24/7, VA-Authorized Care in a Structured Healing Environment
When the fight for your well-being requires a complete change of environment, a tactical reset is necessary. For veterans facing acute mental health challenges, our In-Residence Treatment Center (RTC) provides a secure, 24/7 therapeutic environment where you can safely put down the weight you carry and focus entirely on building a healthier future.
This is the most intensive level of care we offer. It is designed for veterans who need a safe, structured, and fully immersive program to stabilize, heal, and develop the skills for long-term recovery.
What is a Residential Treatment Program for Veterans?
An RTC, also known as an inpatient or residential program, is a live-in level of care that provides 24/7 medical and clinical supervision in a safe, structured, and non-hospital setting.
This level of care is essential when:
A Side-by-Side Comparison of Our Levels of Care
Understanding the differences between an IOP, PHP, and Residential Treatment is the first step toward finding the right support.
| Feature | Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) | Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP) | Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) | Residential Treatment Program (RTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Treatment/Week | 9-15 hours | 9-15 hours | 20-30 hours | 24/7 immersive treatment |
| Living Situation | At home | At home | At home or in a sober living environment | At the treatment facility |
| Typical Duration | 8-12 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 30-90 days or longer |
| Primary Services |
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All services of a traditional IOP delivered through a secure virtual platform. |
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| Ideal Candidate | Individuals who have a stable and supportive home environment, can manage their daily responsibilities, and do not require 24-hour supervision. Often a step-down from a higher level of care. | Individuals who meet the criteria for an IOP but require the flexibility of remote treatment due to location, scheduling conflicts, or other personal circumstances. | Individuals who require a higher level of care than an IOP but do not need 24-hour inpatient care. They may have co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders requiring more intensive treatment. | Individuals with severe substance use disorders or mental health conditions who require a highly structured and supervised environment to ensure safety and focus on recovery. This is often the first step for those with chronic addiction or recent relapse. |
| Flexibility | High flexibility, allowing clients to maintain work, school, and family commitments. | Highest flexibility due to the virtual format, eliminating travel time and offering more adaptable scheduling. | Moderate flexibility, as it requires a significant daily time commitment, but clients return home in the evenings. | Low flexibility, as it is a full-time commitment where the individual lives at the facility. |
Why Solara Is the Right Choice for Veteran Residential Treatment
Choosing an inpatient program is a significant decision. For a veteran, trust in your team is paramount. The foundation of our RTC program is built on military cultural competency; a deep and genuine understanding of your life experience.
Specialized Inpatient Treatment for Complex Veteran Conditions
Our residential treatment program is designed to provide the immersive support and multi-disciplinary approach required to treat complex, acute, and co-occurring conditions. Our expertise is focused on the challenges that veterans commonly face, and our 24/7 environment is the ideal setting to build a strong foundation for recovery.
Integrating Proven Therapies for Mind & Body
Lasting recovery requires a multi-faceted approach. We don't just treat symptoms; we provide a fully integrated toolkit of the most effective therapies to heal the whole person. Your treatment plan will be built around a core of gold-standard, evidence-based practices, enhanced by powerful holistic therapies that help regulate the nervous system and support deep healing.
Here are six of the core modalities we utilize in our residential program:
A Higher Standard of Care for Veterans
We believe that a veteran's environment for healing should be as exceptional as their service. True recovery requires more than just effective therapy; it requires a sanctuary; a safe, comfortable, and restorative place where you can fully stand down from high alert and dedicate yourself to your mission of well-being.
At our residential treatment program, we have meticulously crafted every aspect of our program to meet a higher standard, ensuring your experience is built on a foundation of trust, quality, and respect.
This is what sets Solara apart.
Your Home for Recovery
At Solara, we believe a healing environment should be as transformative as the recovery journey itself. We have reimagined a former hotel into a tranquil coastal haven, where the laid-back atmosphere of Pacific Beach helps restore peace and balance. Your luxurious studio, either private or semi-private, is designed as a comfortable home away from home, complete with a private bathroom, ample closet space, and a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave. Here, just a short stroll from the stunning vistas of the pier, you can embrace the healing power of the Pacific in a space built for your well-being.
What to Expect During Your Stay
From the moment you arrive, your mission is structured for success. We provide a clear, predictable plan designed to reduce uncertainty and maximize your therapeutic gains.
Frequently Asked Questions
We want you to have all the information you need to make the best decision for your health. For any other questions, our team is always available to talk.
It means that for eligible veterans using their VA Community Care benefits, you will not receive a bill from us. We handle all the authorizations and billing directly with the VA so you can focus entirely on your recovery without worrying about the cost of treatment.
No. Your first and only step is to call our confidential admissions line. Our team specializes in the VA Community Care process and will handle the benefits verification for you to determine your eligibility. We'll do the legwork so you don't have to.
Not at all. We proudly serve veterans from across the United States. Our admissions team coordinates and arranges prepaid travel to ensure your journey to our San Diego facility is smooth and stress-free.
Not at all. We proudly serve veterans from across the United States. Our admissions team coordinates and arranges prepaid travel to ensure your journey to our San Diego facility is smooth and stress-free.
You can expect a comfortable, private or semi-private room designed for rest and reflection. We've created a space that feels more like a retreat than a hospital, ensuring you have a secure and peaceful environment to call home during your stay.
Yes. After an initial 72-hour stabilization period, which helps you acclimate and focus, you'll have designated times to use your phone and connect with your support system. We also offer family therapy sessions to help your loved ones be a part of your recovery journey.
This is a common and valid concern. The RTC model is fundamentally different from weekly outpatient therapy. Its effectiveness comes from its immersive nature:
24/7 Environment: It removes you from daily stressors and triggers.
Intensity: You receive multiple forms of therapy every day, accelerating progress.
Integration: Medical, clinical, and holistic care all work together under one roof.
Peer Support: You are surrounded by a community of veterans who understand you, which enhances every aspect of treatment.
Absolutely not. You are always in control of your story. Our therapists are experts in trauma-informed care, meaning their first priority is to build a foundation of safety and trust with you. You will only approach difficult topics when you and your therapist agree you have the skills and support to do so safely.
Your treatment is 100% confidential and protected by federal HIPAA laws. It is private medical information that we cannot and will not share with anyone—including employers or any government agency—without your explicit written permission.
We welcome the service animals, emotional support animals, and pets that are a critical part of your support system. The only requirements are that your animal is well-behaved, up-to-date on vaccinations, and does not disrupt the therapeutic environment. You are responsible for their daily care, like feeding and walks.