Admissions
We have assembled the following information for people who are interested in being clients in our alcohol and drug treatment programs. People seeking residential drug treatment services are required to read and complete our admissions and screening packet. You may get this packet at our office during regular business hours or download it and bring it into our office.
Downloading the screening packet is for your convenience.
Here are the steps to follow prior to admission to Stepping Stone:
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- Fill out the screening packet completely
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- Prior to the screening, you must have a current TB test
-
- Bring the screening packet and a hard copy of your current TB test with you to your screening appointment
First Things First screenings will take place at Stepping Out 3928 Illinois Street, every Tuesday from 9:45 AM-11:45 AM. All applicants must have a completed application and a current TB test to be screened.
Note: completing and submitting a screening packet is not a guarantee of admission; you will need to be screened by qualified staff and then bed availability will be determined. For more information about admission please contact our Intake Specialist at 619-584-4010 x116 or email intake@steppingstonesd.org.
Be sure to check out “A Day in the Life of a Resident,” written by one of our current residents at Stepping Stone.
New client intake now through March 30, 2025
Admissions
We look forward to welcoming you to Stepping Stone. We’re here to help you begin your journey to recovery through our alcohol and drug treatment programs. Our screening process is designed to ensure we can meet your needs and find the right placement for you.
Screening Schedule – Important Changes
Until March 30, 2025: “First Things First”
- Location: Stepping Out (3928 Illinois Street)
- Day & Time: Every Tuesday from 9:45 AM to 11:45 AM
Starting March 31, 2025: “Stepping Stone Residential Treatment Program Screening & Orientation”
- New location: Stepping Stone Residential Facility (3767 Central Ave)
- New day: Every Monday
- Time: 9:45 AM to 11:45 AM
What You Need for Screening
Before attending a screening appointment, you must have:
- A current TB test (results document required)
The screening packet can be:
- Filled out during your first screening appointment, OR
- Obtained in advance from our office during business hours, OR
- Downloaded from our website and completed before your appointment
The Admission Process
- Attend a screening session with your TB test results
- Complete the screening packet (if not already done)
- Meet with our qualified staff for evaluation
- If approved, admission will depend on bed availability
Please note that completing the screening process does not guarantee immediate admission. Our Intake Specialist will work with you to determine next steps based on your needs and our capacity.
For more information, please contact our Intake Specialist at 619-584-4010 x116 or email intake@steppingstonesd.org.
In the meantime, we invite you to read “A Day in the Life of a Resident,” written by one of our current residents, to learn more about the Stepping Stone experience.
Admissions
We have assembled the following information for people who are interested in being clients in our alcohol and drug treatment programs. People seeking residential drug treatment services are required to read and complete our admissions and screening packet. You may get this packet at our office during regular business hours or download it and bring it into our office.
Downloading the screening packet is for your convenience.
Here are the steps to follow prior to admission to Stepping Stone:
-
- Fill out the screening packet completely
-
- Prior to the screening, you must have a current TB test
-
- Bring the screening packet and a hard copy of your current TB test with you to your screening appointment
First Things First screenings will take place at Stepping Out 3928 Illinois Street, every Tuesday from 9:45 AM-11:45 AM. All applicants must have a completed application and a current TB test to be screened.
Note: completing and submitting a screening packet is not a guarantee of admission; you will need to be screened by qualified staff and then bed availability will be determined. For more information about admission please contact our Intake Specialist at 619-584-4010 x116 or email intake@steppingstonesd.org.
Be sure to check out “A Day in the Life of a Resident,” written by one of our current residents at Stepping Stone.
New client intake now through March 30, 2025
Residential Program Overview
Stepping Stone’s 31-bed residential treatment program is open to those with those with Medi-Cal in San Diego County. Stepping Stone of San Diego provides compassionate, LGBTQ+-affirming residential treatment program for individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorders. If you are interested in enrolling in our Residential Treatment Program, please review the following information to understand the eligibility requirements and admission process.
Residential Treatment Admission Information
How to Apply for Residential Treatment
To be considered for admission, you must complete a screening packet and attend an in-person screening appointment. Submitting a screening packet does not guarantee admission on the same day—all applicants will be evaluated by our qualified staff, and bed availability will be determined at that time.
Step 1: Complete the Screening Packet
You can obtain a screening packet:
- In person at our office during regular business hours
- Online by downloading the screening packet here. The screening packet must be completed in full before your appointment.
Step 2: Get a TB Test
A current tuberculosis (TB) test is required before you can be screened for admission. See information here on how to get a TB test.
Step 3: Attend a Program Orientation Information Session or Contact Us for a Screening Appointment
Weekly Residential Program Screening and Orientation:
- Location: Stepping Stone 3767 Central Ave. San Diego CA 92105
- Time: Every Monday from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Bring these documents with you to your screening appointment:
- Your completed screening packet
- A hard copy of your current TB test
Note: Screenings are conducted by our intake team to assess eligibility for our Residential Treatment Program. If you qualify, bed availability will be determined, or alternative treatment recommendations will be provided.
Contact Our Intake Team
For questions about the admissions process, please contact our Intake Team:
Phone: 619-584-4010 x110
Email: intake@steppingstonesd.org
What to Expect in Residential Treatment
Want to learn more about what life is like at Stepping Stone?
Check out A Day in the Life of a Resident written by one of our current residents!
More Information About Qualifications & Fit for Residential Treatment
Our Residential Treatment Program is designed for individuals whose primary diagnosis is a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and who meet the clinical criteria for residential care. While we support individuals with co-occurring conditions, substance use must be the primary disorder being treated for eligibility.
We currently only accept Medi-Cal clients, and not health insurance or private pay options for Residential Treatment.
To Qualify, You Must at Minimum:
- Be willing and able to participate in a structured residential treatment (rehab) setting for a minimum of 90 days
- Have active enrollment Medi-Cal insurance from San Diego County
Have a hard copy of a current TB test (90 days or less) - Have a diagnosed Substance Use Disorder (SUD) meeting ASAM Level of Care 3.5 or 3.1, we will assess and determine appropriate level of care
- Feel comfortable in a LGBTQIA+ affirming environment
Note: Not everyone may be a fit for our Residential Program, depending on the level of care they may need. Stepping Stone does not provide detox or withdrawal management, but our intake team will assess each individual and, we will provide referrals to alternative programs or higher levels of care as needed.