Sharp McDonald Center

At Sharp McDonald Center, the total treatment cost is determined by the level of care and length of stay. Once you begin the intake process, you will meet with an admissions representative who will discuss the financial process and contact your insurance company directly.

Many private insurance companies will cover the cost of treatment, although insurance coverage depends on your individual insurance plan. Some services may be covered under mental health benefits, while some may limit coverage to outpatient services.

Our staff is experienced in working with insurance companies that provide coverage for addiction treatment. Our admissions representative will work to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits available from your insurance company and will also provide you with an estimate for any uncovered balances in advance. In addition, Sharp McDonald Center offers very competitive self-pay rates for all levels of care.

Our compassionate medical team works with you and your family on breaking addiction cycles. We're a team of affiliated physicians and psychiatrists, experienced nurses, licensed therapists and certified counselors. Together, we'll help build the foundation for a successful recovery.

With 16 beds and a range of personalized programs, we provide care in a supportive, structured, homelike environment.

The type of treatment you can expect to receive at our center consists of education on the nature of both addiction and recovery, as well as group therapy, case management services, relapse prevention, family education, recreational groups, assertiveness training, and guidance on dealing with problems common to addicts and alcoholics.

We'll ask that you engage in therapeutic task assignments to help reinforce daily structure and participate in discussion sessions and aftercare groups.

During your stay, you'll also be exposed to other support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and SMART meetings, which will be an important aspect of your continued recovery when you are done with your time here.

Within your first few days of treatment, you will have conversations with registered nurses, therapists and physicians in order for us to gain a deeper understanding of how addiction has impacted your life. Together, we'll work to develop your individualized treatment plan and identify your personal recovery goals.

We will ask that you follow our daily schedule while you are in treatment. The importance of establishing a structured daily schedule cannot be overstated.

Such seemingly little things as getting to bed at a reasonable hour, eating normal meals and maintaining personal hygiene are often neglected in addiction.

Reestablishing these habits of living by taking care of details such as making your bed each morning, keeping your room tidy and eating a healthy breakfast are among the first steps in bringing order to what may have become a disorderly lifestyle.

As you prepare for your stay with us, the list below will help you determine what items to bring. Please note that all items are subject to review by your caregivers. For your convenience, we have on-site laundry facilities and laundry detergent will be provided for you.

• Modest street clothing for one week only

• One pair of closed-toed shoes

• Exercise clothing and athletic shoes

• Curling iron/blow dryer

• One pair of pajamas, one robe, one pair of shower shoes

• Toothpaste and toothbrush

• Deodorant (non-aerosol)

• Comb/brush

• Makeup and feminine hygiene products

• Personal identification (driver's license or passport) and insurance card

• No more than $20 cash with you (preferably as one-dollar bills)

• Current prescriptions/medications to be taken during treatment

• Shaving items

• Shampoo, conditioner

• Body wash/soap

• Stationery, stamps and envelopes

• Pens, pencils and notepad

• One book for reading pleasure*

• A picture of family or friends

• One small personal music player (CD or MP3 player) with headphones that is without Wi-Fi, camera or recording capabilities**

*This is for personal use during non-program hours only, which are from 9:15 to 11 pm.

**Cell phone use is discouraged in order to allow you to participate more fully in the program. During your time in treatment your cell phone will be securely stored.

What you should leave at home:

• Any item with alcohol listed in the first three ingredients

• Clothing or items reflecting drugs, or explicit images or language

• Electronic devices that have Internet, telephone, photographic or recording capabilities (examples include, but are not limited to, tablets and mobile phones)

• Weapons of any kind including any sharp object

• Illegal substances and alcohol

• Electronic cigarettes, rolling papers, cigars and pipes

• Candles and incense

• Personal movies

• Non-prescription (over-the-counter) medication such as Advil, Tylenol, creams, etc.

• Food and beverages

• Chewable candy, suckers and gum

• Personal computers and computer equipment

While it is safe to come to any Sharp facility for your medical needs, we have implemented new visitation policies for the health and safety of all. Currently, we are not allowing any visitors in-person at Sharp McDonald Center. Read our hospital visitor policy.

Due to confidentiality, we cannot confirm or deny that a patient is at the facility. However, patients can receive messages and return your call. Please call 858-637-6920 to leave messages for patients. Patients may return routine calls Monday through Saturday from 5:30 pm to 10:45 pm. Extended phone hours are on Sundays from 2:30 pm to 10:45 pm. Emergency phone messages will be delivered to patients immediately.

Mail can be sent to:
Sharp McDonald Center
c/o patient's name
8003 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111

If you'd like to recognize a doctor, nurse or caregiver who made a difference in your loved one's experience, please take a moment to send a note of thanks.