Stepping Stone is a non-profit alcohol and drug recovery organization that is dedicated to serving the LGBT community. Our primary goal is to promote recovery from addiction and co-occurring conditions in a safe and healing environment that emphasizes inclusion and acceptance. To achieve this, we utilize evidence-based treatments such as 12-step programs, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Seeking Safety Curriculum (trauma-informed), and Discovering Sexual Health in Recovery.
ABOUT STEPPING STONE OF SAN DIEGO
Stepping Stone of San Diego was founded in 1976 as a nonprofit organization with the primary purpose of serving the LGBT community. We also provide services to non-LGBT clients. Located in the City Heights neighborhood of northeast San Diego, our facility offers long-term residential treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, as well as sober-living facilities. Please note that medical detox is not available on-site. It is worth mentioning that only 25% of facilities in California offer similar LGBT-centric treatment.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
At Stepping Stone, we believe in personalized treatment for each individual patient. Our clients are assigned a counselor who provides case management and substance use counseling on a personal basis. The residential program has a duration of six months and includes 12 weeks of aftercare to support long-term recovery.
Our clients also participate in daily group therapy sessions that specifically address the unique needs of the LGBT population. We utilize evidence-based treatments such as the Seeking Safety curriculum to address trauma and the Discovering Sexual Health in Recovery program to integrate relapse prevention into all aspects of treatment. This helps our clients recognize and address the precursors to relapse.
The treatment at Stepping Stone is divided into four phases: Orientation, Stabilization, Supportive Recovery, and Extended Recovery. In addition to these, we offer a weekly family program that provides education, referrals, and optional individual family therapy sessions. We also have two local sober living facilities and can provide referrals to additional local resources.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Our staff at Stepping Stone includes master’s and Ph.D.-level clinicians, an HIV therapist, and Alcohol and Other Drug certified counselors. The professionalism and expertise of our staff have been positively recognized by individuals polled on the matter.
Staff’s level of experience and training: 4.3/5
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Stepping Stone is a 30-bed facility where residents prepare breakfast and lunch, while dinner is served by the kitchen staff. Clients are responsible for completing daily chores. Individuals polled on the matter have expressed that the facility is clean and well-maintained.
Overall cleanliness and upkeep: 4.25/8
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
According to feedback from alumni, Stepping Stone has been highly regarded. Alumni have rated the facility highly in terms of staff support, facility cleanliness, and the respect shown to clients. There were a few minor criticisms regarding the quality of group counseling and the holistic offerings of the facility.
Respect shown to clients: 4.5/5
Availability of staff support: 4.25/5
Holistic offerings: 1.75/5
Alum Ronn wrote, “I really learned a lot about myself,” while J.M. stated, “They still care and they still check on me after 3 years.” However, alum Stacey expressed dissatisfaction with the aftercare provisions, citing an inability to continue seeing her therapist after treatment.
Reviews left on secondary review sites were also unanimously positive. On Facebook (which the facility has the ability to manage), 29 reviewers gave the facility perfect five-star ratings. On Google reviews, 11 reviewers have given the facility an average rating of 4.9 stars. On YellowPages.com, the facility has received two reviews, both awarding the facility with perfect five out of five-star ratings. Reviewers frequently praised the staff and treatment approach of the facility.
Alum Wayne posted on Facebook, “I owe my amazing and blessed life to the Stone. It is an amazing recovery program cutting edge, it offers amazing foundation of recovery for those who are fortunate enough to seek it.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Feedback from loved ones has also been positive. Family members have given the facility four or five stars for its family program and counseling options. One reviewer mentioned the need for more staff to effectively work with clients, but still recommended the facility to others.
FINANCING
Clients at Stepping Stone are charged on a sliding scale, and both private payment and insurance are accepted. For more details on insurance coverage, please refer to our website.