Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center

Who is this facility a good fit for?

• Best fit if: Teens ages 12-17 struggling with substance use, mental health, trauma, behavioral issues, or co-occurring conditions; benefit from a highly individualized program with a small number of clients and deep family involvement; responds well to experiential therapies; are comfortable in a structured, home-like environment versus a hospital-like facility; or may need a longer-term residential stay.
• Not a fit if: Teens in need of medical detox or acute psychiatric hospitalization; are seeking outpatient only treatment; want a large community-focused campus environment; are specifically looking for medications for addiction treatment (MAT) for opioid or alcohol use disorders; or need Medicaid, state-funded treatment coverage, or lower-cost care options.

What to expect

Developing your care plan

• Assessment and intake: Clients undergo in-depth mental health and substance use assessment prior to treatment planning. Drug and alcohol testing will be performed during intake and throughout treatment. Insurance coverage is addressed during intake as well.
• Individualized treatment planning: Treatment plans are built around each client’s mental health and substance use needs and adjusted as those needs change during their stay. Because the facility supports so few clients at a time, treatment is highly personalized Programming includes evidence-based, and trauma-informed therapies with experiential therapies, family therapy, and academic support.

Who you will meet with

• Therapists and doctoral-level clinical staff: Clients work closely with therapists, group facilitators, psychiatric staff, and doctoral-level clinicians, and psychiatrists throughout residential treatment. These staff members guide therapy, psychiatric support, emotional regulation, and behavior support.
• Family therapists and experiential therapy staff: Family therapists and experiential therapy facilitators work with clients to offer support through family therapy, emotional regulation, expressive therapies, mindfulness activities, recreational programs, and peer group support during treatment.
• Educational and care coordination support: Individuals may also work with educational support staff, case managers, social workers, and discharge planning coordinators. These professionals help with academic continuity, family communication, treatment coordination, aftercare planning, and referrals for ongoing support after residential treatment.

Typical schedule

• Therapy and structured programming: Individuals participate in a balanced mix of highly-structured therapies, academic support sessions, experiential programming in addition to life skills and emotional-growth activities throughout treatment. Care combines evidence-based programming such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with activities that may include equine therapy, expressive arts, mindfulness, surf therapy, music therapy, outdoor recreation, and family therapy.
• Daily routines and therapeutic structure: The daily schedule is arranged so that there will be time for each client’s academic work, therapy, recreational pursuits, peers and downtime. Clients experience structured days by sharing meals, going on outdoor trips, attending group reflections, and taking part in evening routines.
• Weekends, holidays, and summer programming: A variety of weekend outings, holidays, and experiential opportunities are intended to provide comfort and a sense of "home," compared to an institution. Summer programming usually mirrors the school-year schedule. However, academic time is replaced by therapy groups or physical activities.

Living experiences and amenities

• Residential environment and atmosphere: Clients live in a small, gender-specific, highly supervised residential environment with only up to six clients at a time in shared or private rooms. Personal electronic devices are not permitted. Youth connect with loved-ones through scheduled telehealth appointments, a landline, and visitation. The facility has shared spaces, natural light, outdoor gathering spots, and scenic views.
• Amenities and recreational spaces: Teens may have access to a pool, tennis court, koi pond, patios, gardens, recreation areas, a library and outdoor spaces. Meals are prepared onsite, with accommodations available for dietary needs and restrictions.

Aftercare

• Discharge planning and continuing care: Once a client completes residential treatment, a personalised plan is developed for them. This is designed to help with reintegration into daily life at home, and ensure that ongoing support continues. This can include referrals to outpatient therapy programs, school re-entry programs, and local community-based services including mental health or substance abuse treatment programs.
• Family involvement and recovery support: Families receive aftercare guidance intended to help support the client after they finish the program. This can include return visitations, telephone follow-ups, and recommendations that promote long-term recovery and stabilization.

Pre-admissions experience

We conducted a series of pre-admissions calls, the most recent on June 12, 2026 to evaluate response time, transparency, and patient experience.

We had a positive experience when we contacted Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center. The admissions representative was friendly, knowledgeable, and transparent about programming, family involvement, and costs. Questions were answered directly, and the conversation felt helpful.

Client reviews

Based on available Google reviews, feedback is overwhelmingly positive and frequently centers on long-term recovery outcomes, compassionate staff, family involvement, and ongoing support. Many former clients and family members describe meaningful improvements in mental health, substance use recovery, coping skills, and family relationships.

• Treatment quality & outcomes (95% positive): Reviewers frequently describe significant improvements in sobriety, mental health, emotional regulation, and daily functioning. Former clients often credit the program with helping them develop coping skills and maintain long-term recovery. "This place changed my entire life and future."
• Staff & care experience (95% positive): Many reviews highlight supportive therapists, counselors, caregivers, and staff who were described as compassionate, encouraging, and invested in clients' success. Several former clients specifically mention feeling respected and understood during treatment. "The staff were helpful and supportive."
• Support & community (100% positive): Reviewers often mention feeling safe, accepted, and connected during treatment. Family members also describe receiving guidance and support that helped strengthen relationships and improve communication at home. "After a while it felt more like home than my real house."
• Family involvement & aftercare: Multiple reviews reference family therapy, parent education, referrals to community resources, and continued support after discharge. Families frequently describe these services as instrumental in maintaining progress after treatment. "Even after his stay ended, they helped us get in touch with a local recovery program."
• Facility & environment: Reviewers mention a comfortable, home-like atmosphere, fresh meals, activities, and a setting that helped clients feel safe and engaged during treatment. "As soon as I stepped inside I was welcomed in with open arms."

Facility transparency

• Verified by Start Your Recovery: On June 22, 2026, our research team conducted a comprehensive review of this facility's advertising claims, registrations from public health departments, national accrediting bodies, and SAMHSA.
• Pre-admissions experience evaluation: Most recent call conducted on June 12, 2026.