MHS – East County Center for Change

About MHS – East County Center for Change

East County Center for Change in El Cajon, California was a treatment center that provided a comprehensive intensive outpatient program for adults and young adults with substance use and co occurring mental health disorders. Operated by TURN Behavioral Health Services, the center offered both regular outpatient and intensive outpatient care. Unfortunately, they have since closed.

Intensive Outpatient Program in East County

The intensive outpatient program served adults and young adults 18 to 64, including veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and pregnant or postpartum women. It specialized in dual diagnosis treatment for substance use and mental health conditions. Clients benefited from flexible scheduling with sessions available in the evenings Monday through Thursday.

Treatment included individual counseling, group therapy, and family sessions using CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and 12 Step models. The program emphasized relapse prevention, trauma informed care, and community reinforcement. Integrated support for employment, housing, and education would help clients rebuild stable lives.

Treatment for People in the Criminal Justice System

Beyond intensive outpatient care, the center provided regular outpatient counseling, family programming, recovery education, and specialized services for justice involved individuals. Case management and mental health support were integrated throughout all treatment levels too.

Payment options included Medi-Cal, self pay, and sliding fee scale based on income.

Edited by: Nikki Wisher, BA

Addiction Treatment Programs

Dual Diagnosis
Many people with addiction issues also have a mental health diagnosis, which is known as a dual diagnosis. Be sure to find a rehab in California that can treat both. Whether you need detox, inpatient treatment, or outpatient care, a dual diagnosis program will offer specific support for your mental health needs alongside traditional substance use treatment.
Drug Rehab
In California, a drug rehab provides a combination of therapy and education to help clients overcome substance misuse. In a drug treatment program you’ll not only receive treatment, but you’ll participate in activities, receive peer support, and learn how to have fun without substance use.
Adult Program
An adult program in California addresses the unique needs of adults, such as finding secure housing, building a career, and raising a family. Whether you need detox, inpatient treatment, or outpatient care, an adult program will offer specific support for your emotional, mental, and social needs.
Outpatient Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Treatment
This El Cajon program delivers outpatient substance use disorder services for adults, including counseling and recovery support, as listed among County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services provider locations.
Co-Occurring Disorder (COD) Services
MHS East County Center for Change integrates mental health treatment with substance use care for clients facing co-occurring disorders, supporting dual-diagnosis needs within its outpatient program in El Cajon, California.
Outpatient Mental Health Services
The center provides outpatient mental health services alongside substance use treatment, reflecting a co-occurring capable approach for adults seeking behavioral health care in East County San Diego.
Medication Services (MAT/MOUD)
Medication services, including medication-assisted treatment, are offered alongside counseling at this El Cajon outpatient center to support clients managing opioid or alcohol use disorders during recovery.
DUI Program
MHS East County Center for Change offers DUI-focused programming as part of its outpatient services, referenced among county and court provider listings serving the El Cajon and East County area.
Perinatal Outpatient Program
A Perinatal Outpatient track under Drug Medi-Cal serves pregnant and postpartum women at this El Cajon facility, addressing substance use treatment needs specific to this population within outpatient care.
Adult Outpatient Program
The Adult Outpatient program under Drug Medi-Cal at MHS East County Center for Change serves adult men and women in El Cajon seeking structured, non-residential substance use treatment.

Levels of Care

1
Detox Treatment
The first step to a substance-free lifestyle is detox in California. Most detox programs last around one week, although some are longer. You will generally receive medical treatment for withdrawal symptoms as well as treatment planning for the next stage of rehab.
2
Aftercare Support
Overcoming substance use is a lifelong process. Aftercare in California gives you the support you need to stay sober. Some aftercare programs will help you connect to community resources and social services in your area, from housing to healthcare to financial assistance.
3
Sober Living Homes
Sober living in California is focused on giving you a substance-free place to live, giving you the support you need to stay sober long-term. Sober living is a place where you can practice your new life skills and begin to work toward an independent, substance-free life.
4
Outpatient Rehab
MHS East County Center for Change provides Outpatient Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment for adults in El Cajon, combining individual and group counseling with recovery support as a County of San Diego provider location.

Therapies

Group Therapy
Attending group therapy in California is a way to overcome shame and isolation, helping you establish long-term recovery. Substance use treatment includes detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient care, and group therapy may be a part of each of these stages. The goal is to help clients support each other, provide accountability, and relate to each other’s experiences.
Individual Therapy
During individual therapy in California, clients work with a professional to address specific individual concerns. Some of the topics covered in individual therapy include developing healthy coping skills, addressing past events that may have played a part in substance use, and building a support network.
Individual Counseling
MHS East County Center for Change offers individual counseling as part of its outpatient alcohol and drug treatment program, supporting adults in El Cajon working through substance use and recovery goals one-on-one with staff.
Group Counseling
Group counseling sessions form a core part of the outpatient AOD treatment at this El Cajon center, giving clients peer support alongside structured recovery guidance in a shared clinical setting.
Case Management
Case management services help coordinate care for clients at MHS East County Center for Change, connecting individuals to recovery supports, county behavioral health resources, and ongoing treatment needs in San Diego County.
Recovery Support Services
Recovery support services at this El Cajon location assist clients in maintaining sobriety after entering outpatient treatment, complementing counseling and medication services within the county behavioral health network.