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Evolve Adolescent Behavioral Health: Mount Helix

10525 Fuerte Dr La Mesa, CA 91941
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About Evolve Adolescent Behavioral Health: Mount Helix

Evidence-Based, Individualized Care

Our treatment model is rooted in proven, evidence-based approaches, with a strong emphasis on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). All of our programs provide adherent DBT skills training to help teens build practical tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. We also integrate modalities like Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, Relapse Prevention, Behavioral Activation, and SMART Recovery when appropriate. Every teen receives a customized treatment plan developed by our multidisciplinary team.

Residential, PHP, and IOP Programs

Evolve offers a full continuum of care, including residential treatment centers across California, as well as partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and virtual outpatient therapy and psychiatry. Our residential programs combine individual, family, and group therapy with psychiatry and a wide range of experiential therapies such as equine-assisted therapy, art, surf, music, drama, yoga, and fitness. Teens also receive daily academic support to help them stay on track with school.

Safe, Supportive Environment

With one of the highest client-to-staff ratios in the nation (3:1), we ensure 24/7 safety and individualized attention. Our homes provide a warm, comfortable setting while maintaining strict safety protocols, including line-of-sight supervision and 1:1 support when needed.

Family-Centered Approach

We work closely with families throughout treatment and beyond. Out-of-state families can join sessions virtually through HIPAA-compliant platforms. At discharge, we provide detailed aftercare planning, including family support, home contracts, and local provider referrals to ensure a smooth transition.

Accredited and Licensed Programs

Evolve is fully licensed and accredited by the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD), CARF, and the Joint Commission. Our programs meet the highest standards in clinical excellence and compliance, giving families peace of mind that their teen is receiving safe, effective treatment.

Admissions and Insurance

Our Admissions Director, a licensed clinician, provides free assessments to help determine the best level of care for your teen. We accept most private insurance and can assist families with maximizing their benefits or securing single case agreements when needed.

Facility Overview

Bed icon 6
Number of Available Beds
Calendar icon 31 - 60
Avg Length of Stay in Days

Similar Rehab Centers

Latest Reviews

Chris Stewart
1 month ago on Google
4
Very professional. Great location, very organized, therapist Kristin and psychiatrist Dr. Chou were great. Chef Fred was amazing, but they need to do a better job feeding the kids when Fred isn’t there, especially given what these places charge. It should be 1st class across the board. Not to spoil the kids, but it’s a stressful time for them in recovery, and their food options should be vast on the weekends. They worked with me to have flexible visitation because I was coming from out of state.
Response from the owner7 hours ago
Chris, thank you for sharing your feedback and for recognizing the efforts of our team, including Kristin, Dr. Chou, and Chef Fred. We’re glad to hear that your experience with our staff and visitation process was a positive one. We also appreciate your comments regarding meals and will share this with our team as we continue working to improve every aspect of our program in Mount Helix.
Jennifer Starkenburg
1 month ago on Google
5
Our 16-year-old son attended Evolve Adolescent Behavioral Health at their Mount Helix location in La Mesa for approximately eight weeks to address substance use and other mental health challenges. From the very beginning, the communication from Evolve was outstanding. The entire team was consistently kind, compassionate, and truly seemed to have not just my son’s best interests in mind, but our whole family’s as well. Our family therapist, Emily Bell, was wonderful — supportive, insightful, and a real asset to the team. My son’s primary therapist, Mariah, was also fantastic and really connected with him. Both therapists were instrumental in helping our son make meaningful progress. Evolve offers a very structured program based on evidence-based practices, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The program blends group therapy, individual therapy, and experiential activities such as surfing and equine therapy, which really helped keep the teens engaged. They also take the kids on outings into the community to practice the skills they are learning in real-world settings, which I thought was an incredible aspect of the program. While my son was initially very resistant to attending, he quickly found that he enjoyed the program and learned valuable skills he continues to use at home. The daily structure, along with the point system they use to encourage participation and good decision-making, really helped motivate him to stay engaged. One thing that stood out to me was how much Evolve involved us as parents throughout the process. Through weekly family therapy and regular updates, I always knew what my son was working on and felt like a true partner in his treatment journey. The only minor downside was some noticeable staff turnover during his stay, including a new educational consultant and changes in the nursing team. However, I can understand that working in this environment is extremely demanding, and it did not significantly impact the quality of care our son received. Overall, our experience with Evolve Mount Helix was extremely positive and truly life-changing for our son. I would highly recommend Evolve to any family seeking thoughtful, compassionate, and effective mental health treatment for their teenager.
Response from the owner7 hours ago
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review of your family’s experience in Mount Helix, Jennifer. We’re glad to know that the the dedication of our team — including Emily, Mariah, and others — made a meaningful difference for your son and for your family. Your perspective on both the therapeutic work and the family involvement is truly appreciated, and we’re grateful for the trust you placed in us throughout this journey. We encourage you to share any additional feedback with us at (619) 332-3500.
laurie iellamo
9 months ago on Google
4
My son recently spent 6 weeks at Evolve ,Mt. Helix. He received incredible care there. Alex, the nurse went above and beyond. She went out of her way to form a bond with my son! She kept in close contact with me when my son had to go the ER when he became ill . Taylor also took great care of my son as well. They both made my son feel safe and well taken care of! Kristin (his primary therapist) did an great job with both individual therapy and family therapy. My only real issue with the program was the food served at the facility. He was served high calorie /high fat takeout for a good portion of his stay as the chef was out. When I asked about it ,I was told by the clinical director that they were not required to follow any nutritional guidelines! I feel that part of the journey of getting well is nutrition. There should have been better arrangements when Fred (the chef ) had to be out. As a whole I feel the program was a great fit for my son as they use DBT along with other treatments modalities.
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Rehab Score

