Advanced Residential Treatment for Substance Use and Complex
Co-Occurring Disorders
Alta Mira Recovery offers a highly individualized, assessment-driven approach to addiction and mental health treatment in a private, residential setting designed for focus, discretion, and clinical depth.
- Comprehensive medical, psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological assessment to guide treatment from day one
- Specialized care for complex presentations, including co-occurring disorders and substance-induced psychosis
- A discreet residential environment designed for professionals, executives, and individuals seeking a higher standard of care
Get Instant Insurance Verification
Your information is private and secure. No pressure to commit.
A Place to Step Away—and Finally See Clearly
Explore our residential campus, historic accommodations, and thoughtfully designed therapeutic spaces.
Comfortable accommodations designed to support rest, privacy, and stabilization during treatment.
A quiet, thoughtfully restored setting that promotes calm, structure, and continuity of care.
Nutritious, professionally prepared meals that support physical recovery and daily routine.
Purpose-built rooms for individual therapy, group work, assessments, and experiential sessions.
For When Standard Treatment Hasn’t Been Enough
Alta Mira is not a volume-driven program. We work with a small census so our team can provide the depth of assessment, clinical attention, and individualized planning that complex cases require.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment
Clients begin with an in-depth evaluation process integrating medical, psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological perspectives—allowing treatment to be guided by clarity rather than assumptions.
Advanced Neuropsychological Testing
Formal neuropsychological assessment helps identify cognitive, emotional, and behavioral drivers that directly impact addiction, mental health symptoms, and relapse risk—so treatment is precise, not generic.
Expert, Veteran-Informed Leadership
Alta Mira’s clinical leadership includes professionals with military service, VA-based training, and federally funded research experience—bringing informed perspective to complex care.
Capability for Complex Presentations
Alta Mira treats co-occurring disorders and substance-induced psychosis, serving individuals whose needs extend beyond what lower-acuity programs are designed to manage.
Care for High-Functioning Professionals
Alta Mira works with individuals whose external lives remain demanding and high-performing, even as internal distress becomes increasingly difficult to manage.
Integrated Physical Wellness & Fitness
Physical health is treated as a core component of recovery. Clients have access to personal training, yoga, and movement-based support, with physical therapy coordinated when clinically appropriate.
Pet-Friendly Treatment Environment
Approved pets may accompany clients, allowing them to remain connected to a stabilizing presence during treatment.
Flexible Technology Policies
Technology access is permitted based on clinical approval and individual treatment progress.
Clarity Before Commitment
Alta Mira offers a 10-Day Detoxification and Assessment Service for individuals seeking medical stabilization and diagnostic clarity without immediately committing to a longer stay. This option provides structured detox, clinical evaluation, and clear recommendations for next steps.
Care Designed for Depth, Not Throughput
Alta Mira offers a focused continuum centered on residential care, supported by assessment, detoxification, and long-term planning.
10-Day Detoxification & Assessment Service
A medically supervised detox combined with comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to determine the most appropriate level of care.
Residential Treatment
A highly individualized residential program addressing substance use disorders and complex co-occurring mental health conditions through intensive clinical engagement.
Continuing Care & Alumni Program
Ongoing support through alumni meetings, workshops, and connection to reinforce long-term recovery.
What It Feels Like to Be Here
Learn more about Alta Mira’s approach, clinical philosophy, and residential environment—and what clients experience during treatment.
Comprehensive Care for Addiction and Co-Occurring Mental Health
Alta Mira specializes in substance use disorders alongside co-occurring mental health challenges, offering integrated treatment for individuals whose needs extend beyond addiction alone.
Common Conditions:
Alcohol Addiction
Excessive drinking that affects relationships, work, and health.
Opioid Addiction
Dependence on prescription painkillers, heroin, or fentanyl, often with painful withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepine Addiction
Misuse of medications like Xanax or Ativan, leading to physical or emotional dependence.
Stimulant Addiction
Cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription stimulant use that impacts daily functioning.
Marijuana Addiction
Persistent cannabis use that interferes with motivation, focus, or emotional stability.
Prescription Drug Addiction
Nonmedical use of medications including sleeping pills, ADHD meds, or pain relievers.
Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
Simultaneous treatment of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD alongside substance use.
A Team Trusted With the Most Complex Cases
Alta Mira’s clinical team includes experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed professionals selected for their ability to work with complex presentations, high-functioning individuals, and cases that require sound judgment—not standardized protocols.
Maryann Rosenthal, Ph.D.
CEO, Author, and Speaker
CEO, Author, and Speaker
Dr. Maryann Rosenthal has specialized in the treatment of addiction and mental health for more than 35 years. Maryann was a founder and Executive Director at Recovery Ways. She has a unique background and career working in both the business and clinical sectors of behavioral health care.
