Our Outpatient Mental Health Program (OP) provides structured, evidence-based support for Santa Clara County residents seeking comprehensive in-person treatment. Designed for those who require ongoing care without the intensity of inpatient or partial hospitalization programs, our OP services offer the therapeutic power of face-to-face connection with flexible scheduling and transportation assistance from the Bay Area.
"I live in San Jose and was initially hesitant about traveling to Orange County for treatment. But after experiencing the crowded, impersonal programs in the Bay Area, I decided to try Friendly Recovery. The transportation coordination made it manageable, and honestly, the journey became part of my healing—dedicated time away from Silicon Valley's pressure cooker. The small group sizes and personalized attention were worth every mile."
Contact us today to learn how our Outpatient Mental Health Program can help you or a loved one in Santa Clara County.
An Outpatient Program (OP) provides structured treatment for individuals who need ongoing mental health support while maintaining daily responsibilities. Unlike inpatient or residential programs, OP offers flexibility, allowing clients to attend therapy sessions while living at home.
Outpatient treatment is ideal for Santa Clara County individuals who require professional mental health care but do not need the constant supervision of an inpatient facility. It enables clients to continue working, attending school, and fulfilling family obligations while still benefiting from structured therapeutic support. The goal is to help individuals develop coping strategies, manage their mental health, and build a foundation for long-term well-being.
Many Santa Clara County residents choose our program because comprehensive, personalized outpatient mental health treatment is difficult to find in the Bay Area. While the distance from San Jose, Palo Alto, or Sunnyvale to Tustin requires commitment, our clients consistently report that the quality of care, small group sizes, and individualized attention make the journey worthwhile. We provide transportation coordination and a hybrid model that combines strategic in-person sessions with telehealth convenience, minimizing travel demands while maximizing therapeutic benefit.
We understand that traveling from the Bay Area to Orange County for mental health treatment is a significant commitment. Many Santa Clara County residents initially hesitate when they discover we’re located in Tustin rather than San Jose or Palo Alto. We want to address this directly and honestly.
Transportation Assistance: We provide transportation coordination services for Santa Clara County residents committed to in-person outpatient care. Our team works with you to arrange reliable transportation options that fit your schedule and budget.
Hybrid Treatment Model: You don’t need to travel to Tustin five days per week. Most Santa Clara County clients attend 1-2 in-person sessions per week at our facility, with remaining sessions conducted via telehealth. This hybrid approach provides the therapeutic benefits of face-to-face connection while minimizing travel burden.
Flexible Scheduling: We schedule your in-person sessions on the same day(s) each week, allowing you to plan work, childcare, and other responsibilities around your treatment. Many clients find that establishing this routine actually reduces stress rather than adding to it.
Travel Time Estimates:
Best Travel Times: Mid-morning departures (9-10am) typically avoid the worst Bay Area and Southern California traffic. Many clients schedule afternoon sessions, allowing for comfortable morning travel and return.
Despite the distance, many Bay Area residents specifically seek out our program. Here’s why:
Small Group Sizes: Our groups are capped at 12 people. Compare this to many Bay Area programs where groups can have 20-30 participants, leaving little time for individual attention or meaningful connection.
Consistent Therapists: You’ll work with the same clinical team throughout your treatment, building trust and continuity. Many Bay Area programs rotate therapists frequently due to high staff turnover.
Specialized Expertise: Our trauma-informed approach and expertise in treating dual diagnosis clients (co-occurring mental health and substance use) may not be readily available in your local area.
Shorter Wait Times: While some Bay Area programs have 4-8 week waitlists, most clients can begin our program within 1-2 weeks of initial contact.
The Journey as Healing: Many clients report that the drive itself becomes therapeutic—a dedicated time to mentally prepare for therapy on the way down, process insights on the way back, and physically separate from Silicon Valley’s intensity.
Prefer 100% remote care? We also offer telehealth mental health services for Santa Clara County residents who need flexibility without travel.
Our program consists of one group session, five times per week, lasting 1-1.5 hours per session. These sessions help Santa Clara County individuals understand their mental health challenges, manage substance use, and strengthen personal growth and relationships. Sessions focus on skill-building, emotional regulation, and practical strategies for handling everyday stressors—including the unique pressures facing Bay Area professionals.
