California residential treatment centers (RTCs) help people with mental health and substance use disorders. However, for a variety of reasons, many RTCs have closed their doors in the past few years, only partly due to the pandemic.
With the state’s population reaching 39.5 million in January 2025 and growing, so are the number of people needing care. This puts additional pressure on existing facilities. Read on to learn more about this challenge and what outstanding residential treatment looks like.
Understanding the Need for Residential Treatment Centers in California
In 2023 California had nearly 1,000 licensed treatment facilities. But despite this, the state faces a shortage of residential treatment beds. There are now 12.7 beds per 100,000 adults. However, an estimated 22.3 beds per 100,000 adults are needed [1]. And with an increase in bed need of 1.7% from 2021 to 2026, this gap in capacity continues to grow [2].
In addition, many facilities have difficulty placing people with complex needs, such as those with co-occurring medical or behavioral conditions, further straining the system. So, good residential treatment centers are in demand.
But what does an RTC do exactly?
How Residential Treatment Centers Support Mental Health Recovery
Residential treatment centers (RTCs) for mental health treatment and recovery provide 24/7 intensive care in a supportive environment. Following are ways they help people heal and regain their footing.
1. 24/7 Structured Support and Safety
- A routine daily schedule lowers anxiety and supports emotional stability
- 24/7 supervision provides safety for those in crisis or severe distress
2. Evidence-Based Therapies
- Individual Therapy using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and other trauma-focused therapies address root causes of mental health struggles.
- Group Therapy teaches coping skills and provides education with social support, thereby reducing isolation.
- Family Therapy helps families to improve communication, develop problem-solving abilities, repair relationships, and educates family members on how to support recovery.
3. Medication Management and Psychiatric Care
- Psychiatrists and other medical professionals monitor medications.
- They also provide medical care to patients.
4. Holistic and Experiential Therapies
- Holistic therapies support emotional expression and processing while providing stress relief. Common examples include mindfulness meditation, yoga, art therapy, or equine therapy
- Healthy nutrition and exercise support physical wellness, brain health, and mood regulation.
5. Peer Support and Community
- Shame and stigma are reduced by living with others in recovery and developing social connections.
- A sense of belonging and accountability are developed that promotes mental health.
6. Life Skills
- Life skills education focuses on coping strategies, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills.
- Planning for aftercare reinforces continuity of care following RTC with outpatient therapy and support groups.
7. Removal of Triggers & Stressors
- In the RTC environment, negative influences such as substances and toxic relationships are removed.
- Patients can focus on healing without the pressures of daily life.
Who Benefits Most from RTCs?
RTCs can help people with a range of mental health conditions, including:
- Severe depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia (with specialized programs)
- Co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction
- Patients who need a step down from hospitalization or a step up from outpatient care
Long-Term Impact
By equipping individuals with tools for sustainable recovery, residential treatment can break cycles of crisis, hospitalization, or self-destructive behaviors, leading to restored quality of life.
How Residential Treatment Centers Address Substance Use Disorders
Many RTCs (rehabs) offer specialized care for those with substance use disorders (SUDs). RTCs offer an immersive setting to focus on managing substance use with detoxification (detox), behavioral change therapies, a social milieu of peers, and support for long-term recovery. RTCs treat addiction in a number of ways:
1. Medically Supervised Detox
- Risks such as seizures or severe cravings are minimized with medically-supervised withdrawal management.
- Medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone may be used to ease the withdrawal process and reduce relapse risk.
2. Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Many RTCs treat co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma that underlie substance abuse
- Evidence-based therapy approaches break the cycle of self-medication.
3. Structure, Sobriety and Accountability
- RTCs are substance free. This environment helps prevent relapse during early recovery.
- Many RTCs perform regular drug testing and have monitored visits to reinforce accountability.
4. Evidence-Based Addiction Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) may be used for addictions treatment. In addition, Motivational Interviewing is helpful for strengthening commitment to sobriety.
- Some facilities subscribe to the 12-Step approach or SMART Recovery that develops a peer support network and relapse prevention strategies.
5. Relapse Prevention Training
- Relapse prevention strategies include recognizing triggers, developing coping skills, and managing high-risk situations.
