How long do individuals stay at Alpine Special Treatment Center (ASTCI)?

The program is designed for 6 months; however, many individuals are able to meet their treatment goals within a shorter time frame. In some cases, the treating physician and treatment team may determine an individual would benefit from a longer stay.

Are individuals allowed to have visitors while living at ASTCI?

Yes! Visits are encouraged. Visiting hours have been predetermined to promote program participation and to avoid interference with community activities and events such as group therapy, socialization activities, meals, and medication passes. These high-activity times can be overwhelming and thus limiting additional stress during these times have had a positive effect on clients overall. Visiting hours: Monday through Friday from 7pm-9pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm, and 7pm-9pm. Special arrangements for alternate visitation may be made, but please contact the unit station in advance to accommodate your request. If a major holiday falls on a weekday, 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. Please follow up with staff to prearrange visits involving minor children under the age of 12.
  
• 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.

Can I send money and/or care packages to my family member living at ASTCI?

Yes! You may send family member cards or lettering, including money via any postal service: please address the envelope to the individual at: 2120 Alpine Blvd. Alpine, CA 91901 Care packages should not contain any unapproved items (see below). Please keep in mind that storage space is limited and no more than 7-10 days worth of clothing is recommended. Unapproved items at Alpine 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, or 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

Are individuals allowed to leave the facility for visits with family and friends?

Passes are granted to individuals as they progress through the program and as determined appropriate by their treatment team.

Does ASTCI promote a physical and active lifestyle?

Absolutely! ASTCI believes in the physical and mental, mind-body connection and physical activity is an important component of not only self-care but mental health. 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.

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: learning ways to become more 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.
• Specialized Trauma and Grief/Loss Groups
• Prevocational and Vocational
• Healthy Relationships and Conflict Resolution
• Expressive arts: painting, drawing, dance, poetry and music
• Personal Self Care and Hygiene awareness
• Cultural Celebrations
• Discharge planning and community reintegration

Are there opportunities for continued education while residing at ASTCI?

The education program at Alpine 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).

How do I apply for a job at ASTCI?

Please check out the Careers section of our web site, or visit our Job Board.