Detox and Residential Treatment Program for Veterans and Active Military in Santa Ana, CA

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.3/5 on Google

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.3/5 on Google

Level of care: 

Detox/Residential

Program Length: 
30-90 days

Ages:

18+

Location:
Santa Ana, CA

Located in Santa Ana, California, a vibrant city of over 310,000 citizens in Orange County, Miramar Health’s Hesperian St. Detox and Residential Treatment center offers safe, confidential, medically supervised detox and therapeutic treatment designed for veterans, active-duty military, and their families.

Speak with an Addiction Admissions Specialist

Your information is private and secure. No pressure to commit.

Providing the national gold standard programs and treatment for our veterans.

Serving Those Who Have Served Our Nation

Service to our country is a sacrifice that often comes at a high personal cost. It’s not uncommon for those who have served in the military to return home with substance abuse or mental health challenges.

Our veteran-owned and operated detox and residential treatment center provides compassionate, comprehensive, and trauma-informed care to veterans and active-duty military personnel on the path to recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders.

We believe military and veteran mental health care should be informed by military culture, which is why many of our team members are veterans. Our clinical team uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based, and effective treatment.

Stories of Hope

Why Choose Miramar’s Facility in Santa Ana, CA?

Our veteran-owned and operated detox and residential treatment center provides compassionate, comprehensive, and trauma-informed care to veterans and active-duty military personnel on the path to recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders.

We serve only veterans and active-duty military and have a deep understanding of military culture and of the stigma that can prevent some veterans from seeking treatment.

Why Hesperian House in Santa Ana, CA Is Perfect for Recovery

Santa Ana, CA, is the county seat of Orange County and a vibrant, diverse city with a hot semi-arid climate and a rich cultural heritage. Known for its historic downtown, strong Latino influence, and central location, Santa Ana offers a mix of urban amenities and suburban charm.

Santa Ana blends history, culture, and modern conveniences, making it a dynamic place to visit in Orange County. The “Midtown” district along Main St., is home to entertainment destinations such as the Bowers Museum, MainPlace Mall, and the Discovery Science Center. Of interest to veterans, the Santa Ana Army Air Base was a huge basic training camp during WW II with over 145,000 trainees passing through in two years before it was closed in 1944.

Why Seek Addiction Treatment?

There are many emotional reasons why you may want to make a change in your life by seeking treatment for your addiction. While they vary from person to person, they often include:

Hitting rock bottom

and realizing that seeking treatment is less painful than continuing addictive behaviors

Fear of loss or death

affecting family members or friends and seeing others die

Feeling guilt or shame

about hurtful actions while under the influence

Feeling hope for the future,

seeing others recover, and wanting this same freedom

Love and family pressure

to be present and reliable for loved ones

Self-disgust

and a desire to reinvent yourself beyond addiction

Mental health challenges

and wanting to address root causes rather than self-medicate

Spiritual or existential awakening

to seek redemption and be inspired to make a change

Treating Unique Challenges Faced By Veterans and Active-Duty Military

We treat a wide range of addictions for the following substances:

Heroin

Fentanyl

Oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet)

Hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin)

Morphine

Codeine

Methadone

Cocaine

Methamphetamine (Meth)

Alcohol

Marijuana (THC)

Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin)

Synthetic Cannabinoids (e.g., Spice, K2)

Mental health conditions we treat include:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Trauma — with a focus on military/veteran populations

Acute Stress Disorder

Combat and Operational Stress

Substance abuse

Depression

Anxiety

OCD

Bipolar Disorder

ADHD

Borderline Personality Disorder

Co-occurring disorders

Personality Disorders

Schizophrenia

Self-Harm

Suicidality

Codependency

Grief and Loss

 Our Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs

We offer a complete range of treatment options, including

Detoxification and Withdrawal Management

Residential Treatment

Aftercare and Transition Services

Meet Your Treatment Team

Our compassionate and highly qualified staff is ready to serve your recovery mission.

Tom Sauer

CEO and Founder

A graduate of the US Naval Academy and an 18-year Navy and Marine Corps Veteran, behavioral health became a deep passion of Tom’s following the loss of his father to a meth overdose after decades of struggle with mental illness and addiction, just like so many millions of Americans suffering from our country’s disastrous mental health and addiction crisis.

During his time as a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer, Tom trained and readied his team of Special Operations EOD Operators to locate and deal with terrorist nuclear weapons.

He and his team deployed as the Western Pacific’s Crisis Response Force, in concert with US Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Joint Special Operations Command, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. His team worked directly with the highest levels of the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, The White House, and several “other” government organizations.

As a former Navy Lieutenant Commander from one of the most selective, demanding, and dangerous career fields on earth, Tom’s passion shifted to an even more deadly threat to America’s Veterans: Our mental health, addiction, and suicide crisis.

Today, Miramar Health’s incredible team saves lives and relieves human suffering on a daily basis, and there’s no better group of Americans needing it more than our own Veterans. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the US Naval Academy, and graduate degrees from UCLA and the National University of Singapore.

