1 / 3At a Glance
Location
1365 North Johnson Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone
619-440-4801 x1202Website
http://www.mcalisterinc.orgPrimary Focus
Treatment Settings
Treatment Approaches
Special Programs
About McAlister Institute for Trt and Educ (MITE)/East County Regional Center
McAlister Institute for Treatment and Education's East County Regional Center provides outpatient addiction treatment and mental health services in El Cajon, serving San Diego County since 1977. The recovery center offers high-quality, low-cost substance abuse treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy, telehealth options, and comprehensive aftercare support including sober living connections.
McAlister Institute for Treatment and Education (MITE) East County Regional Center has served San Diego County's recovery community from El Cajon since 1977. This outpatient clinic operates as a dual-diagnosis treatment facility, addressing both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions for individuals and families throughout the region.
The recovery center specializes in outpatient programs designed for ongoing recovery support rather than acute detox needs. Their addiction treatment approach incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy as a core therapeutic method, while also offering telehealth services to expand access across San Diego County. The facility maintains strong connections to aftercare resources, including sober living arrangements and continued recovery support services.
MITE's treatment philosophy centers on providing accessible, high-quality care at low cost to remove financial barriers that often prevent people from accessing addiction treatment. The center's cognitive behavioral therapy framework helps clients develop practical skills for maintaining long-term sobriety while addressing underlying mental health concerns that frequently accompany substance abuse.
The recovery center serves adolescents, teens, adults, and families, making it particularly valuable for family-centered recovery approaches. Operating Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, MITE East County Regional Center positions itself as a community-oriented treatment partner for individuals seeking ongoing outpatient support rather than residential treatment or medical detox services.
Outpatient Programs and Recovery Services
McAlister Institute's East County Regional Center focuses on outpatient addiction treatment programs that support ongoing recovery rather than acute withdrawal management. The facility provides structured outpatient services for individuals with substance use disorders, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy as their primary therapeutic approach. Their programming accommodates various life circumstances through flexible scheduling and telehealth options.
The recovery center's dual-diagnosis capabilities address co-occurring mental health disorders alongside substance abuse treatment, recognizing that lasting recovery often requires comprehensive care. Clients benefit from aftercare planning that includes connections to sober living facilities and ongoing recovery support services throughout San Diego County's treatment network.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach
MITE East County Regional Center employs cognitive behavioral therapy as their core treatment methodology, helping clients identify and modify thought patterns that contribute to addictive behaviors. This clinical approach provides practical tools for managing triggers, developing healthy coping strategies, and maintaining long-term sobriety within the recovery community.
The center's CBT programming adapts to serve different age groups, from adolescents to adults, ensuring that therapeutic interventions match developmental needs and life circumstances. Family involvement in the treatment process strengthens the overall recovery framework and builds supportive relationships essential for sustained recovery.
Community-Centered Recovery in San Diego County
Since 1977, McAlister Institute has maintained deep connections within San Diego County's recovery community, particularly serving the El Cajon area and surrounding regions. Their commitment to high-quality, low-cost services removes financial obstacles that often prevent individuals from accessing addiction treatment and continuing their recovery journey.
The facility's Monday through Friday operating schedule supports working individuals and families who need addiction treatment that accommodates employment and educational commitments. Telehealth services extend their reach across San Diego County, ensuring that geographic barriers don't prevent access to recovery support and outpatient programs.
Why Choose McAlister Institute for Trt and Educ (MITE)/East County Regional Center
- Nearly five decades of community service since 1977, establishing deep roots in San Diego County recovery
- High-quality, low-cost addiction treatment designed to eliminate financial barriers
- Dual-diagnosis outpatient program treating both substance use and mental health disorders
- Family-inclusive treatment serving adolescents, teens, adults, and family units together
- Telehealth capabilities expanding access across San Diego County's recovery community
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of outpatient addiction treatment does McAlister Institute East County provide?
McAlister Institute East County Regional Center offers outpatient programs for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Their services utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and include telehealth options for flexible access to treatment.
Does the recovery center offer aftercare support and sober living connections?
Yes, MITE East County provides comprehensive aftercare support including connections to sober living facilities. Their aftercare planning helps clients maintain recovery progress and stay connected to the broader recovery community in San Diego County.
Can families participate in addiction treatment at McAlister Institute?
The facility serves families as well as individual adolescents, teens, and adults. Family involvement strengthens the recovery process and helps build supportive relationships essential for long-term success.
What are the costs for outpatient treatment at MITE East County?
McAlister Institute emphasizes providing high-quality, low-cost services to remove financial barriers to addiction treatment. Specific pricing information can be obtained by contacting the center directly at (619) 588-5361.
Is telehealth available for outpatient addiction treatment?
Yes, the recovery center offers telehealth services to expand access across San Diego County. This option provides flexibility for clients who may have transportation challenges or other barriers to in-person attendance.
What are the operating hours for addiction treatment services?
McAlister Institute East County Regional Center operates Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. The facility is closed on weekends, with services designed to accommodate working individuals and families.
How long has McAlister Institute been serving the recovery community?
McAlister Institute has been providing addiction treatment services since 1977, establishing nearly five decades of community service in San Diego County. This long-standing presence demonstrates their commitment to the local recovery community.
Does the center treat co-occurring mental health disorders?
Yes, MITE East County Regional Center provides dual-diagnosis treatment, addressing both substance use disorders and mental health conditions. This comprehensive approach recognizes the interconnected nature of addiction and mental health challenges.
Nearby Treatment Centers

McAlister Institute for Trt and Educ (MITE)/East County Adolescent Detox
El Cajon, CA
- Detox
- Residential
Substance use treatment · Accepts clients on opioid medication but prescribed elsewhere · Cognitive behavioral therapy
Accepts: Cash or self-payment, Medicaid, Medicare
McAlister Institute for Trt and Educ (MITE)/East Region Teen Recovery Ctr
El Cajon, CA
- IOP
Substance use treatment · Accepts clients on opioid medication but prescribed elsewhere · Dialectical behavior therapy
Accepts: Cash or self-payment, Medicare, Sliding fee scale

El Cajon Comprehensive Trt Center
El Cajon, CA
- Detox
- Outpatient
- MAT
Substance use treatment · All Clients in Opioid Treatment Program · SAMHSA-certified Opioid Treatment Program
Accepts: Cash or self-payment, Medicaid, Medicare
Mental Health Systems Inc Action East
Santee, CA
- IOP
- MAT
Substance use treatment · Accepts clients on opioid medication but prescribed elsewhere · Cognitive behavioral therapy
Accepts: Cash or self-payment, Medicaid, Private health insurance
Paradise Detox
La Mesa, CA
- Detox
- Residential
- MAT
Substance use treatment · Cognitive behavioral therapy · Dialectical behavior therapy
Accepts: Cash or self-payment, Private health insurance, Active duty military

Apex Recovery LLC
La Mesa, CA
- Detox
- Residential
- PHP
- Outpatient
Substance use treatment · Accepts clients on opioid medication but prescribed elsewhere · Cognitive behavioral therapy
Accepts: Cash or self-payment, Private health insurance
