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Alter the Course

CA

SAMHSA Verified

Free helpline · 24/7

Need help choosing the right program?

Call helpline: +1 (205) 973-2878

Direct line to Alter the Course: (888) 852-2201

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About Alter the Course

This 7-day, 6-night retreat in Malibu is for 12-17 year olds and 18-25 year olds. The retreat is meant to be an intentional pause from their lives. The participants are introduced to an experiential journey where they will build life-sustaining internal coping mechanisms through the arts, film, music, writing, hiking, With a world of quick fixes for every problem, whether it be social media, substances, etc, the program is intended to inspire and ignite passion to exist within every person. The ATC Malibu Retreat house is located close to Zuma Beach where they begin each morning with meditation. The participants are able to view beautiful sunsets from the upper deck of the home. They also offer 4 day, 3 night intensive sessions for individuals who require an accelerated and individualized experience. The program addresses the unprecedented challenges young people face include COVID-19, social media pressure, anxiety and depression, campus shootings, substance misuse, cyber bullying, suicide, nicotine use, family issues, social anxiety, body image and academic pressures.

This listing is sourced from the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator. Data last synced: April 2026. Always verify current programs and insurance directly with the facility.

Quick Facts

Programs, populations, and payments verified via SAMHSA.

Insurance & Payment Accepted

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Medicaid
Medicare
Private insurance
TRICARE / VA
Self-pay / Cash
Sliding scale

Contact & Location

Facility direct line

(888) 852-2201

Photos

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alter the Course accept Medicaid?
SAMHSA data does not list Medicaid among this facility's accepted payment types. Call (888) 852-2201 directly to confirm — coverage may have changed since the last SAMHSA sync. You can also browse other CA centers that accept Medicaid.
What level of care does Alter the Course offer?
Does Alter the Course have specialized programs?
SAMHSA data does not list specialized populations. The facility may still offer specialty tracks — confirm directly.
What therapy methods does Alter the Course use?
Specific therapy approaches are not listed in SAMHSA data. Contact the facility for clinical details.
How do I start treatment at Alter the Course?
Call the facility directly at (888) 852-2201 for an intake assessment. Our free 24/7 helpline (+1 (205) 973-2878) can also help you compare programs, verify insurance, and navigate options. No physician referral is required.
Is treatment confidential?
Yes. Federal law (42 CFR Part 2) provides strict confidentiality protections for substance use treatment records — stricter than HIPAA. Records cannot be disclosed without written consent, even to family, employers, or law enforcement.
What happens when you call? (general intake process)

Most treatment centers follow a 4-step intake: (1) confidential assessment — substance history, mental health, insurance, preferences (protected by 42 CFR Part 2); (2) insurance verification — facility contacts your plan to confirm coverage and out-of-pocket costs; (3) level-of-care recommendation — clinical staff match you to detox, residential, PHP, IOP, or outpatient based on severity; (4) admission typically within 24–48 hours. Timing varies by facility and bed availability.

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Sources & References

  • SAMHSA — Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator. Source of facility programs, services, and accepted payments.
  • SAMHSA — NSDUH, 2023.
  • CMS — Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).
  • 42 CFR Part 2 — Confidentiality of SUD Patient Records.

Facility data last synced: April 2026. Editorial policy.

24/7 Helpline +1 (205) 973-2878