Karen Spedowfski, PhD
Executive Clinical Director / Psychologist
Executive Clinical Director / Psychologist
Karen Spedowfski, PhD, Alta Mira’s Executive Clinical Director, is a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Spedowfski’s career has been exclusively focused on the treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders, and she has held multiple leadership positions
David Smith, MD
Addiction Medicine Physician
Addiction Medicine Physician
Dr. David E. Smith is recognized as a national leader in the treatment of addictive disease, the psychopharmacology of drugs, new research strategies in the management of drug abuse problems, and appropriate prescribing practices for physicians. He teaches that addiction is a primary medical illness that is best treated in a multidisciplinary fashion, utilizing the group process, individual psychotherapy, and 12-Step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous.
Steven L. Batki, MD
Primary Addiction Psychiatrist
Primary Addiction Psychiatrist
Dr. Steven Batki is listed in US News and World Report as one of the top doctors in the field of Addiction Psychiatry. Through a peer nomination process, he currently ranks in the top 10% for the entire United States, and is also listed as one of the top psychiatrists in San Francisco.
We Work With Select Providers to Support the Highest Level of Care
Alta Mira works with select insurance providers and private pay options to ensure care is delivered at the level our clinical model requires. Our Admissions team will help you understand coverage, benefits, and financial considerations—clearly and discreetly.
We do not accept Medicare, Medicaid, or Medi-Cal.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Whether you’re calling for yourself or someone you love, our Admissions team will guide you step by step with discretion, clarity, and respect.
Step 1: Call For Help
Reach out for a confidential conversation with Admissions.
Step 2: Verify Insurance
Complete a brief clinical screening and insurance verification if applicable.
Step 3: Complete Assessment
Determine the appropriate program and coordinate next steps.
Relief Often Begins With the Right Conversation
Many families arrive feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. What they often describe afterward is relief—finally finding a program equipped to address the full picture.
Larisa
I came to Alta Mira for dual diagnosis treatment, including my eating disorder, and it helped me more than I can possibly express. The therapy here is incredible – multiple sessions a week plus so much additional support because the staff is so in tune and genuinely caring. They also have weekly massages included in your stay! I worked with Kellie as my therapist, and she completely changed my life. Jeff runs the best DBT groups ever, and Karen and Drea are phenomenal too. The entire therapist team is amazing. Management is wonderful – friendly, involved, and truly dedicated to every client. The RAs are absolute rockstars: Zach, Ben, Tristan, Sam, Adam, Trace, and David. They are all so kind, supportive, and professional. Ben and Tristan are amazing leads, and honestly, Zach and Adam should be too! The food deserves its own review – the chef is incredible and the meals alone helped me overcome under eating. There’s a salad bar, an amazing breakfast buffet, and everything is fresh and delicious. I tried another facility that served Costco ready meals and I was starving – but at Alta Mira, every meal felt nourishing and made with care. I loved that they have lots of healthy snacks offered throughout the day at there is amazing coffee offered too. They even have lots of teas and matcha! On Fridays we get the best cookies ever and each client gets a going away dessert for their last night. Mine was the chocolate strawberries and cookies pictured below. The personal trainer, Tanya, and the yoga teacher are both fabulous. The workshops are genuinely life changing. Housekeeping is amazing too – every part of this place runs with care and respect. The rooms are huge, beautiful, and comfortable, and the clients are great people too. Dr. Driscoll (aka Dr. Py) is the best doctor ever. She is compassionate, attentive, and brilliant. I also appreciated that staff took me to outside appointments when I needed them. Even when I (or others!) had our “diva moments,” the staff always treated us with patience, kindness, and respect. They really listen and hear you out. Alta Mira is meant to be a 90-day program, and my friend who’s doing the full 90 is getting brain scans, cheek swab testing, and neuropsych testing – so if you can, do the full program. You’ll get the most out of it. I could not recommend Alta Mira highly enough. It was the best decision I ever made, and I’m eternally grateful for everyone there for helping me heal, grow, and truly find myself again.
ehd office
Alta Mira was an exceptional experience in 2020 and I recently celebrated 4 years of sobriety. The therapist I had in the program set me on a wonderful path to a better future. The alumni program is one of the best parts of my current journey along with the quarterly tune ups where we get to see our amazing community and the opportunity to give back to others.
heidi heard
Recently I had an extensive tour of the facility and interview with much of the staff of Alta Mira. This treatment center is a gem. It is in a former boutique hotel providing emotional safety and a strong staff client relationship. The staff has both a dept of training and experience and a deep commitment to the individual clients. Each treatment is personalized. I would not hesitate to recommend Alta Mira to a family member.