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7.2 / 10

Accepted Insurance

Evolve Adolescent Behavioral Health: Mount Helix works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Other Forms of Payment

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

24-hour icon24-Hour Clinical Care

During the first phase of recovery – detox – it is crucial to have 24-hour clinical care in California. This care provides constant monitoring in order to ensure your safely and comfort as you progress through the withdrawal process for drug or alcohol addiction. Licensed professionals prescribe medications to treat withdrawal symptoms and provide frequent monitoring to ensure your safely as addictive toxins leave your system.

medically-assisted-detox iconMedically Assisted Detox

When addicted, quitting your drug of choice suddenly can be dangerous. That's why experts agree a medically assisted detox is the safest way to remove addictive substances from the body. Usually done in an inpatient setting, your vitals signs and overall well being are consistently monitored and rechecked in order to keep you safe and ensure the detox is successful.

inpatient iconInpatient

Inpatient rehab provides intensive treatment for clients exiting detox, those in early recovery, and those at an elevated risk of relapse. Unlike outpatient drug rehab, clients receiving inpatient care reside at the facility for the duration of the program. The length of stay may range from two weeks to 18 months or more, depending on the client's needs and the program's design. Inpatient treatment typically involves extensive addiction education and recovery-focused life skills training.

aftercare iconAftercare Support

Rehab aftercare programs offer clients in addiction recovery a robust continuum of care after clients have completed active treatment. These services address recovery as a life-long process and are designed to evolve with clients' changing needs. Clients may partner with their case managers and/or addiction recovery team to identify the rehab aftercare services that are right for them. They may receive career counseling, housing assistance, peer coaching, 12 step program induction, among many other services.

Treatments

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is defined by alcohol dependence. This is a state the body reaches when it experiences withdrawal symptoms in the absence of alcohol. A person who has AUD craves alcohol and continues to drink despite adverse consequences. Because withdrawing from alcohol can pose health risks, individuals with AUD should seek professional alcohol rehab in California to overcome their alcohol addiction. This process typically involves medical detox, rehabilitation, and maintenance.

