My family member liked this facility and the staff there were welcoming. They enjoyed the other clients and found the therapy to be helpful.

This treatment center changed my life. From my first intake, I felt cared for and supported, even as I was talking about difficult topics. My case manager was incredibly thorough, intelligent, and helpful. While everyone will have different facilitation/facilitator preferences, there are a lot of wonderful and compassionate people working here. Everyone I worked with did nothing but offer support, acceptance, and kindness to the group. I learned so much through this program and it really gave me the tools I needed to uncover hidden and deep rooted trauma, address it, and begin to move on, as well as tools to practice self care and efforts towards continuous recovery in my daily life. One thing I love about AO is it offers you a care team that is in communication with one another about your wellbeing and are making sure you are getting the appropriate level of care based on your needs. My psychiatrist, therapist, and case manager were all in contact about what was going on in my treatment and in my life. It was during this time I was able to really focus on medication management and find something that worked for me. Finding the right medication is a difficult and can be a tumultuous process, but having the support of all the staff at AO really made a difference. I felt seen, understood, and respected by everyone. The groups have a wide variety of topics and while there were few activities or facilitators I didn't love, I felt like I always walked away learning something new with a new tool for my tool kit. On the whole, the people I've met through this group tend to be warm and welcoming; it was nice to connect with people who related to your struggles. AO evens offers aftercare; for up until a year after your time in treatment, you can attend one group a week. This has been crucial for me in my ongoing recovery and has allowed me to actively make time for self care beyond program and not defer back to old habits. Since my time at AO I feel as if I'm on a path of continuous growth; that's not something AO can give to you directly, but AO gave me the tools to make this life a reality. I don't think this review can do my experience justice. Taking time for treatment was an extremely hard decision for me, but it didn't just change my life, it saved my life. It's a hard leap, but I cannot recommend this facility enough. It was by no means easy, but it was most definitely worth it. read more

I came into their PHP program at the lowest point in my life. I had never done this type of therapy before and was very anxious about starting. But from the moment I first walked in I felt the warmth and support I had been needing. My first interaction was with my case manager Krystal and I could not have asked for anyone better. She really listened and became a valuable lifeline during my time there. Jacqueline was my individual therapist and I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to work with her. It was so easy to open up to her because of her care and compassion. The group sessions were run in a way that always made me feel like I was being seen and heard. They also consisted of some amazing people who were so supportive and grounding at the beginning a series of particular events in my life that were overwhelming, unexpected, and felt hopeless. Although life circumstances cut my time there a little bit short, they were there when I needed them; at my worst when I thought things would never get better. Therapy is a process and I am truly and always will be grateful to everyone at Alternative Options for being a rock for me in my mental health journey. I truly, highly recommend them for anyone, especially those that feel like they're losing hope. These are your people, and anyone reading this that is considering going here, you will leave stronger than you were before you walked through their door. Much love and gratitude read more

Amazing care. I'm attending and I am impressed with the counselors,therapist and group members. Un fortunately my medical insurance feels I need less of this treatment after 10 days. read more

I started IOP in October 2023..... I was in the midst of a dangerous Bi-polar mania episode and needed help. It was hard..... but the best thing I have ever done! I was assessed 10/19 and enrolled within 24 hours...they worked With my insurance which is a lot to deal with when experiencing mental health issues. I met with my counselor weekly to discuss my progress and when I wasn't ready to graduate they fought my insurance for me I did groups 3x a week, met with a private therapist and psychiatrist and was able to get on the right mind trajectory with the correct medication combination I am not hyperbolizing when I say it saved my life! I enrolled my 14 year old daughter as well (she was in 8th grade and dealing with horrendous bullying she has ADHD and would use revenge as a tactic to gain control) she now uses the tools she learned here and is confident, self aware and processes her emotions before reacting We both still do therapy here as outpatient Thank you Alternative Options read more

Definitely to avoid. I got in contact with them for emotional distress and personal issues with an employee. A business that's supposed to offer emotional support is doing the exact opposite. They do not provide any empathy. They are lying about their staff's employment status just to avoid any responsibility regarding their legal matters. Such an unlawful business.. Their patient care is awful as well, I have personal experience of them disclosing private matters and mocking patients. Customer care is awful. Patient care is awful. read more