Colin Myers

President

Colin Myers serves as President for MacArthur Group and Miramar Health. Colin is a Navy veteran, having served as a submarine officer and US Navy nuclear engineer. During his 9 years in the Navy, Colin served in demanding roles supervising the operations of a nuclear power plant and nuclear weapons security.

In these roles, Colin experienced firsthand the impact of stressful working conditions on the mental health of service members, including depression and suicide. In his civilian roles, Colin is committed to helping foster environments where staff and clients receive the help, healing, and restoration they need to thrive.

Prior to joining Miramar, Colin gained experience in multiple industries including serving as President of Anthem Wealth Management, VP of Department of Defense Sales for Comtech Systems, Inc., and Senior Financial Analyst for Darden Restaurants.

Colin has a passion for helping others best steward their resources. He lives in Clermont, FL with his wife and three children and enjoys studying theology, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, table tennis, and nano-aquaculture. Colin received his undergraduate degree from the United States Naval Academy and his MBA from Rollins College.

Dr. Joseph DeSanto (MD)

Medical Director

Dr. DeSanto serves as the Medical Director at Miramar Health, bringing over 25 years of experience in Internal and Addiction Medicine. Since joining the team in 2021, he has led the medical staff and designed evidence-based detox protocols that prioritize patient safety, comfort, and long-term recovery. Dr. DeSanto earned his undergraduate degree from Lafayette College in Easton, PA, and his medical degree from SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and is board certified in Internal Medicine.

With more than 15 years dedicated to Addiction Medicine, Dr. DeSanto has worked across numerous treatment centers, held leadership positions, and helped thousands of patients at both residential and acute levels of care. He has also maintained a private practice since 2012.

Dr. DeSanto’s passion for this work is deeply personal—his own recovery journey, and the compassionate care he received during treatment, inspired him to enter the field. He saw an opportunity to offer the kind of physician support that people in recovery uniquely need. What he finds most rewarding is witnessing the ripple effect of healing—not only in patients, but across their entire families.

Basharat Khan (LMFT)

Vice President Operations

Basharat “Bash” Khan is the Vice President of Operations at Miramar Health and holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, with academic training from Pepperdine University and UC Irvine. With a background in organizational behavior and evidence-based crisis counseling, he is dedicated to transforming mental health care for the veteran community. Bash combines clinical insight with strategic leadership to foster compassionate, effective programs that break down barriers to recovery and well-being.

Landon Sharp (LMFT)

Executive Director

Landon Sharp is the Executive Director of Miramar Health, where he leads and supports a multidisciplinary team of licensed therapists and certified drug and alcohol counselors. With over 12 years of experience in 24/7 residential dual diagnosis treatment centers, Landon brings deep expertise in the field of substance use and mental health. He holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2014.

Landon specializes in treating individuals facing substance use disorders, PTSD, and co-occurring mental health conditions, with a focus on how these challenges interact and impact daily life. Passionate about serving the veteran community, Landon is dedicated to breaking the cycle of addiction and mental health crises, helping individuals reconnect with loved ones and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.

Elizabeth Hagen (MA)

Program Manager

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hagen is the Program Manager at Miramar Health, where she plays a key leadership role in the program department. Since joining the team in October 2021 as a Behavioral Health Technician, Lizzie has advanced through the ranks—first as Shift Lead, then Facility Manager—driven by her dedication, teamwork, and strong work ethic.

Lizzie holds a master’s degree in Coaching Sciences from the University of the Pacific and brings extensive experience in coaching, leadership, and team development. Her passion lies in supporting the veteran community and ensuring that every client at Miramar receives the resources and tools they need to heal across all aspects of life. Known for her ability to foster connection and collaboration, Lizzie describes herself as a “human glue stick,” committed to strengthening relationships and team unity. She sets a high bar for excellence while also striving to bring joy, laughter, and compassion to everyone she encounters—always leading with love.

 Ryan West

Director of Quality Assurance

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Robin Dorsey

Director of Human Resources

Robin is the Director of Human Resources for the organization. With over 14 years of experience in management and human resources, she is a dedicated leader who values measurable results and a healthy culture where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and grow.

Her core competencies include developing high-level HR strategies, expanding and diversifying the workforce, and working as a strategic business partner across teams to drive results. Her passions are focused on development and succession planning, and building stronger teams and leaders. With this passion, she can keep the “human” element of human resources at the forefront and promote a successful business through people-centric approaches.

Robin holds a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Psychology, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, and multiple certifications in various HR focus areas.

Jerry Bustos

Human Resources Manager

Jerry currently serves as Miramar Health’s Human Resources Manager. His passion and dedication for serving others led him to pursue a career in human resources. Jerry brings to the table a wealth of experience in Human Resources and strong business acumen.

Prior to his role at Miramar, Jerry acquired his Bachelor’s degree in English and worked in the global workforce mobilization industry. Jerry hopes to cultivate a positive and impactful work culture at Miramar that allows its staff members to positively impact the lives of the veterans Miramar serves.

Christina Chituc (LMFT)

Clinical Manager

Christina C. Chituc, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Orange county, California, with a deep passion for helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School.

