Residential Substance Use Treatment in Pasadena, CA: The Briar Program

Substance use treatment can be the turning point when substance use starts to overtake your life. At Las Encinas Hospital, residential care is designed to help you step away from day-to-day triggers and into a clinically supported environment where stabilization, therapy, and recovery skills can actually take root. 

Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or someone you love, understanding how residential programs work can help greatly with next steps. This guide covers the essential information you need to make confident decisions and focus on starting and sustaining recovery. 

The Briar Program 

The highest level of treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) is residential care. At Las Encinas Hospital, our residential treatment program, the Briar Program, is one-of-a-kind. 

At the Briar Program, treatment doesn’t happen in a sterile hospital wing. You’ll stay in residential bungalows on Las Encinas Hospital’s 25-acre campus. The setting feels calmer, more private, and grounded than many people expect. 

The setting and physical separation from everyday stressors are intentional. The Briar Program gives patients a space to slow down and reset while they work hard on recovery, without constant external pressures.

Patients at the Briar Program have a daily schedule comprised of personal and group time. Therapy sessions, recovery-focused groups, visitations, and time for movement or recreation are also built into the schedule. The structure can feel surprisingly comforting, especially if life has been chaotic for a while.

Our expert physicians are actively involved with clients in the Briar Program. Working alongside therapists, nurses, and recovery specialists, our team coordinates closely to provide productive 24/7 hour care. 

Most importantly, treatment here is not just about stopping substance use. It’s about learning how to cope, regulate emotions, repair relationships, and build a life that feels stable enough to protect your recovery long after residential care ends. 

We provide the following services for SUD and dual-diagnosis:

• Supervised Sub-Acute Detox - 24hr RN nursing with medical staff available to assist and guide your detoxification process. We understand that detox can be challenging and we will do our best to make it as comfortable as possible.
• On-sight Pharmacy so you don't have to wait long for medications
• Focus groups with our MD / Addictionologist
• 1-on-1 consultations with an MD / Addictionologist
• A customized treatment plan designed to help you meet your goals and objectives for recovery
• A range of evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, art therapy, and music therapy
• A variety of psychotherapy, psychoeducational and SUD education groups
• Education in living skills, such as non-chemical coping, relaxation techniques, problem solving, assertiveness, nutrition and personal health and fitness.
• Intensive family-therapy programs to provide loved ones with a greater understanding of their role in the recovery process.
• Therapeutic exercise activities, such as yoga, tai chi, tennis, volleyball, swimming and basketball
• Spiritual exploration with community guests
• Peer-led recovery groups
• Assistance with the transition back to the community and aftercare treatment with follow-up, which is included at no extra charge. We provide referrals to self-help groups, private practitioners, sober-living facilities and other outpatient community-based resources.

Daily Schedule

Accreditations and Licensing

You are not going to send a loved one just anywhere for substance use treatment. Proper licensing and accreditation do matter. In fact, accreditations and licensing are a necessary signal that a program takes safety, ethics, and clinical quality seriously.

In California, licensing and certification requirements set the baseline for operating legally. Third-party accreditation adds another layer of review for areas such as care practices, risk management, and quality improvement. 

At Las Encinas Hospital, we are not only accredited by the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, but we also prioritize meeting regulatory expectations and creating a culture of excellence. 

The State of California also licenses us as a Substance Use Disorder Recovery Hospital, and we are accountable across every aspect of care, from treatment delivery to standards for assessment, documentation, staffing, and patient protection.

Treatment Approaches and Methodologies

Effective residential substance use treatment addresses both substance use and the root cause of addiction. In practice, that often means a combination of individual counseling, group work, and skills-based approaches. 

The Briar Program leverages a range of evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, art therapy, and music therapy. We also educate our patients on living skills, including non-chemical coping, relaxation techniques, problem-solving, assertiveness, nutrition, and personal health and fitness.

Medical services may also be part of treatment, including medically monitored detoxification when withdrawal risks are present, with physician oversight and coordinated medication management when clinically prescribed.

Other holistic therapies and therapeutic exercise activities, such as art and music therapy, yoga, tai chi, tennis, volleyball, swimming, and basketball, add value by supporting self-expression and reducing stress.   

Facility Amenities and Staff

In residential substance use treatment, the environment and the people providing care matter just as much as the clinical approach. Especially early on, when motivation can fluctuate, and emotions are raw, feeling safe, respected, and consistently supported can make the difference between staying engaged or shutting down.  