The therapist that met with me was an Australian woman named Amy. She was incredibly rude and extremely cold. We talked about very sensitive issues. She showed no inclining of empathy or kindness. She refused to give me the program director's name and denied any communication with her. I would never recommend this place to anyone. I left feeling exploited and embarrassed. This staff member Amy is clearly in the wrong profession. She should be delt with immediately. read more

Daughter was referred here by Kaiser. From day one they have not been welcoming. She was suicidal and after intake decided she needed to attend eating disorder group. On the 1st week my daughter walks in on 2 grown women, eating disorder counselors btw, making jokes about my daughter! Names are Terri and Nikki. After that, her case manager, Monica came up with any excuse to kick her out program. Today, 30 minutes before sessions start, Monica calls my daughter to tell her she is being sent back to Kaiser. Of course my daughter was upset and asking to talk to Monica. Monica response, if you come here, I am calling police. You are not welcome here. So if you are looking for a facility to help you, be understanding and provide therapy, do not go here! read more

Best Mental Health and Drug Rehab in Southern California. They have Mental Health classes specifically designed to help people manage depression and anxiety. read more

Alternative Options Counseling Center - Recovery Alcoholic! - Counseling & Mental Health Near Me - Artesia, California

I don't really understand all the hate coming from the reviews so far I'm having a pleasant time at this place being sixteen getting therapy, my case manager Sandra is really great and so is my therapist Lindsay, she's willing to adapt to my likings for therapy as every therapist should. A few good people here are Tony, Jazmin, Alina, Amanda, Carli, and Riley. They are all great people that make this place enjoyable. They are helping me as I expected them to! read more

Mind you, I can barely give them 3 stars. I did great work with their EMDR therapist Rupa. She's great. My case manager(Linda) was supportive and did what she could for me, but I'm pretty sure the management just doesn't really care about people very much. Oh and not to mention that they didn't request authorization from my insurance company for my treatment at the beginning of the year, resulting in early termination of my treatment. They could have and CAN still do this but still have not done it! The only therapist that was great all the way through was Gabby. My therapist, Stephanie, was fine in my individual sessions and pretty good in group sessions, but in the end she really didn't have my back, and that's really sad. Honestly, don't go here. Do yourself a favor and find yourself an "alternative option". read more

They do their best to accommodate you and there are a variety of group classes. The lady Joanne from Placentia branch kicks you out if you don't have your camera on or have technical difficulties. read more

Do not come to this place !!! They dont help you, but make it worst!!!!! Safe your money and find somewhere else safe. I dont pay attention before about their bad review here but now i know why they get bad review! It's true!! read more

I'm really glad to see this place is getting the bad reviews it deserves. It's unfortunate they are treating kids and vulnerable people who don't know any better. While I was in alternative options, I actually quite liked it. I liked my therapist, my psychiatrist, and my case manager. However as time has gone on and I've learned more about recovery and mental health, I now know that they set me up for failure and made some really crucial oversights and mistakes. The psychiatrist did not make an independent diagnosis based on my symptoms, but instead went with old diagnoses. In the recovery community, it is very common to diagnose people with bipolar disorder. I faced this problem and now know I am not bipolar, but only have clinical depression, and therefore messed with my body and brain for years with strong mood stabilizers that I did not need. Newsflash, every recovering addict is moody when detoxing. Even the high-powered and dangerous anti-depressant they gave me still has consequences to my body 5 years later, but I trusted them and was told I'd just have to get through these side effects, when I should be been taken off of it. Very lazy and unethical. Despite having a history of trauma, I was never offered EMDR. My therapist never addressed my trauma. Addressing trauma is crucial for addicts - many use to cope with the pain. I can't help but wonder if my mother paying my co-pays had to do with that. She might have stopped if she found out they were addressing my childhood abuse. I loved my therapist, I thought she was so cool with her nose ring and tattoos. However, I can't think of a single thing she taught me that has stuck with me or assisted my life in any way. I've never had that experience with a therapist, every single one has given me something that stayed with me for the rest of my life. Not her. Sorry cool nose ring girl. I was 23 years old when I came here and was treated like a child. It's nice and all to have tenderness and love when you are recovering from mental illness and addiction. However, it really didn't give me the emotional maturity or life skills I needed to face in order life head-on. I think in a way they need you to be incapable, so you need them. The personalities and people here are/were quite cool people. I liked them. But as an expensive recovery program, this isn't it. Find an alternative option ha ha ha. read more

