Cornerstone has chosen to adopt Relapse Prevention as its primary focus, because of the high rate of relapse following traditional treatment. Cornerstone believes chemical dependency is a disease that is chronic, progressive, treatable but not curable. It is a disease that can be placed in remission but is also prone to relapse. We believe both the disease and its Relapse are best treated through physical stabilization, psychological education, self-confrontation and social rehabilitation. We believe those seeking treatment are not guilty for having their disease but are responsible for its management. We believe abstinence is the beginning of the recovery process. Full recovery is total lifestyle change. We believe relapse is a Process not an event. A process that can be Identified, Interrupted and Managed. Cornerstone offers quality treatment programs at reasonable rates in Southern California . We accept most Insurance.
ABOUT CORNERSTONE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., since 1984, Cornerstone of Southern California offers treatment for adults struggling with substance abuse. Services, focusing on relapse prevention, include medically supervised detox, residential care, intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), medication-assisted treatment, sober living, and aftercare. Additionally, specialized programming is available for clients facing legal obligations. This facility is family-owned and -operated and takes pride in providing family programming and flexibility in its continuum of treatment services. In addition to the Santa Ana center, Cornerstone operates facilities in Orange and Tustin.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Most Cornerstone clients are in treatment for alcohol or prescription drug addiction, although some also come with cocaine, meth, and marijuana dependency or abuse. Detoxification services, overseen by the facility’s medical staff, are available as a standalone service or as the beginning of a series of treatment programs at Cornerstone. Medication-assisted therapy, offered during detox and afterward, utilizes Vivitrol injections. While the facility does not provide on-site dual diagnosis treatment, clients needing concurrent care for mental health or physical disorders receive referrals to and assistance in connecting with independent, local providers.
Residential rehab programming follows a social model, integrating 12-step concepts and peer accountability with cognitive behavioral and creative arts therapies. Attendance at a weekly family night is required, along with random drug testing.
Both standard outpatient and intensive outpatient care are available as step-down or standalone treatment options. Clients who wish to receive ongoing support as they re-enter their everyday lives may opt to reside at one of Cornerstone’s sober living homes. The center also offers free continuing care to all individuals who successfully complete a treatment program.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Cornerstone’s staff is comprised of over 70 employees, with a 1:1.2 staff-to-client ratio, according to information provided to Best-rehabs.com by the facility. Members of the clinical team include the founding physician, who is board-certified in addiction medicine, a Ph.D. level psychologist, certified alcohol and drug counselors, a yoga instructor, and a master’s level, certified music therapist. One staff leader is a military veteran and many team members are in recovery. The founder’s wife and three children also work at the facility.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Residential clients stay in home-like facilities in neighborhoods described by Cornerstone’s website as “upscale. A total of 24 beds are available for detox treatment, and the organization accommodate up to 120 individuals, placing six residents per house in the program. Some private rooms are available and residents take care of some household chores. All clients have access and included membership to a nearby Gold’s Gym that offers exercise equipment, group fitness classes, and a swimming pool.
In addition to the gym four times a week, supervised outings include boating in Newport Beach, movies, and casual social games such as miniature golf.
No smoking or use of personal electronic devices or phones is allowed, although wifi and television are available in each facility. Family visitation is arranged through individual case managers. Cornerstone also has a no-sugar and no-caffeine policy at its most intensive levels of treatment.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Four former clients responded to a Best-rehabs.com survey and one additional alum submitted a written review. Most opinions shared were positive, although one individual did not recommend the facility. They described the staff as disrespectful and the organization as inappropriately financially motivated.
The four polled awarded an average rating of 4.75 stars for the effectiveness of treatment and the facility’s cleanliness and upkeep, and a perfect five-star rating for meals and nutrition. The level of staff training and experience fared a little less favorably, with a still high average rating of 4.25.
One alum, Tim, praised the program’s continuum of treatment and caring interaction with clients. Another, A.M.S., appreciated that many of the counselors had personal experience in recovery, and P.R.P. expressed gratitude for the tools they received. While one anonymous reviewer reported that they did not maintain sobriety after a too-short stay at Cornerstone, they did feel that the program contributed to “a progressive change.”
Google reviewers offered more mixed perspectives with an average rating of 3.4 out of five stars from 35 individuals. Repeated complaints included the program’s strictness and over-reliance on medication, financial dealings, and insufficient support for dually diagnosed addiction and mental health disorders. Praise centered on caring staff, effective treatment, and the usefulness of educational sessions.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The one loved one polled by Best-rehabs.com also had mostly good things to share regarding the facility, reflected in four-star ratings for treatment effectiveness, opportunities for family participation, the admissions and discharge process, staff experience, and the facility’s cleanliness.
About half a dozen Google reviews were submitted by friends and family members, with only one highly critical opinion. The negative review concurred with alumni reports of too much emphasis on medication and the expensive fees. In contrast, other family members highly recommend Cornerstone. Lynda praised the program’s strictness, cost, and effectiveness. Three reviewers highlighted the quality of family treatment.
WHAT STAFF SAY
T.S., the one staff member polled by Best-rehabs.com, offered their wholehearted recommendation of Cornerstone. They highlighted the center’s “caring and patient staff” and its 30-year history of treating substance abuse.
FINANCING
On average, treatment costs $1,200 a month, or $40 a day, according to information provided by the facility to Best-rehabs.com. Cornerstone is in-network for more than 20 insurance plans listed on the website.