At Las Encinas Hospital, care in the Briar Program is given by an experienced team that works closely together. Throughout the program, our patients meet one-on-one with a medical doctor, an internist, and/or an addictionologist.

Care teams also include a psychologist, family therapist, certified chemical dependency counselor and dietitian, psychiatric nurses, occupational and recreational therapists, and other multidisciplinary specialists in substance use disorders. This group of medical professionals offers not only their clinical expertise and experience but also a high level of care and compassion for those recovering from SUD. 

Our campus also includes an on-site pharmacy, recreational areas, quiet spaces, and visits from community guests. Each amenity and feature is chosen with purpose and designed to help patients manage stress, stay engaged in treatment, and find recovery.

Admission Criteria and Enrollment Process

Starting residential substance use treatment doesn’t have to be intimidating. At Las Encinas Hospital, the first step is simply an initial screening to understand substance use history, current risks, and immediate needs.

From there, you will complete admission paperwork. Our admissions team can also help you understand how to verify benefits if you’re using insurance. If you’re seeking Medi-Cal support, it’s a good idea to ask early about eligibility requirements and any documentation needed.

Next, clinical intake includes assessments to evaluate withdrawal risk, mental health symptoms, and any co-occurring conditions that may affect care planning. If withdrawal is a concern, stabilization and medication coordination will be addressed first, including a review of current prescriptions and involvement of an on-site medical provider when needed. 

Once admitted, your care team will use an individualized addiction treatment plan based on your assessment results and provider information. From there, all focus is on your path of healing and recovery. 

Insurance and Payment Options

Addiction and detox treatment care can be expensive, but we’ve made our pricing competitive. In addition, Las Encinas Hospital has contracts with most major providers, which can help minimize your out-of-pocket costs. 

Coverage sources vary by plan, and our admissions team can help you understand deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and whether authorization is required before admission. 

If insurance or private pay doesn’t cover the full cost, ask about payment plans and any financial support pathways. Some organizations also use scholarships or grant funding in limited cases, but availability varies and may depend on need or program criteria.  

Even with coverage, it’s smart to request a clear estimate that separates facility fees, professional services, medications, and any labs or assessments that may be billed differently. Transparent breakdowns help families plan without surprises.

Support Services and Aftercare

Residential substance use treatment is the beginning of a recovery structure, not the end. Aftercare planning helps translate progress into everyday life.

Aftercare plans may include step-down programs such as intensive outpatient treatment, ongoing therapy, peer support groups, and recovery housing when appropriate. Additional support may address employment, transportation, family dynamics, and other real-world stressors that can affect recovery.

The Briar Program includes assistance with transition planning and referrals to outpatient care, sober living options, and community-based recovery resources to support continuity after discharge. Recovery gets sturdier when clinical care and community support work together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is residential substance use treatment?

Residential substance use treatment is a live-in level of care where you stay on-site for a structured schedule of therapy, recovery education, and clinical support. At Las Encinas Hospital, the Briar Program’s environment is designed to provide a stable setting away from triggers so that you can focus on stabilization, skill-building, and long-term recovery planning.

Who is a good fit for residential substance use treatment?

It’s often a good fit if you’ve tried to stop using on your own and can’t, if withdrawal risks are a concern, if relapse has been frequent, or if your home environment isn’t supportive. It can also be appropriate when co-occurring mental health symptoms are present, and you need consistent, coordinated care.

How long does residential treatment usually last?

Length of stay varies based on clinical needs, progress, and aftercare planning. Las Encinas Hospital can help determine a timeline based on your assessment, stabilization needs, and the level of support you’ll have after discharge.

What should I bring for admission?

You’ll typically need a photo ID, insurance information if applicable, and a list of current medications. Las Encinas Hospital can also tell you what items are allowed, what should be left at home, and how medication verification works.

Does Las Encinas Hospital accept insurance for residential substance use treatment?

Many patients use private insurance or public coverage, depending on eligibility. The admissions team can verify benefits, explain coverage details, and clarify any out-of-pocket costs or payment plan options.

What happens after residential treatment ends?

Aftercare is a key part of success. Las Encinas Hospital may recommend step-down services, such as intensive outpatient care, ongoing therapy, peer support groups, and recovery housing, as needed, guided by an individualized aftercare plan.

Can family be involved in the process?

Yes, when appropriate and with patient consent. Family education and counseling can help improve communication, set healthier boundaries, and support recovery after discharge.