I tried it.... but it wasn't for me. Not saying it won't work for you. But, I dealt with somebody by the name of Art..... all bad. It's other people who I was there with who didn't like the program either.... NO BUENO read more

I do not recommend anyone take their child to Options Counseling and Family Services. It is hard to see clients during Covid, but our therapist, Hailey Erickson-Roberts, has dropped the ball. She was calling twice a week but all of a sudden she just stopped. I don't know why. Because she stopped seeing my granddaughter, the insurance says we can no longer go to Options. This is on Options, not us. So, she is pawning us off on some other place that we know nothing about. My granddaughter has many mental health issues that they refuse to address. Now I find out the therapist is on vacation and gave me no contact for while she is out in case my granddaughter has an episode and needs help. I would definitely not trust this place to help anyone with mental health issues. Save yourself and go somewhere else with your child. read more

So far my daughter has been receiving great therapy and seems to be improving her mood. She likes coming here, in fact she has her favorite counselors and therapist. She feels that coming here is helping her. Will be updating my review as our journey continues. read more

Alternative Options Counseling Center - First impression: feels like home, peaceful and relaxing - Counseling & Mental Health Near Me - Artesia, California

A member of my family recently received treatment for severe depression/anxiety at Alternative Options in Cerritos. While we were initially excited to find a program near our home that offers intensive therapy for this condition, we quickly learned that their focus is definitely on clients who struggle with addiction and/or eating disorders. Most of the therapy consists of group sessions not specific to the condition for which you are receiving treatment. Very little was offered to assist someone who is suffering from depression/anxiety or similar mental health issues. After completing months of treatment, and thousands of dollars spent by us and our insurance company, Alternative Options is SOLELY concerned with collecting a $20 no show fee for a session that was scheduled without our knowledge. Not to mention that they are knowingly providing treatment for a client that struggles to get out of bed in the morning. There has been no follow up whatsoever from any of the therapists or our Case Manager as to how my family member is doing upon completion of the program. Repeated attempts to discuss this fee with our Case Manager and the Clinical Director have been completely ignored. I would strongly discourage anyone from seeking treatment for depression/anxiety from Alternative Options! They seem far more concerned with getting paid than providing successful and/or comprehensive treatment. read more

Every week is so repetitive and if you mess up you are kicked out immediately no way to treat addiction suffers

Take your kid here at your own risk. The providers are nice, but scheduling is a total mess, and they are quick to kick you out if they perceive their rules have been violated. Don't expect a warning, or any recourse - if they decide they don't want your kid there, you'll be out. It doesn't matter what you say, or whether you think they are wrong. Pretty crappy way to treat a kid who has come to you for mental health support - just rip the rug right out from under them. We got a call just a few hours before we were supposed to be in a group session, and this was just a couple days after another kid was kicked out. If they're supposed to be helping, how about work to fix problems, instead of just booting kids and their families out? How about the fact that I've taken off work to be at a group session and I got literally a few hours notice that my daughter was kicked out????!! They don't care. Whatever. I suggest you look elsewhere. read more

Not a really great place if you want to recover from an eating disorder and don't really know your way around recovery. Therapist made fun of a client for eating choice, another one rushed a client to finish her meal. The one that made fun of the girl also yelled at another client during group for not having a coping skills lost or not wanting to try other things even tho it was her first time in therapy. And one therapist pushed a girl to remember traumatic things even tho she didn't have the tools to cope with that trauma so she relapsed. It's disorganized and unprofessional and I wasn't given proper referrals when I discharged. One of them is really bad and the other doesn't help with eating disorders. There was some other stuff. I feel bad for the people who dont know they don't have to put up with that to get treatment. The old me would've stayed and suffered in silence. I left early and discharged on my third day. If you have an alternative option for treatment, go somewhere else if you need help with an ED or take your chances. It wasn't a good fit for me. read more

