1321 Garnet Ave, San Diego CA 92109
Follow us on
Search
1321 Garnet Ave, San Diego CA 92109

Levels of Care

Levels of Care

Not sure where to begin? Learn what each level of care offers and what to expect when treatment starts.

When daily life becomes unmanageable, residential treatment provides the structure and clinical intensity veterans need to stabilize and begin healing. Solara’s Residential Treatment Program for Veterans delivers 24-hour care in a secure, comfortable facility designed exclusively for former service members. Veterans who are experiencing combat-related PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, suicidal ideation, or co-occurring trauma and substance use disorders often benefit from this level of care when outpatient therapy alone has not been enough.

Unlike civilian inpatient programs, Solara’s approach is military-informed from the ground up. Every clinician is experienced in treating trauma that stems from service, and your peers in treatment have walked similar paths. You do not need to explain your military experience here. You will be heard and understood.

The residential treatment program is fully covered through the VA Community Care Network. Our admissions team will guide you through the referral process so you can access care quickly, often within 48 hours.

Who is RTC Ideal For?

Veterans experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional crises
Individuals recently discharged from inpatient psychiatric hospitalization
Veterans with PTSD and co-occurring addiction or mood instability
Those seeking trauma-focused, veteran-only inpatient treatment
Veterans whose outpatient care has failed to manage severe symptoms

What's Included in RTC?

Daily individual therapy and group trauma sessions
Specialized tracks for Military Sexual Trauma (MST), substance use recovery, and moral injury
24/7 medical supervision, psychiatric support, and medication management
Veteran-only residential environment with chef-prepared meals, wellness activities, and holistic therapies
Personalized discharge planning with coordinated step-down to PHP or IOP

Solara’s Partial Hospitalization Program for Veterans delivers full-day clinical care for individuals who need more than outpatient therapy but who do not require 24-hour residential support. This trauma-focused day treatment option allows you to return home each night while receiving high-level care throughout the day.

PHP is especially helpful for veterans stabilizing after inpatient or residential care, as well as those in early recovery from PTSD, MST, substance use, or severe mood disorders. Many veterans use this program to address emotional dysregulation, chronic anxiety, or transition stress while maintaining some independence.

This VA-authorized partial hospitalization program for veterans is fully covered through Community Care. Our team provides direct assistance with referrals and transportation.

Who is PHP is Ideal For?

Veterans stepping down from Solara’s residential program or hospital-based psychiatric care
Individuals managing PTSD symptoms that have escalated beyond the scope of outpatient care
Veterans with recent substance use relapse or emotional instability
Those seeking trauma therapy for MST or moral injury in a structured setting
Veterans reintegrating after deployment who need support before returning to full civilian life

What's Included in PHP?

5 to 6 hours of therapeutic programming per day, five days a week
Veteran-only group therapy and individual sessions with trauma-trained clinicians
Dedicated tracks for MST, LGBTQ+ veterans, moral injury, and dual diagnosis
Psychiatric medication management and clinical oversight
Discharge planning into IOP or Virtual IOP depending on clinical needs

Solara’s Veteran Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers consistent, trauma-informed care for veterans balancing mental health recovery with responsibilities like work, education, or caregiving. IOP is a step down from PHP and a strong alternative to weekly therapy for those needing more structure and support.

In IOP, veterans attend multiple therapeutic sessions each week that target core issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, moral injury, substance use, and relationship disruption. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, with a focus on long-term stability and real-world reintegration.

The intensive outpatient program is fully covered through the VA Community Care Network. Our care team helps coordinate authorizations, intake, and clinical communication with your VA provider.

Who is IOP is Ideal For?

Veterans transitioning from higher levels of care like PHP or RTC
Individuals needing outpatient PTSD treatment with a structured schedule
Veterans experiencing flare-ups or emotional distress related to service or reintegration
Those in recovery from addiction who need trauma-informed outpatient support
Veterans seeking therapy that respects their military experience and identity

What's Included in IOP?

3 to 4 hours of therapy per day, up to five days per week
Trauma-focused individual sessions and veteran-only group therapy
Tracks for substance use, transition support, MST, and emotional regulation
Family therapy and case management when clinically appropriate
Medication management with psychiatric oversight
Coordination with VA case managers and transition to virtual care as needed

Solara’s Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Veterans brings real-time therapy and veteran-focused trauma care directly to your home. Delivered through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform, VIOP allows veterans to receive structured treatment without traveling or relocating—ideal for those in rural areas, with mobility concerns, or balancing complex life demands.

Unlike apps or pre-recorded therapy modules, Solara’s VIOP includes live interaction with licensed clinicians and fellow veterans who understand your experience. It’s a powerful option for those seeking VA-covered virtual therapy for PTSD, MST, anxiety, depression, or substance use recovery.

We handle all authorization and referral logistics through the VA Community Care Network and offer tech support to help you get started quickly.

Who is VIOP is Ideal For?

Veterans who prefer the privacy and convenience of home-based care
Individuals in rural or underserved areas without access to specialty clinics
Those transitioning from in-person treatment who want to maintain therapeutic momentum
Veterans managing trauma, addiction, or emotional volatility with limited mobility
Veterans needing structured care without disruption to work or caregiving responsibilities

What's Included in VIOP?

3 to 5 days per week of live virtual group and individual therapy
Trauma-informed sessions focused on PTSD, MST, and identity recovery
Veteran-only groups that foster safety, purpose, and connection
Psychiatric check-ins and care coordination with VA providers
Supportive discharge planning and step-down options when ready

A Veteran's Roadmap to Recovery: An Example Journey

The continuum of care is a path from stabilization to independence. Here is what that journey can look like:

Phase 1: Arrival & Stabilization (RTC)
'Sgt. Miller' arrives at Solara in crisis, struggling with severe PTSD and alcohol use. In our Residential program, the 24/7 structure and peer support provide immediate safety. He stabilizes medically, begins intensive trauma therapy in a contained environment, and for the first time in years, feels understood by those around him
Phase 2: Building Skills (PHP)
After 45 days, Sgt. Miller steps down to our Partial Hospitalization Program. He spends his days at our facility in structured therapy, building concrete coping skills. In the evenings, he lives in supportive housing, allowing him to practice his new skills with the safety net of returning to his therapeutic community the next morning.
Phase 3: Real-World Reintegration (IOP)
Feeling more confident, he transitions to our Intensive Outpatient Program. He attends therapy 3-4 days a week while starting a part-time job. IOP provides the flexibility to navigate real-world triggers—at work and at home—with the consistent backing of his therapist and peer group, solidifying his recovery.
Phase 4: Lasting Recovery
Upon completing the continuum, Sgt. Miller is not just "better"—he is equipped. He has a robust relapse prevention plan, a strong connection to a community of support, and the resilience to command his future

Your service was unique. Your treatment should be too.

At Solara Mental Health, we offer a dedicated continuum of care built exclusively for U.S. Military Veterans navigating PTSD, depression, substance use, suicidal ideation, and other trauma-related mental health challenges. Whether you need 24/7 residential support or the flexibility of virtual therapy, our veteran-only programs are designed to meet you with respect, structure, and proven clinical care—at every stage of healing.

All levels of care are trauma-informed and led by licensed professionals with decades of experience serving military and veteran populations.

With VA referral and CCN authorization, most veterans begin within 48 hours.