Drug rehab in California teaches participants constructive ways to stay clean and sober. Treatment revolves around helping individuals stop using the substance they are addicted to and learn healthy habits to avoid relapse.

mental-health iconMental Health And Substance Abuse
opium iconOpioid Addiction

In California, substance abuse treatment programs can help individuals with any type of substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions. These rehab programs typically encompass various levels of care, including medically assisted detox, intensive outpatient, outpatient, residential rehab, and partial hospitalization. You can expect clinicians to utilize evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and mindfulness to help you achieve and sustain your recovery. The rehab's clinical team can provide a comprehensive assessment to determine the appropriate level of care and medical support you may need.

In California, dual-diagnosis addiction treatment programs offer comprehensive care for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Programs include medically assisted detox, intensive outpatient, outpatient, residential rehab, and partial hospitalization. Using an evidence-based approach, clinicians utilize therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, or dialectical behavioral therapy and mindfulness to address substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges. Additional services include 12-Step recovery, group therapy, family counseling, and relapse prevention to promote sustained recovery.

Inpatient treatment for drug and alcohol addiction with a focus on mental health is a good fit for people who need closer monitoring and care. Treatment may occur in a hospital setting, a clinic, or a luxury rehab center. Mental health counselors and staff are available 24/7. Therapies typically include group and individual counseling, relapse prevention education, and emotional coping skills training.

Programs

teen-program thumbnail image

Teen Program

Teen programs are designed to address the unique pressures teens face, pressures that can drive them to experiment with dangerous, addictive substances. They need programs that meet them exactly where they are and give them tools for long-term recovery. Therapy can help teenagers understand and work through underlying issues so they can reclaim the life ahead of them.

Clinical Services

Cognitive behavioral therapy in California is a method that therapists often use for the effective treatment of substance use disorders. It is based on the principle that substance abuse stems from unhelpful ways of thinking and patterns of behavior, which can be changed by helping the individual learn better ways of coping.

The goal of creative arts therapy in California is to encourage growth and transformation. It can be used in individual and group settings with both children and adults. Options include movement, music, and painting.

While participating in dialectical behavior therapy in California, you'll focus on four key areas of skill development: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. Treatment includes weekly individual and group sessions.

equine-therapy iconEquine Therapy

The use of experiential therapy can be helpful for the treatment of behavioral disorders, including drug and alcohol addiction. This method teaches you how to release negative emotions and cope with pain from the past. Activities such as art, music, and animal care are used to facilitate this process.

During group therapy, men and women learn to express their emotions openly in a non judgmental setting. This helps you process your feelings and reduces feelings of social isolation that are often associated with addiction.

Individual therapy for drug addiction includes a customized treatment plan that considers your history and life circumstances. During your therapy sessions, the therapist helps you uncover underlying issues and triggers for addictive behavior that support a holistic approach to recovery.

While in rehab treatment, you may work on developing various life skills to help you in long term recovery. These may include resilience, interpersonal skills, and self awareness. The focus will be on developing healthy habits for self care and relationships so you have the skills you need to manage day to day life.

For clients who are struggling with ambivalence toward change, motivational interviewing in California can help strengthen their commitment to change. Using a conversational method, the therapist helps you explore your motivations and empowers you to make the changes you desire.

Trauma therapy is a structured approach used by therapists to help you heal from a past traumatic event. Your therapist works with you to identify the traumatic memory and process the information so you experience emotional healing and a sense of safety and stability.

Amenities

  • art iconArt Activities
  • building1 iconDay School
  • private iconPrivate Setting
  • recreation iconRecreation Room
  • home-setting iconResidential Setting
  • pool iconSwimming Pool

Accreditations

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a non-profit organization that specifically accredits rehab organizations. Founded in 1966, CARF's, mission is to help service providers like rehab facilities maintain high standards of care.

CARF Accreditation: Yes

The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.

Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes

LegitScript has reviewed Evolve Adolescent Behavioral Health: Mount Helix as part of their certification program, and has determined that it meets the LegitScript standards for legality, safety and transparency.

