Other Facts about McAlister Institute for Treatment and Education
McAlister Institute for Treatment and Education, a non-profit agency, has remained on the leading edge of alcohol and other drug treatment services since 1977. McAlister program models helped to pave the way for many treatment agencies that followed.

• McAlister Institute was the first in the county, and the fifth in the nation, to provide gender-specific residential treatment to women and their children.
• As one of the largest and most diverse alcohol and other drug treatment and recovery providers in San Diego County, McAlister Institute provides services to more than 5,000 individuals per year. Culturally and linguistically-appropriate program services are designed to treatmen, women, children, adolescents, and pregnant and parenting women.
• With all McAlister Institute programs and services, the goal is to assist individuals in regaining their lives by supporting the recovery process. Most importantly, all clients are treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background. The approach is based on the assumption that recovery is a life-long process requiring a continuum of community support, and that those who are successfully navigating recovery provide the strongest models for hope and change.
• McAlister Institute staff, many of whom are in recovery, know first-hand the struggles and triumphs of living a substance- free life. Combined with other diverse staff from various backgrounds, McAlister employees form a caring, safe, and supportive treatment environment. Staff also reflects the gender, racial, ethnic, and cultural make-up of clients served. Linguistically-appropriate services are provided, including American Sign Language (ASL).
• All McAlister Institute program facilities are fully operational and in compliance with county, state, and federal requirements. Treatment and education services incorporate a best practices model, consistently updating curriculum and educational information. All programs provide information, education, prevention services, and referrals on communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and other sexually-transmitted infections.
• All McAlister programs are certified through the State of California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and state licensing requirements are intact.
• All McAlister programs have been initiated and expanded based on the increasing needs of participants being served. Fundraising has been (and remains) a vital instrument for continuing treatment program services that are necessary, yet not currently funded by state, local, and federal agencies.