Stepping Stone of San Diego - Stepping Out

Stepping Out

Stepping Stone of San Diego is thrilled to announce the launch of the Stepping Out alcohol and drug outpatient treatment program, serving the LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS-affected communities.

A commitment to the community

Stepping Stone has been providing recovery services to the San Diego LGBTQ community and those affected by HIV/AIDS for over 41 years. In that time, we have developed a unique expertise in providing a continuum of care to the communities we serve. This treatment combines the leading evidence-based and holistic approaches to treatment with the loving and caring community that Stepping Stone is known for.

We are launching the Stepping Out program to extend the Stepping Stone program to more people and fill an urgent need for non-residential options and capacity in San Diego. We feel a strong responsibility to offer more quality choices and recovery opportunities to the communities we serve.

Meeting people where they are

We understand that, for some struggling with addiction, a residential recovery program isn’t possible or isn’t necessary, yet 12-step meetings aren’t quite enough. The Stepping Out outpatient program bridges that gap, and meets clients where they are in their addictions, providing an on-ramp to recovery. Stepping Out also offers flexible options for those who need treatment options that fit with their work schedules.

Stepping Out also provides a critical safety net for newly-sober clients transitioning from the Stepping Stone residential program, and for clients that relapse, for whom it is more important than ever to continue to establish a foundation for recovery.

Individual, specialized treatment where acceptance is the key

For each individual who seeks our care, Stepping Out provides a treatment plan as unique as they are. Just like the residential program, Stepping Out’s primary mission is to serve the LGBTQ and HIV communities and is one of the very few programs with such a specialty in the country, let alone our San Diego region.

Feelings of shame and stigma around sexual orientation, HIV status and their behavior when drinking or using drugs keeps many people in their addictions. Stepping Out is a place where clients can let go of that shame and learn to love and accept themselves for who they are today.

Our program is open to all who can benefit from the environment we have created. 

Family helping family

Stepping Stone’s staff is a group of highly-qualified professionals with decades of experience helping addicts and alcoholics who want to get sober. But we are also a family. From our first compassionate encounter with new individuals at the First Things First meeting to those who attend our residential facility and now our outpatient program, we understand and respect those who come to us for help; they become part of the Stepping Stone family. Many join aftercare meetings, alumni groups and stay involved online and are always welcome at our residential campus.

Our former clients have the opportunity to not only get continuing support but to offer that same love and consideration to new residents and Stepping Out members. For many addicts who’ve been estranged from their family of origin, this new Stepping Stone chosen family offers the unconditional love that’s been absent from their lives for so long.

The outpatient treatment center will offer programs for insurance clients, private pay clients, and will also be home to a unique program supporting those with HIV/AIDS, supported by Ryan White funding. Scholarship and sliding scale fees will be available for those who need assistance for access to treatment options.

Stepping Out

3928 Illinois Street

San Diego, CA 92104

Monday and Wednesday – 10:00 am-6:30 pm
Tuesday and Thursday – Noon – 8:00 pm
Friday – 10:00 am-2:00pm
Saturday – 9:30 am -12:30 pm

To schedule an intake appointment, reach out to us at 619-763-1140, attend our First Things First meeting or Contact Us from the website.

Download Stepping Out Press Release