Alter the Course

CA

Est. 2020
(833) 567-5838 Free · Confidential · 24/7

Key Facts About Alter the Course

  • Insurance: Accepts 24 providers including Aetna, Anthem, BlueCross BlueShield
  • Therapies: Group Therapy, Life Skills, Meditation & Mindfulness, Equine Therapy and more
  • Help Available: Call (833) 567-5838 for free insurance verification and placement assistance

About Alter the Course

This 7-day, 6-night retreat in Malibu is for 12-17 year olds and 18-25 year olds. The retreat is meant to be an intentional pause from their lives. The participants are introduced to an experiential journey where they will build life-sustaining internal coping mechanisms through the arts, film, music, writing, hiking, With a world of quick fixes for every problem, whether it be social media, substances, etc, the program is intended to inspire and ignite passion to exist within every person. The ATC Malibu Retreat house is located close to Zuma Beach where they begin each morning with meditation. The participants are able to view beautiful sunsets from the upper deck of the home. They also offer 4 day, 3 night intensive sessions for individuals who require an accelerated and individualized experience. The program addresses the unprecedented challenges young people face include COVID-19, social media pressure, anxiety and depression, campus shootings, substance misuse, cyber bullying, suicide, nicotine use, family issues, social anxiety, body image and academic pressures.

Evidence-Based Context: According to SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2023), approximately 48.7 million Americans aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasizes that treatment programs combining behavioral therapy with medication-assisted approaches show the highest rates of sustained recovery. Facilities like Alter the Course provide structured pathways to evidence-based care. Sources: SAMHSA NSDUH 2023, NIDA Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment (4th Ed.)

Who This Center Serves

Adolescents Young Adults

Amenities & Features

Access to Nature

What to Expect at Alter the Course

1. Initial Assessment

A clinical team evaluates your history, needs, and goals to create a personalized plan.

2. Active Treatment

Evidence-based therapies including Group Therapy and Life Skills, typically 4 day.

3. Progress & Recovery

Regular progress reviews, skill-building sessions, and adjustment of your treatment plan.

4. Aftercare Planning

Continued support, relapse prevention strategies, and connections to community resources for lasting recovery.

Understanding Your Treatment Options

Choosing the right treatment facility is one of the most important decisions in the recovery journey. Research published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that treatment duration, therapeutic approach, and aftercare planning are the three strongest predictors of long-term sobriety.

The facility utilizes 6 evidence-based therapeutic modalities. According to NIDA research, combination therapy approaches that integrate behavioral interventions (such as Group Therapy and Life Skills) with holistic support show significantly improved outcomes compared to single-modality programs.

Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, most commercial insurance plans are required to cover substance abuse treatment. Alter the Course works with 24 insurance providers. Call (833) 567-5838 to verify your specific coverage and learn about out-of-pocket costs before admission.

Treatment Philosophy

Experiential Therapeutic Community

Conditions & Substances Treated

Alcohol Drug Addiction

Verify Your Insurance Coverage

Free verification · Know your costs before you commit

(833) 567-5838
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Frequently Asked Questions

Alter the Course accepts 24 insurance providers including Aetna, Anthem, BlueCross BlueShield, Bright Health, CareFirst. Coverage varies by plan. Call (833) 567-5838 for free verification.

Alter the Course offers comprehensive treatment, with therapies including Group Therapy, Life Skills, Meditation & Mindfulness, Equine Therapy. Plans are individualized.

Costs vary by level of care, duration, and insurance. Most major insurance is accepted. Call (833) 567-5838 for a free cost estimate.

Treatment starts with a comprehensive assessment, then a personalized plan with individual therapy, group sessions, and evidence-based methods. Programs typically last 4 day. Aftercare planning ensures ongoing support.

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Information last verified: April 2026 · Data sourced from SAMHSA
RehabFlow Editorial Team
Clinical Content Review Board

Our content is written by health information specialists and fact-checked against SAMHSA data, CDC reports, and NIDA research. Every page is reviewed for clinical accuracy before publication.

SAMHSA-verified data
Clinically reviewed
Updated April 2026
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