Nine years of culturally inclusive care in Hillcrest. Meet the team, the mission, and the philosophy behind more than 6,600 recovery stories.
MDCR Rehab was founded nine years ago through a partnership with a regional San Diego hospital that was seeing a sharp increase in overdose admissions. Emergency physicians and behavioral health specialists recognized that many patients were cycling through the ER because existing treatment options did not account for their cultural backgrounds, language barriers, or family structures. Discharge plans failed when they ignored the realities of the people they were written for.
A coalition of clinicians, community health workers, and hospital administrators came together to build something different. They opened a 61-bed facility on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest — a neighborhood already known for its diversity and inclusivity — and staffed it with professionals who reflected the communities they aimed to serve. From day one, intake assessments included questions about cultural identity, spiritual practices, family dynamics, and preferred language of care.
Today, with 131 staff members and more than 6,600 individuals served, MDCR Rehab continues the work that began in those hospital corridors: ensuring that no one is turned away from effective treatment because of who they are or where they come from.
Our mission is rooted in a single conviction: every person who walks through our doors deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of their background, substance history, or circumstances. We believe that dignity is not a reward for progress — it is the foundation upon which progress is built.
At MDCR Rehab, dignity-first means that clinical decisions, facility policies, and daily interactions all center on respect for the individual. We do not strip people down to rebuild them. We meet each person where they are and honor the strength they already carry. This principle guides our hiring, our training, and every treatment plan we develop for the individuals and families we serve across San Diego County and beyond.
Our treatment philosophy stands on three pillars that work together to create lasting recovery:
These three pillars are delivered through evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, EMDR, trauma-focused therapy, and art therapy — each adapted to reflect the cultural context and individual needs of the people we serve.
Medical Director
Board-certified in addiction medicine and psychiatry, Dr. Espinoza spent a decade in hospital emergency departments before co-founding MDCR Rehab. She oversees all medical detox protocols and ensures that treatment plans respect each patient's cultural and linguistic needs. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
Clinical Director
James leads the clinical team with 14 years of experience in behavioral health and trauma recovery. His specialties include EMDR and culturally adapted CBT. He developed MDCR Rehab's strengths-based assessment framework and trains new counselors on integrating cultural awareness into every therapeutic interaction.
Program Coordinator
Priya designs and manages the daily therapeutic schedule, ensuring that creative arts sessions, vocational workshops, and group therapy flow seamlessly. With a background in community mental health, she brings a deep understanding of how cultural context shapes the recovery experience for each resident.
Peer Support Supervisor
A graduate of the MDCR Rehab program himself, Rafael now leads peer accountability groups and mentors newly admitted residents. His personal recovery journey and bilingual capabilities make him a trusted bridge between clinical staff and the diverse individuals entering treatment.
"I came to MDCR Rehab at 24, convinced that a treatment center could never understand where I come from. I was wrong. My counselor asked about my family, my neighborhood, my values — things no one in healthcare had ever asked before. The vocational program helped me land a job within weeks of graduating. I am now 26 and building a life I am proud of."
— Kevin R., Class of 2024
"Finishing treatment was just the beginning for me. I started volunteering at MDCR Rehab because the staff and the residents became my second family. Now I lead a weekly peer group for new admissions, sharing what worked for me and listening to their stories. Giving back is not charity — it is part of how I stay well."
— Simone J., Alumni Mentor
"When my daughter entered MDCR Rehab, I was terrified. But the family sessions changed everything. The therapists helped us understand each other again — not just the addiction, but the years of silence around it. They honored our traditions and included us in the healing process. My daughter is thriving, and so is our family."
— Hector V., Family Member
Our compassionate team is ready to help you take the first step.