- As well this part of the program helps develop healthy routines such as healthy nutrition, exercise, and sleep to substitute for and protect against addictive behaviors
6. Peer and Community Support
- Informal camaraderie and group therapy reduce isolation and shame
- After treatment, alumni programs and sober networks provide support
7. Family Involvement and Repair
- Family therapy rebuilds broken trust and educates family members about addiction and recovery without enabling.
8. Aftercare & Transition Planning
- Aftercare planning connects patients to outpatient programs, sober living homes, and community supports.
- Provides resources for job training, housing, and community support programs such as AA and NA.
Why Residential Care Works for Addiction
- Life in an RTC removes environmental triggers and disrupts patterns of addiction.
- Individual and group therapy seek to address underlying trauma or mental health issues.
- RTCs build a sober support circle of peers before the return to daily life
- Offers a higher level of care than outpatient programs which significantly improves recovery outcomes.
Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Residential Treatment
Dual diagnosis residential treatment provides integrated care for individuals struggling with both mental health disorders and substance use, offering a comprehensive path to recovery. By addressing co-occurring conditions simultaneously, these programs reduce the risk of relapse, as untreated mental health issues often drive addiction.
Clients receive personalized therapy (CBT, DBT, trauma therapy, among others) alongside medical and psychiatric support, ensuring balanced treatment.
With 24/7 professional care, dual diagnosis treatment improves outcomes, enhances coping strategies, and promotes holistic recovery. This approach is especially effective for those who have struggled with traditional single-focus rehab programs.
Choosing the Right Residential Treatment Center in California
Selecting the best RTC in California requires careful consideration of individual needs, treatment approaches, and facility credentials. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making an informed decision:
1. Identify Specific Needs
- Mental Health Focus (e.g., depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder)
- Substance Use Disorders (alcohol, opioids, methamphetamine)
- Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring mental health & addiction)
- Specialized Programs (trauma, LGBTQ+, veterans, teens)
2. Verify Licensing & Accreditation
- Ensure the facility is licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) or Joint Commission (JCAHO).
- Check if they offer evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT, EMDR).
3. Evaluate Treatment Approaches
- Medical Detox (if needed for substance withdrawal)
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Holistic Therapies (yoga, art therapy, mindfulness)
- Aftercare Planning (sober living referrals, outpatient support)
4. Consider Location & Environment
- Urban vs. Serene Settings (beach, mountains) – some prefer peaceful retreats, while others benefit from city-based programs.
- Travel – Ensure travel distances, traffic, and ways of travel are practical
- Family Involvement – Proximity may matter if family therapy is included.
5. Check Insurance & Costs
- In-Network Providers – Verify if the center accepts Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance (e.g., Kaiser, Blue Shield).
- Payment Plans and Scholarships – Some facilities offer financial aid.
6. Read Reviews & Success Rates
- Look for testimonials, Google reviews, and outcomes data (if available).
- Avoid centers with multiple complaints about neglect or unethical practices.
7. Tour the Facility (If Possible)
- Check if tours can be done in-person or virtually.
- Assess cleanliness, staff professionalism, and resident interactions.
- Ask about staff-to-patient ratios and qualifications (licensed therapists, MDs).
Final Tips
- Avoid “One-Size-Fits-All” Programs – Personalized care yields better results.
- Beware of Fraudulent Centers – Research thoroughly to avoid unethical practices.
Why Northbound Treatment Center Stands Out
With over 30 years experience, Northbound offers many features not often found in a single RTC, including:
- Drug and alcohol detox
- Residential treatment
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Sober Living
- Dual Diagnosis
- Signature Services with special programs
- Aftercare Support
- Supportive, Licensed Staff
Compassionate Residential Care at Northbound
For more than 30 years, Northbound Treatment Center in California has been at the forefront of providing lifesaving, compassionate residential care, and specialized services to help people from all walks of life feel better, discover themselves, and live free from addiction. We have facilities throughout California. Reach out to our admissions team now.
Sources
[1] McBain, R. et al. (2022). Adult Psychiatric Bed Capacity, Need, and Shortage Estimates in California-2021. Rand health quarterly, 9(4), 16.
[2] SAMHSA. 2019 State Profile — California: National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS).
Author
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Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
