Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do individuals stay at Alpine Special Treatment Center (ASTCI)?
  • The average length of stay is six months; however, many individuals are able to meet their treatment goals within a shorter time frame. In some cases, the treating physician may determine an individual would benefit from  a longer stay.
2. Are individuals allowed to have visitors while living at ASTCI?
  • Visiting hours have been pre-determined as to not interfere with group attendance,medication pass and meals.
    • Visiting hours are: Monday through Friday from 7pm-9pm and Saturday/ Sunday from 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm, and 7pm-9pm. Special arrangements for alternate visiting times may be made but please contact the unit station with as much notice as possible to accommodate your request.
    • If a holiday falls on a week day, weekend visiting hours will be in effect for that day, 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm, and 7pm-9pm.
  • The facility does not have an age restriction policy, however, visitors under the age of 12 must be strictly supervised and remain with adult visitors at all times.
  • All personal belongings brought into the facility are subject to search by staff. Visitors are asked to leave personal belongings in their cars.
  • Visitors may bring food (to be eaten during visit) on Wednesdays and Sundays. Accommodations may be made for alternate days
3. Can I send money and/ or care packages to my family member living at ASTCI?
  • You may send a family member money, please address the envelope to the individual at 2120 Alpine Blvd. Alpine, CA 91901
  • Care packages should not contain any items considered contraband (See list below)
    • Please keep in mind that storage space is limited and no more than 7-10 days of clothing is recommended.
  • Contraband items at ASTCI include but are not limited to, the following:
    • Food items, beverages, gum
    • glass or ceramic items
    • chewing tobacco, snuff, clove cigarettes
    • matches, lighters, ignitable items
    • alcohol
    • drugs (illicit, prescription, over the counter)
    • poisonous plants
    • personal hygiene items that contain alcohol as the primary ingredient
    • glue, paint, white out
    • aerosol containers
    • hair chemicals of any kind (dyes, bleaches, straightening creams)
    • weapons (guns, knives)
    • pornographic or offensive material in print and/ or music
    • electrical equipment such as heating pads/ blankets.
4.Are individuals allowed to leave the facility for visits with family/ friends?
  • Hourly, daily and weekend passes are granted to individuals as they progress through the program and as determined appropriate by their treatment team.
5. Are there opportunities for physical fitness/ outdoor activities while at ASTCI?
  • Recreational courts are located on the facility grounds where individuals are encouraged to participate in various sports and exercise groups. Additionally, there are indoor physical activities scheduled daily including yoga and dance.
  • Special outings are scheduled throughout the month for park visits, hiking and nature walks at various destinations around San Diego.
6. What are some of the group topics covered at ASTCI?
  • Symptom education: managing symptoms of mental illness, warning signs of relapse, learning to manage feelings and gain self control.
  • Medication education: how medications affect the body, side effects to look out for and questions to ask your doctor.
  • Independent living skills: becoming responsible for oneself and problem solving in the community, managing money and budgeting skills.
  • Social skills: communication skills and building a social support system, establishing healthy relationships.
  • Dual Diagnosis: substance abuse relapse prevention.
  • Expressive arts: painting, drawing, dance, poetry and music
  • Personal grooming and hygiene awareness
  • Discharge planning and community reintegration
7. Are there opportunities available for continued education while residing at ASTCI?
  • The education program at ASTCI is designed to encourage goal planning, self evaluation of academic abilities, and to promote positive social and interpersonal skills. ASTCI offers the following services:
    • Assistance in meeting educational goals (GED preparation/ high school diploma program search and preparation, college/ adult vocational enrollment).
    • Education research: identifying a program or school of interest
    • Registration assistance into an education program (GED preparation course, high school diploma program, college or adult vocational education program).