an outpatient setting | Step down to IOP |
IOP (Intensive Outpatient) | Group and individual therapy, relapse prevention planning, family support | Multiple days per week, daytime or evening options | Adults balancing work, school, or family with structured care | Step down to OP |
OP (Outpatient) | Ongoing individual therapy, recovery support, health case management | Weekly or as clinically indicated | Adults maintaining progress and continuing relapse prevention | Continue aftercare |
Length of care at each level is set by clinical assessment and reviewed as you progress. Your team adjusts intensity based on your needs rather than a fixed schedule.
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Many people managing alcohol or drug use are also living with anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Our co-occurring disorders model addresses both at the same time with one coordinated team. Your therapist, psychiatric provider, and support staff share your treatment goals, review your progress together, and adjust therapy and medication as one plan rather than two.
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You may be a good fit if you're an adult who needs:
Ambulatory detox suitability: ambulatory detox is available only after a safety assessment confirms you meet outpatient criteria. If a higher level of medical monitoring is indicated, our team will help coordinate a referral and stay involved as you step back down into outpatient care.
We provide outpatient treatment for substance use involving:
Treatment plans are individualized and may begin with ambulatory detox when clinically appropriate, followed by PHP, IOP, or OP. If your assessment indicates you need a higher level of medical monitoring than outpatient detox provides, our team will help you coordinate that care and continue with you as you step back down.
Most commercial insurance plans cover outpatient substance use treatment, including ambulatory detox, PHP, IOP, and OP, when care is medically necessary. Coverage varies by plan.
San Diego Transformation Center 9909 Huennekens St., Suite 110, San Diego, CA 92121 Admissions: (858) 215-1655
We serve adults across San Diego County, including San Diego, North County, East County, and the South Bay, with clients traveling from Chula Vista, El Cajon, Escondido, and La Mesa. All levels of care, from ambulatory detox through outpatient, are delivered at this single location.
Program schedules: call our admissions team for current daytime, evening, and weekend availability.
Common patterns include needing more of a substance for the same effect, symptoms when you stop, hiding or minimizing use, missed responsibilities at work or home, strained relationships, and continuing to use despite consequences. A confidential assessment can clarify which level of outpatient care fits.
You complete a clinical assessment, receive a personalized plan, and begin at the level of care your assessment indicates: ambulatory detox, PHP, IOP, or OP. Your plan can include individual and group therapy, medication support, EMDR, family involvement, wellness programming, and health case management.
That depends on your clinical needs and your safety. For some adults, ambulatory detox followed by PHP is appropriate. For others, IOP or OP is the better starting point. Co-occurring care is built in when a mental health condition is present alongside substance use.
Length of care is determined by clinical assessment, not a fixed schedule. Your team reviews your progress at each stage and adjusts intensity and duration accordingly. Your clinician can give you a clearer picture of what to expect after your assessment.
Outpatient care provides scheduled therapy, group work, medication support where appropriate, and regular clinical review while you continue living at home. Programs are designed so you can keep working, studying, or caring for family, with step-down levels as your needs change.
Most of our clients use commercial insurance. If you don’t have coverage or prefer not to use it, our admissions team will walk you through your options before you commit to anything.
You’ll complete or review your clinical assessment, finalize your treatment plan, and meet members of your care team. We’ll cover your schedule, safety planning, and immediate next steps so you leave with a clear start date.
Withdrawal affects people differently depending on the substance and your medical history, so the safest starting point is an assessment rather than a guess. Our clinical team can tell you whether ambulatory detox or another level of care is appropriate for your situation.