Outpatient care serves as an effective transition from higher levels of care, such as inpatient or partial hospitalization programs (PHP), helping clients maintain progress while reintegrating into daily life. It is also an excellent option for those who need ongoing support but do not require intensive treatment. For Santa Clara County residents, our hybrid model allows you to step away from the Bay Area’s intensity for focused in-person sessions while maintaining therapeutic continuity through telehealth on other days.
Evidence-Based Treatment: We use clinically proven methods to support long-term mental wellness.
Supportive Community: Our program fosters dignity, empowerment, and connection.
Empowerment: You have the ability to create meaningful change in your life. We provide the tools, encouragement, and support to rebuild confidence.
Integrity and Honesty: Trust is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll feel safe sharing your thoughts and experiences in a supportive, respectful environment.
Personal Responsibility: Take an active role in your recovery to build self-awareness and create a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Respect and Collaboration: You’re not alone in this. Our team works alongside you, your family, and your peers to build a strong support system that encourages lasting progress.
Holistic Care: Recovery isn’t just about mental health—it’s about taking care of your whole self. We incorporate mindfulness, physical wellness, and emotional balance into everything we do.
Commitment to Growth: Our team stays current with the latest research and treatment approaches, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
Choosing the right outpatient program is a crucial step in your mental health journey. At Friendly Recovery, we focus on providing a personalized and supportive experience that helps Santa Clara County individuals regain stability and confidence. Our approach ensures that every client receives a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, empowering them to take control of their well-being.
With highly trained clinicians specializing in mental health and substance use recovery, you’ll receive expert care grounded in evidence-based methods. We understand the unique pressures facing Bay Area residents—from tech industry burnout and imposter syndrome to the financial stress of living in one of America’s most expensive regions. Our therapists have experience working with high-achieving professionals who are used to excelling but find themselves struggling with anxiety, depression, or substance use. More importantly, we foster a compassionate, judgment-free environment where healing and growth are encouraged. Here, you’ll find not just treatment but a supportive community dedicated to helping you move forward.
If our outpatient program isn’t the right fit, we also offer more intensive options, including our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). These programs provide additional structure and support for individuals who need a higher level of care while still maintaining some independence. No matter your situation, we have a program designed to meet your needs and help you move toward lasting recovery.
Call today to learn more about our Outpatient Program for Santa Clara County residents, including transportation options and hybrid scheduling. Our team is here to provide the right support to help you move forward with confidence.
This is the question we hear most from Bay Area residents, and it deserves an honest answer. It depends on what you're looking for. If you need convenient care that fits seamlessly into a busy schedule, our telehealth program might be a better fit. But if you're seeking comprehensive, personalized in-person treatment and have found Bay Area programs lacking—whether due to large group sizes, long waitlists, high therapist turnover, or limited specialized expertise—many Santa Clara County clients find the journey absolutely worthwhile. Our hybrid model (1-2 in-person days plus telehealth) makes it more manageable than you might think, and we provide transportation coordination to help.
Most Santa Clara County clients attend 1-2 in-person group sessions per week at our Tustin facility, with the remaining sessions conducted via secure telehealth from home. We work with you to create a schedule that balances therapeutic effectiveness with practical feasibility. For example, you might attend in-person sessions on Tuesdays and telehealth sessions on Thursdays and Saturdays. This provides the powerful benefits of face-to-face connection and community while minimizing travel demands. The in-person sessions become anchors for your week, with telehealth maintaining continuity between visits.
Yes! Our Outpatient Program is an excellent step-down option for Santa Clara County residents completing inpatient, residential, or PHP treatment anywhere in California. Many clients complete residential treatment elsewhere and choose our program for continuing care because we offer the structure and expertise they need with the flexibility to return home and resume work. The hybrid model works particularly well for step-down care—you might start with more frequent in-person sessions and gradually transition to more telehealth as you stabilize.
We completely understand. The distance is significant, and not everyone is in a position to make that commitment—whether due to work constraints, family responsibilities, health limitations, or simply personal preference. That's exactly why we created our telehealth mental health services specifically for Santa Clara County residents. You can receive the same evidence-based treatment, just 100% remotely. There's no judgment either way—we want you to get the care that actually works for your life circumstances.
Shahana Ham, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She specializes in client-centered care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
Our experienced team provides expert IOP, PHP, and outpatient care for individuals in Orange County. We deliver personalized counseling, group therapy, and holistic treatments in a supportive environment designed to improve your life.
Our team is ready to help—call us now!
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