Our STEPS Program provides mental health treatment in an intensive day treatment setting to male youth ages 12-18 with sexually abusive and trauma reactive behavior. Youth participate in treatment five days a week from 8am -4pm, attending school on site through the San Diego Unified School District. Students benefit from the small class size (no more than 12 students) and the teacher/student ratio allows for frequent individual attention with their academics. Day Treatment is a strength based, trauma informed care approach that provides individual, group and family therapy, psychoeducation, social skills, recreational groups and other individualized services.

In addition, STEPS provide an outpatient treatment program for both males and females, ages 6-18. The office is in Kearny Mesa with a satellite office in Escondido to meet the needs of North County referrals. In outpatient treatment, youth participate in individual and/or family therapy.

Program Services

Trauma informed, strength-based treatment
Individual, family and group therapy
Crisis response, safety planning and relapse prevention
Medication management
Collaboration, after care and referrals
Support and education
Onsite school in Day Treatment Program

We additionally offer wellness activities, which include a competitive football and basketball league for our day treatment participants. Other program highlights include: expressive arts therapy, pet therapy and other educational opportunities to promote healthy lifestyle choices.

Eligibility Requirements

STEPS Day Treatment is designed to provide comprehensive mental health treatment for full scope Medi-Cal eligible male youth ages 12-18, who have exhibited sexually abusive/reactive behaviors. The STEPS Outpatient program provides treatment for full scope Medi-Cal males and females 6-18. Youth that have been evaluated at a lower risk will be referred to our outpatient program.

Referrals

Referrals can come from anyone in the community, which include families, Child Welfare Services, Probation and school districts. STEPS Referral Form

More Information

To find out more information about STEPS, please call 858-565-2510.

Click here to download our brochure

This program is funded by the County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Services.

MHS | Mental Health Systems

Improving Lives

STEPS Adolescent Day Treatment and Outpatient