This is one of the best counseling centers and IOP programs that I have been to. I started in an Intensive Outpatient Program here for mental health and trauma in Oct 2012. I have since graduated from the program in January 2013 and have continued in individual therapy with Pam Lewis. The groups are very constructive and are extremely helpful for those seeking a support group and a way to process their issues. Stacy is a wonderful group leader who is very sensitive and works well with individuals and in group therapy. She was in charge of the psychodrama group which helped me make huge leaps in recovering from life-long trauma. Other groups that were very helpful were DBT and CBT. In my time at Alternative Options I have watched patients in mental health as well as drug/alcohol addiction find acceptance, comfort, love, and support through the groups and therapies offered. I have been thrilled to watch myself and others grow and gain strength through this program. If you are currently seeking out mental health or addiction recovery treatment I highly suggest Alternative Options. If YOU want to get better they have the knowledge, resources, and staff that will help you reach your goals. Thank you Alternative Options and Pam for your continued support in my recovery. My life has forever been changed because of your acceptance and help. read more

I rarely leave the kind of feedback I will today, but but this time they really asked for it. I came for a first therapy session with An Nguyen. I needed to speak to someone and therefore I drove 1 hour to this location on a Sunday morning 8 am. He opened the door and took my card and charged me. After that gave me a stack of about 15-20 pages to fill out. When I told him this might eat up precious time and I politely asked if I could fill this out after the session he denied me that. I filled it all out. So by the time I came in, the time was more than 25 past 9! I started speaking and he stopped me at 9:50 because his clock rang. He was going to end it without saying a word. When I asked if he could at least give me some advice, or something for me to go by, he started shaking, as if nervous, and telling me he alway ends at 9:50 and that I will have to wait till next time. I could not believe what I was hearing. I told him that he should have sent me that stack of paper via email to save us time. He agreed. He forced himself to give me some kind of insight ( a 5th grader would have done a better job), But I could tell he's not putting any thought into it. He tried getting me out of there as soon as possible. He made a very bad impression on me. I could not see this individual as someone there to help me in any shape or form. I was in shock. I own a small business, and if I behaved this way to my clients, I'd have no job. I looked at the bill he charged to my insurance when I receive it. It was colossal! For what? And that's not all! Today I got another bill which stated "no show". I never made a follow-up appointment with him. He knows that too. He made a very negative impression on me. this is someone who is only interested in money and completely lacks any kind of empathy or respect towards their patients. Did anyone here experience that kind of treatment? I'm going to report this for sure. I encourage everyone else here to do the same. This is not how therapists should treat patients! read more

Some great advice , case manger was being terribly rude at the end, her name was Edith , I would ask for a different case manager . Felt like I wasn't being heard out they mostly tried to push medication on me . Not the greatest time and not the worse some things to take home some things to leave there . read more

If you are concerned about the mental health of you or your loved ones, stay away from this place! Their "partial hospitalization" program for teens is terrible. The kids play games, send text messages, and are permitted/encouraged to engage in romantic relationships. "Therapy" consists of telling kids that all their problems are their parents' fault, followed up by public ambushes on "group" night. This place seems more interested in cashing the checks from insurance companies and keeping kids there as long as possible to make money off of them than in actually helping families. There are many better mental health alternatives out there -- take advantage of them, even if you have to fight your insurance company, and by all means avoid AO. read more

I first started at Alternative Options 2 years ago, and didn't really click with it at first--tbh, I just wasn't ready for help. I had a lot of trauma to work through, as well as an eating disorder (and eventually learned I was dependent on weed too as a way to cope). I was uncomfortable in groups when I came 2 years ago, and dropped out after 2 weeks. When things got so much worse for me in the past year, to the point where I just felt like ending things, I got desperate & I reached out for help again--my insurance sent me back to AO. I am so grateful they did. This time I ended up completing the whole 90 day program in IOP. After that they let you do aftercare, where you go once a week for free. Anyway, the best parts of my experience there was the Eating Disorder program, as well as the trauma one. Not every therapists' approach is going to be a fit for everyone, but they are all wonderful and bring their own sets of skills--you get a variety of ideas and methods to cope with what you're specifically dealing with. I feel I really needed the pushing that happened in the ED program--they don't take your sh*t, but it's in a really loving and supportive way. It was also helpful because it was really tailored to how to incorporate what you're learning into real life. I also really enjoyed the women's trauma group. Alternative Options offers EMDR, which I didn't really like, but also have therapists who do "somatic" work, as well as other ways to process trauma. Finally I love my individual therapist and have continued working with her as an outpatient even though I'm no longer in program. She and the other therapists (I had a really helpful case manager too) truly saved my life and I'm so grateful I can have their continued support. read more