Clinical Modalities

At Alta Mira, we provide individualized, compassionate care that goes beyond symptom management to support each client’s journey to lasting recovery. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, we offer a range of evidence-based and holistic therapies tailored to meet the complex needs of those with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Our expert clinical team incorporates these therapies into each client’s treatment plan based on their needs and experiences.  

All the modalities used are both taught within psychoeducational groups and classes and embedded throughout all that we do within our program.  We look for and identify opportunities to apply concepts and tools from everything we teach to our clients when opportunities present themselves. 

Among the key modalities we utilize at Alta Mira are the following:  

CBT is a widely used, research-based approach that helps individuals understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. At Alta Mira, CBT is a core part of the work we do with our clients, both individually and in groups.  

CBT at Alta Mira Helps Clients:  

• Identify the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors as these relate to substance use disorders and mental health challenges 
• Learn to recognize negative thoughts and “self-talk” and how to challenge and replace these with empowering alternatives 
• Recognize points within the thought-feeling-behavior cycle where choices can be made to create and sustain lasting positive change 

CBT is a tangible, easily taught and understood approach to learning how to take control over one’s thoughts and emotions. It is known to offer relief from common co-occurring mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. CBT also helps with other issues commonly seen in early recovery from substance use disorders related to low self-esteem, shame, guilt and resentment. 

Motivational Enhancement is a collaborative approach designed to assist clients in exploring their own reasons for change.  Many of those entering treatment are not fully committed to the process or entirely clear about their goals, and that’s okay.  Beginning treatment at the residential level of care, especially for those with co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions, is often a confusing time.  Conversations about what the client views as the main problem, how the treatment team can be most helpful, and ensuring that therapists act as guides to help clients draw their own conclusions are all part of this approach to care. 

Motivational Enhancement at Alta Mira:  

• Builds trust and rapport with the care team  
• Strengthens internal motivation  
• Supports goal setting aligned with personal values  
• Helps clients explore and resolve conflicting thoughts about change  

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented approach that is particularly helpful for those with co-occurring chronic conditions (both physical and psychological).  According to ACT, we can choose to move forward in our lives with meaning and purpose, guided by core values; despite whatever challenges we face in our lives.   

How ACT Supports Recovery:  

• Increased psychological flexibility 
• Awareness in separating thoughts from facts 
• Understanding that acceptance is the path of least resistance  
• Appreciating the relief that the present moment has to offer 
• Identifying and referencing core values as the basis for goals and decision making 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be an effective treatment for individuals struggling with the effects of trauma. It involves bilateral stimulation to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories, leading to improved mental health and well-being. When clinically appropriate and with enough time in a treatment episode, we can incorporate EMDR into treatment plans. 

Elements of EMDR at Alta Mira:  

• Strengthening positive resources that can support the client during the therapeutic process.  
• Decreasing emotion dysregulation associated with memories and/or triggers associated with traumatic experiences. 
• Accessing and reprocessing memories from traumatic events in ways that help “repair” the mental injuries that have been stored in the brain. 

When integrated into a broader treatment plan, EMDR can relieve traumatic memories so that they are less intrusive in the overall process of recovery. 

Once clients learn the basics of the lifelong process that is recovery from substance use disorders and mental health conditions, it is imperative to include relapse prevention skills and tools as part of treatment.  As with other chronic conditions, if treatment stops, symptoms return.  Relapse is preventable if clients know what to look for and what to do about it. 

The Basics of Relapse Prevention Include the Following:  

• Relapse is a process, not an event. 
• Awareness of warning signs and triggers, with action plans to address them, is essential. 
• Skills and tools must be practiced on a regular basis before they can be accessible when needed in the moment. 
• Plans are not protection – acting on the plan is.  Anticipate barriers before they occur. 
• Execution of an ongoing care plan immediately after discharge, decreasing in frequency and structure until maintenance is achieved (i.e., meetings, therapy). 

• Located in Sausalito, California, our campus offers comfort and serenity  
• Pet-friendly accommodations support emotional regulation and reduce stress  
• On-site psychological testing offers comprehensive assessments and personalized planning  
• Expert clinical team of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists  
• Care for professionals seeking discreet, sophisticated support  

We understand the courage it takes to seek help—whether for yourself, a loved one, or a client. At Alta Mira, we meet that courage with world-class care.