San Diego, California Rehab Centers | Detox, Inpatient Drug Rehab, FAQ
- San Diego Rehab Centers
- Detox In San Diego
- Inpatient Drug Rehab
- Outpatient Drug Rehab
- Paying For Rehab In San Diego
- Ark Behavioral Health
- FAQ

Like many populated areas throughout Southern California, San Diego has long struggled with substance abuse issues within the community.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 323,000 residents of the San Diego metro area suffered from a substance use disorder in 2010 alone.
With hundreds of thousands struggling, the city has placed a heavy focus on improving equitable access to quality substance abuse and mental health treatment. If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, learn more about your San Diego treatment options.
How To Find & Choose Addiction Treatment In San Diego
The County of San Diego’s Behavioral Health Services department oversees addiction treatment and mental health services in the city of San Diego. If you’re ready to enroll in an addiction treatment center, you can learn more about your rehab options by:
- calling the San Diego 24/7 Access and Crisis Line
- browsing the San Diego Behavioral Health Services Provider Directory
- asking your primary care provider for a treatment referral
- calling alcohol or drug treatment centers individually
- calling San Diego 2-1-1
As you explore your treatment options, consider the following factors to ensure you find a high-quality addiction treatment program:
- licensed drug and alcohol counselors: all counselors working at the treatment facility should hold licensing, which proves their ability to administer effective treatment
- accreditation: the Joint Commissions and others accredits rehab centers for adhering to strict quality standards for addiction treatment
- family involvement: if your family members form the basis of your support system, it’s important that they be involved in your treatment experience
- individualized treatment plans: your struggle with addiction is unique and your treatment plan should be tailored to your individual needs and goals
- evidence-based treatments: therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment have documented evidence proving their efficacy in addiction treatment
San Diego Drug & Alcohol Treatment Programs
As a San Diego resident, you have access to a full continuum of care for addiction treatment, which features a variety of drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment services. These include:
- assessments
- withdrawal management, also known as detox
- residential treatment
- intensive outpatient treatment
- standard outpatient treatment
- medication-assisted treatment
- opioid treatment programs
- recovery support services
- case management services
When you reach out for help with a substance use disorder, you’ll undergo an individual needs assessment. This evaluation will determine the levels of care that are best suited to your unique needs.
Learn more about Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers In California
Medical Drug & Alcohol Detox In San Diego
For most addiction sufferers, the first phase of the rehab process is medical detoxification. This short-term program is designed to allow you to withdraw from drugs or alcohol in a safe, supervised setting.
During detox, you’ll receive 24/7 supervision, as well as medical and behavioral support from a team of licensed providers.
Residential/Inpatient Drug Rehab In San Diego
Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab takes place in a residential setting designed to eliminate social addiction triggers and allow you to focus heavily on healing and recovery.
While in residential rehab, you’ll have 24/7 access to a range of proven therapies for addiction treatment. These typically include individual counseling, group therapy, evidence-based behavioral therapies, holistic therapies, and mental health services for dual diagnosis.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment In San Diego
Outpatient rehab programs may be used as a step-down level of care after inpatient rehab or as an alternative to a residential program. Both intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs provide you with similar services as inpatient treatment.
Standard outpatient programs are the least intensive form of addiction treatment and typically include access to educational services. While in outpatient treatment, you must travel to and from the rehab facility for each therapy session.
Medication-Assisted Treatment In San Diego
If you struggle with opioid or alcohol addiction, you may benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This form of care is designed to augment a comprehensive treatment program by helping manage the mental and physical side effects of drug addiction.
In a MAT program, you’ll receive FDA-approved medications, which may include buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone. You’ll also receive behavioral therapy and counseling to help you sustain recovery.
Aftercare Support In San Diego
Aftercare support services include access to a variety of resources designed to help you sustain your recovery journey after you complete a dedicated rehab program.
Depending on your needs and your provider’s recommendation, you may benefit from several supportive services, including group therapy, 12-step participation, sober-living housing, relapse-prevention planning, and others.
Using Health Insurance For Addiction Treatment In San Diego
If you have health insurance, it may provide partial or full coverage for addiction treatment services in San Diego. Most rehab facilities throughout the city accept private insurance and many also accept public insurance, such as Medicaid and Medicare.
Keep in mind your insurance coverage depends on the specifics of your policy. To find out more about your policy’s addiction treatment benefits, you can:
- call the number on the back of your insurance card to speak to a benefits representative
- call treatment facilities directly to ask whether they accept your insurance
- ask your HR benefits administrator about your policy details if you have insurance through your employer
If you live in San Diego and do not have health insurance, you may be able to receive addiction treatment through a county-operated or county-contracted program. San Diego Behavioral Health Services does not refuse anyone treatment based on an inability to pay.
Addiction Treatment At Ark Behavioral Health
At Ark Behavioral Health, we’re proud to offer a complete continuum of care for addiction treatment to San Diego residents. From detox and residential programs to outpatient services and aftercare support, we adhere to the highest standard of care at our accredited treatment facilities.
If you live in San Diego and are willing to travel to Massachusetts for rehab, our treatment facilities are:
- Recovering Champions in Falmouth, MA
- Spring Hill Recovery Center in Ashby, MA
- Bedrock Recovery Center In Canton, MA
To learn more, please connect with us today.
San Diego Addiction Treatment FAQ
How Do I Access Treatment In San Diego?
If you struggle with addiction and/or mental health issues, you can access treatment in San Diego by:
- calling the San Diego 24/7 Access and Crisis Line
- participating in a live chat with the San Diego Access and Crisis Line
- browsing the San Diego Behavioral Health Services Provider Directory
- contacting treatment providers directly
Does Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment In San Diego?
Yes, you can use your health insurance to help cover the cost of addiction treatment in San Diego. Most facilities accept private insurance and many facilities also accept Medicaid, Medicare, or Medi-Cal.
Keep in mind that your coverage depends on the specifics of your insurance policy. To learn more about your benefits for addiction treatment specifically, contact your insurance provider.
Can I Go To Drug Rehab In San Diego Without Insurance?
Yes, you can go to rehab in San Diego even if you don’t have health insurance. You always have the option of paying for rehab out of pocket, but if you cannot afford to pay for treatment, you can still get help.
Treatment services operated by San Diego County or those contracted with the county will not refuse service to anyone based on an inability to pay.
Are There Walk-in Opioid Clinics In San Diego?
Yes, there are many walk-in opioid clinics located in the city of San Diego, as well as throughout San Diego County.
Are There Free Or State-Funded Rehab Centers In San Diego?
Yes, there are state-funded rehab centers in San Diego. The San Diego County Behavioral Health Services Department provides substance abuse treatment services through nine county-operated programs and over 300 contracted providers.
You may qualify for reduced-cost or free rehab services based on financial need.
How Long Does Drug Rehab Last In San Diego?
The majority of rehab programs last between 30 and 90 days. The length of your program will depend on your individual needs and history, as well as the recommendation of your treatment provider.
Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
©2023 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
This page does not provide medical advice.
National Institute on Drug Abuse - Types of Treatment Programs
National Survey on Drug Use and Health - Substance Use and Mental Disorders in the San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos MSA
San Diego County Behavioral Health Services Department - About Behavioral Health Services
San Diego County Behavioral Health Services Department - San Diego Behavioral Health Services Provider Directory
San Diego County Behavioral Health Services Department - Services
San Diego County Behavioral Health Services Department - Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment Brochure
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
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