Frequently Asked Questions


Please call or email our admissions representatives at (866) 922-1350 or info@altamirarecovery.com with any questions you may have.

Q. What are the Alta Mira Treatment Programs?

A. Alta Mira Treatment Programs are internationally recognized, private, world-class centers in resort settings for chemical dependency and eating disorder treatment and trauma and life recovery. We offer a sanctuary for a life changing experience of compassion, transformation, freedom and inner peace. We provide our clients a high view of recovery, balance, and nourishment to reclaim their inherent natural healing qualities.


Q. What is Alta Mira's Program?

A. Alta Mira Treatment Programs are based on a healing-team philosophy for recovery from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, and trauma. By bringing together a uniquely diverse, creative team of experienced professionals, Alta Mira offers recovery through a broad array of choices and experiences to support healing, personal awareness and life transformation. Rather than telling our clients how they must live, we support their right to choose a path that will serve them as they move forward. By balancing physical, intellectual, medical, nutritional, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing, each client has the opportunity for true self-awareness through their process in of recovery. This self-awareness allows them to see themselves and their relationships from a new and clear perspective. Through the integrity of taking personal responsibility for their choices, they learn to free themselves from the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that have underserved them in the past.


Q. What ages do you serve?

A. We treat men and women, ages 18 years and older, with Chemical Dependency, Disordered Eating, Co-Occurring Disorders, Trauma, Depression, and Situational Life Crisis issues.


Q. Do your facilities have any licensing criteria?

A. Yes. All of Alta Mira's centers are licensed by the State of California.


Q. How is Alta Mira different from other programs?

A. Alta Mira has the only treatment centers in the world that offers a truly authentic integrative treatment for each client through empowerment healing the mind, body, spirit, and soul. Our goal is to help our clients learn to make good and healthy choices for themselves in recovering the life they were meant to live.


Q. Do you provide aftercare?

A. YES! We have our Step-up Extended Care program.


Q. What about the staff?

A. We have 60+ staff members fulfilling a variety of tasks. Our primary treatment team consists of state-licensed therapists, psychiatrists, naturopathic physician, psychologists, clinical directors, registered dietician, nutritionalist, support counselors, evening house staff, and our fantastic chef.


Q. I've had treatment before and it didn't do any good. What will be different this time?

A. Many people who have come to Alta Mira have been through multiple treatment programs. We strongly believe that it is not the person who fails a treatment program, but that past treatment programs have not been appropriate or suitable for the person. Success also depends on the client's willingness to be well and to take responsibility for his/her own recovery with compassionate and appropriate support.


Q. How can I do family therapy if my family does not live in California?

A. We recognize the importance of family therapy and will make every effort to work with family and individual's schedules. We will offer your family web cam, telephone conferencing, or intensives for family therapy. The web cam will be via secured, encrypted service to ensure confidentiality. We also provide family suites for visiting families at a nominal cost.


Q. What activities will be offered to me while I am in treatment?

A. Alta Mira Treatment Programs provides structured recreational activities on and off-site designed toward improving health, increasing self esteem, and building relationships. We have an on-site, arts and crafts room, gym, and a ropes course. Off-site activities may include art studio visits, dining out, service projects, hiking/nature walks and a variety of recreational activities in beautiful Sausalito and surrounding areas in San Francisco.


Q. What can I bring with me?

A. Before you come to Alta Mira Treatment Programs, we will provide you with a packing list specifically outlining what you should bring and what you should leave at home. Remember that while you may be living here, laundry can be done regularly; therefore, we ask that you pack clothing for 7 days. Additional house and personal items will be covered in the packing list. Certain items such as music and books may be brought but will first need approval by your therapist. Expensive electronic equipment is discouraged.


Q. How long will I stay in the program?

A. Treatment at Alta Mira's centers is personalized. You will work closely with your treatment team to build a plan of care that is appropriate for you, and the length of your stay will be based on your unique needs. Your commitment to treatment ensures that we have adequate time to work with you on your journey at Alta Mira.


Q. Will I have a roommate?

A. Alta Mira Treatment Programs offers both private and semi-private rooms. Rooms are assigned based on what is clinically appropriate for each client.


Q. Will my insurance cover the cost of my treatment? What if I have no insurance?

A. Insurance rarely covers the cost of treatment today. Therefore, we ask that clients make arrangements for payment before arriving at Alta Mira Treatment Programs. We'll be happy to provide your clinical information at the end of your stay so you can bill your insurance company directly for reimbursement. We appreciate direct payment prior to your stay at Alta Mira.