C S
I was in Alta Mira in 2021 and just celebrated 3 years sober. This program has set my life on such a healthier trajectory. One of the best parts has been the alumni program! The community of alumni along with the quarterly tune ups have been a lifesaver. I will forever been grateful to the Alta Mira staff and alumni for saving my life.
Lydia Jones
I’m overwhelmed with gratitude as I’m writing this review. Alta Mira has gone above and beyond to make me feel welcome, comfortable, and supported while starting the long journey of sobriety. I can’t say enough. The therapists, staff, and accommodations are worth every penny. The food is also five star. This truly is a nurturing environment from ever angle. You will not be disappointed.
Sonny McCutcheon
Alta Mira is the premier program in the San Fransisco Bay area for complex substance abuse disorders with co-occurring mental health issues. The facility is gorgeous, but more importantly, the clinical team includes some of the best of the best therapists, psychologists, and physicians. Alta Mira is in a class of it’s own.
Jaq French
I have worked for a lot of mental health agencies and this is truly one of the best. They really put their money where their mouth is when it comes to practicing what they preach. The supervisors truly care about their clinicians mental health as well as that of the clients which surprisingly is a rare find when working in behavioral health settings. And honestly could you ever beat that view!
Becky D
From the get-go, Alta Mira exceeded our expectations. It was a worrisome process for our family trying to find a place for my cousin to recover from his drug addiction and his depression. The staff was so compassionate and informative. In an already traumatic time, they helped us through the process with patience and care. We learned a great deal during their 4 day family workshop when we visited the beautiful facility ourselves. I would love to stay there myself! Alta Mira has a full menu of treatment options far and beyond what the other treatment centers we looked into offered. He was able to benefit from the doctors, the therapists, the neuropsychological testing, and the multi day workshop intensives. They also have awesome options like massage, acupuncture, meditation, and adventure therapies. I truly believe that in order for one to heal, they must surrender to the methods being used by trained professionals. I can’t even count how many times my family gave into his rationalizations for his drug use. I was at my wit’s end. I am so glad this time, it stuck. Alta Mira doesn’t cater to the source of the addiction in such that they heavily medicate the person, quite the opposite! This had been a recurring problem when trying to get him help. Instead, the staff at Alta Mira helped him dive deep into himself and identify the past triggers that perpetuated his use and gave him tools and ways to circumvent his usual behavior that feeds his addiction. They worked with him to resolve his past trauma and to get to the core of why he became addicted. Four times a year they have a complimentary 2 day workshop for their alumni. My cousin keeps taking these workshops and learning from them. We are so, so grateful to have him back and in a position where he no longer has to suffer the same way again.
Client Outcomes Report
We partnered with Vista Research Group to track and measure the progress and efficacy of each client’s treatment using validated research methodologies.
82%
Reduction in moderate-to-severe depression symptoms from intake to discharge.
79%
Reduction in moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms from intake to discharge.
71%
Reduction in moderate-to-severe trauma symptoms from intake to discharge.
FAQ & Answers
Yes. Alta Mira works with veterans and is in-network with TriWest. Our leadership and clinical team are experienced in supporting veterans and understand the unique psychological, cultural, and transitional challenges that can accompany military service. Care is delivered with respect, structure, and clinical insight.
Wings provides a higher level of structure and clinical coordination than weekly therapy, which allows deeper work and more consistent progress.
Yes. Alta Mira offers a structured family program that includes a three-day family experience, along with opportunities for ongoing involvement. Family work focuses on communication, boundaries, relapse prevention, and creating a healthier system of support moving forward.
You will not be on your own. Alta Mira’s alumni program includes weekly support groups, quarterly tune-ups, and continuing care coordination. The goal is to sustain progress, reinforce insight, and maintain connection well beyond residential treatment.
Yes. Physical wellness is an important component of treatment. Clients have access to personal training and yoga, and physical therapy can be coordinated when clinically indicated. Programming is adapted to individual needs and abilities.
Alta Mira utilizes evidence-based and integrative clinical modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR when clinically appropriate, relapse prevention, and emotionally focused therapeutic work. Modalities are selected based on individual assessment rather than a fixed curriculum.
Days at Alta Mira are structured yet balanced. Mornings often begin with intention-setting, breakfast, and holistic practices. Afternoons include individual therapy, group sessions, and clinical work, with space for rest and reflection. Evenings are calmer, with dinner, peer support, and personal time. Weekends offer more expansive leisure and experiential activities to integrate the week’s work.
In approved cases, yes. Alta Mira understands the importance of emotional support and continuity. Clients may bring approved pets, allowing them to remain connected to a stabilizing presence during treatment.
In addition to clinical programming, Alta Mira offers experiential and restorative activities that may include art therapy, hiking, kayaking, equine therapy, fitness sessions, mindfulness practices, and curated group activities. These experiences are designed to support integration, self-awareness, and connection.