LegitScript verified in

State Licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow rehab organizations to conduct business legally within a certain geographical area. Typically, the kind of program a rehab facility offers, along with its physical location, determines which licenses are required to operate legally.

State License: California

Contact Information

Building icon

10525 Fuerte Dr
La Mesa, CA 91941

Reviews of Evolve Adolescent Behavioral Health: Mount Helix

4.3/5 (13 reviews)
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Reviews

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Google Reviews

4.3 (13 reviews)
Chris Stewart
1 month ago
4

Very professional. Great location, very organized, therapist Kristin and psychiatrist Dr. Chou were great. Chef Fred was amazing, but they need to do a better job feeding the kids when Fred isn’t there, especially given what these places charge. It should be 1st class across the board. Not to spoil the kids, but it’s a stressful time for them in recovery, and their food options should be vast on the weekends. They worked with me to have flexible visitation because I was coming from out of state.

Response from the owner
Chris, thank you for sharing your feedback and for recognizing the efforts of our team, including Kristin, Dr. Chou, and Chef Fred. We’re glad to hear that your experience with our staff and visitation process was a positive one. We also appreciate your comments regarding meals and will share this with our team as we continue working to improve every aspect of our program in Mount Helix.
Jennifer Starkenburg
1 month ago
5

Our 16-year-old son attended Evolve Adolescent Behavioral Health at their Mount Helix location in La Mesa for approximately eight weeks to address substance use and other mental health challenges. From the very beginning, the communication from Evolve was outstanding. The entire team was consistently kind, compassionate, and truly seemed to have not just my son’s best interests in mind, but our whole family’s as well. Our family therapist, Emily Bell, was wonderful — supportive, insightful, and a real asset to the team. My son’s primary therapist, Mariah, was also fantastic and really connected with him. Both therapists were instrumental in helping our son make meaningful progress. Evolve offers a very structured program based on evidence-based practices, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The program blends group therapy, individual therapy, and experiential activities such as surfing and equine therapy, which really helped keep the teens engaged. They also take the kids on outings into the community to practice the skills they are learning in real-world settings, which I thought was an incredible aspect of the program. While my son was initially very resistant to attending, he quickly found that he enjoyed the program and learned valuable skills he continues to use at home. The daily structure, along with the point system they use to encourage participation and good decision-making, really helped motivate him to stay engaged. One thing that stood out to me was how much Evolve involved us as parents throughout the process. Through weekly family therapy and regular updates, I always knew what my son was working on and felt like a true partner in his treatment journey. The only minor downside was some noticeable staff turnover during his stay, including a new educational consultant and changes in the nursing team. However, I can understand that working in this environment is extremely demanding, and it did not significantly impact the quality of care our son received. Overall, our experience with Evolve Mount Helix was extremely positive and truly life-changing for our son. I would highly recommend Evolve to any family seeking thoughtful, compassionate, and effective mental health treatment for their teenager.

Response from the owner
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review of your family’s experience in Mount Helix, Jennifer. We’re glad to know that the the dedication of our team — including Emily, Mariah, and others — made a meaningful difference for your son and for your family. Your perspective on both the therapeutic work and the family involvement is truly appreciated, and we’re grateful for the trust you placed in us throughout this journey. We encourage you to share any additional feedback with us at (619) 332-3500.
laurie iellamo
9 months ago
4

My son recently spent 6 weeks at Evolve ,Mt. Helix. He received incredible care there. Alex, the nurse went above and beyond. She went out of her way to form a bond with my son! She kept in close contact with me when my son had to go the ER when he became ill . Taylor also took great care of my son as well. They both made my son feel safe and well taken care of! Kristin (his primary therapist) did an great job with both individual therapy and family therapy. My only real issue with the program was the food served at the facility. He was served high calorie /high fat takeout for a good portion of his stay as the chef was out. When I asked about it ,I was told by the clinical director that they were not required to follow any nutritional guidelines! I feel that part of the journey of getting well is nutrition. There should have been better arrangements when Fred (the chef ) had to be out. As a whole I feel the program was a great fit for my son as they use DBT along with other treatments modalities.

Maggie Sacha
9 months ago
2

I was placed at Evolve Mt. Helix, and at first it was really good the staff was very friendly to me and it seemed like a nice experience. Then I was quick to find that it wasn't as great as it seemed. The staff members would pick and choose favorites. I was touched inappropriately by one of the other clients and I was told "nothing could be done about it". There is a level system that was completely unfair and based on favorites. My therapist was unprofessional. And The clinical director had absolutely no idea what she was doing. Although this is all true there were very few staff members that actually helped me through my panic attacks and we're wonderful! Like the nurse Alexandra I will always be thankful for her help during this upsetting time. Overall, I would not recommend this experience 👎🏼

Response from the owner
Thank you for taking the time to share. We take all feedback seriously and are committed to providing ethical and transparent care. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact us directly to address them further.
Adrienna Marquez
10 months ago
5

My 14 year old daughter is currently enrolled in the Mt Helix Residency program. I have to say staff has made this a very positive and pleasant experience. Staff is genuine and I want to thank Alexandra, Sasha and Margaret for being so helpful and ensuring my daughter feels comfortable and safe. The team works closely together and has great communication amongst staff. I would definitely recommend this facility to any parent that requires assistance with their childrens mental health and/or substance abuse.

Carmen Wormington
10 months ago
5

My daughter has been staying at Evolve for a couple months now and we are truly grateful for the excellent care she has received. We are relieved to know that she is safe and learning so many fantastic coping skills. Her nurse, Alexandra, has gone above and beyond to advocate for her and take incredible care of my daughter. She is so kind in her approach and so thorough in all that she does. She makes my daughter feel at ease and comforts her when needed. We couldn't ask for a better nurse!! My daughter loves all the staff at Evolve and says they all make her feel comfortable and supported. We can't recommend this place enough.

KForeman11
10 months ago
5

I have worked with treatment centers and professionals all over the country. The communication and patient centered care are fantastic. Specifically, Alexandra provided a level of care and attention that is seldom seen. I am grateful for the opportunity to work together.

John Badger
11 months ago
5

A family member of mine was sent here and stated the intake staff made you feel understood, at ease , listened to, and genuinely cared about recovery and anxiety. They learned many skills and watching them utilize these skills with parents focusing on DBT. They have a chef that accommodated to his diet and a nurse that was so on top of everything .

Claire Hyde
1 year ago
5

I brought my child to Evolve after having experienced more than four other residential, PHP, and IOP programs over a span of ten months. Once I toured the Mt. Helix home, I knew I had found a program that would help my family in the way we needed. My child was seen, respected, valued, and treated as the individual they are and a treatment plan was designed based on their needs as they grew in their recovery. My child greatly benefitted from involvement with the chef in preparing and planning meals, participating in surf and equine therapies, outings in the community focused on helping them regulate when frustrated or faced with change and the need for adaptability, and other therapeutic experiences. The highly-skilled nursing and therapy staff saw my child's strengths and areas for growth immediately, and they worked with medical staff to stabilize and support them with professional, open, and direct communication with me as often as I needed it; sometimes twice daily. This home has a strict routine with norms and expectations in place that are unwavering in keeping clients safe while teaching them to participate in life at a normative, healthy level. In other words, clients do not manipulate staff and there are no favorites. For five weeks now, I have seen my child thrive in recovery, and I highly recommend Mt. Helix Evolve to any family who seeks support and help in residential care.

Marlena Sanfilippo
1 year ago
5

Evolve helped my son in so many ways. I am truly thankful for their help guiding my son thru a tough time and giving him a voice to overcome his self doubt. I don’t know where we would be without Evolve!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️

Megan Bean
1 year ago
5

Ladarius Sanders
2 years ago
1

DO NOT send your kids here, they will come back worse. This place needs to be shut down.

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