Christina began her career in mental health in 2015, beginning during her internship with California Gang Reduction Intervention and Prevention program through the city of Fullerton working with children and their families, and as a Behavior Technician at Children’s Learning Connection, later providing behavioral therapy at Footprints Behavior Interventions. She completed her pre-graduate clinical training at Turning Point Center for Families in Costa Mesa, working with individual adults, children, and families, and has since held roles as a mental health specialist, lead clinician, and clinical supervisor.

Practicing psychotherapy since 2019 as an associate and since 2023, a licensed therapist, Christina most recently served as the Clinical Manager at Coastal Star Crisis Residential Treatment Center before joining Miramar Health in April 2024 in the same role. Known for her trauma-informed, compassionate approach, she brings warmth, insight, and a collaborative spirit to every client interaction, always striving to create a safe, supportive space for healing and growth.

Kristal Gage (SUDCC II)

Case Manager Supervisor

Kristal Gage is a dedicated professional with over seven years of experience in the substance abuse and mental health field, working across both inpatient and outpatient settings. She began her career as a Behavioral Health Technician, quickly distinguishing herself through her compassion and commitment to quality care. Her performance led to a promotion to Case Manager, where she provided exceptional support to veterans and played a key leadership role on the team.
Today, Kristal serves as the Case Manager Supervisor at Miramar Health, where she oversees the case management department and ensures the highest standards of care are upheld. Known for her empathetic approach and deep understanding of the challenges her clients face, Kristal remains a steadfast advocate for those on the journey to recovery and wellness.

Krystal Smith

Corporate Admissions Manager

With nearly a decade of experience in the behavioral health and addiction treatment field, Krystal Smith serves as the Corporate Admissions Manager for Miramar Health, where she leads with compassion, integrity, and a mission-driven approach.

Krystal began her career as an intake specialist and has since worked across multiple levels of care, including detox, residential treatment, PHP, and IOP, as well as Mental Health treatment. Her professional journey has been rooted in service—helping individuals and families navigate the often-overwhelming path to recovery. Through the years, she has developed a deep understanding of the admissions process from both clinical and operational perspectives, allowing her to bridge the gap between quality care and timely access to treatment.

At Miramar Health, Krystal oversees all aspects of the admissions process and plays a pivotal role in collaboration with our clinical, operations, and business development teams. She is particularly passionate about serving the veteran community and is a strong advocate for improving access to behavioral healthcare for those who have served. She believes that every veteran deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in their healing journey—and she ensures that every interaction reflects those values.

Known for her calm presence, sharp attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to those we serve, Krystal is often the first reassuring voice our clients and families hear. Her ability to make people feel seen, heard, and cared for is what sets her apart—and what makes her such an integral part of the Miramar Health mission. When she’s not working, Krystal enjoys spending time with her family and creating meaningful memories with the next generation, staying grounded in what matters most as she continues her mission to serve others with compassion and purpose.

Jordan Allen

Veteran Outreach Specialist

Jordan has been with Miramar since October of 2021 and started his journey working in the transportation department. While in this role, he learned a great deal about the healthcare industry and how vital a part he could play in someone’s journey towards recovery. He is a strong supporter of Miramar’s mission and the importance placed on serving and treating Veterans with the highest quality care possible, as these men and women have sacrificed so much for their country. He is honored and humbled to be working with such a phenomenal team of professionals in a highly focused, mission-driven organization.

Our Veteran Detox & Residential Treatment Program in Santa Ana

During treatment at Miramar Health, you’ll live in a welcoming home-like residential setting with other veterans and active-duty military. 

Here, you’ll share comfortable living spaces with peers who understand your journey, receive around-the-clock support from our compassionate staff, and have access to resources like nutritious meals, recreational activities, and life skills workshops—all within a tranquil setting designed to feel more like home than a hospital.

Residential treatment is our highest level of care, allowing you to get the help you need immediately, rather than waiting for an appointment. 

We believe veterans and active-duty military mental health care should be informed by military culture, which is why many of our team members are veterans. Our clinical team uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based, and effective treatment. 

Who Can Benefit from Detox and Residential Treatment?

Miramar’s withdrawal management (detox) and residential treatment programs can benefit individuals struggling with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions. Those who may benefit most include:

Addiction and Mental Health Residential Treatment for Veterans and Active-Duty Military

Trauma-Informed

Our treatment programs at Miramar Health are guided by the principles of trauma-informed care—focusing on building trust, safety, empowerment, collaboration, and resilience. We understand that no healing journey is the same, so we aim to tailor each treatment to our clients’ unique needs and experiences.

Evidence-Based Therapies

Therapy is an essential component of our program and supports long-term recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders. We offer evidence-based therapies, including CBT, DBT, and ACT, to help veterans work through triggers, find comfort in shared understanding with others in recovery, and learn positive coping skills for stress relief.

Dual Diagnosis

Veterans with substance use disorders are 3 to 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD, depression, or another mental health disorder. Miramar Health creates integrated treatment plans that simultaneously address addiction and underlying mental health conditions.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT is a whole-patient approach to treating addiction to opioids and prescription pain relievers. It combines medication with behavioral therapy, social support, and other wraparound services to increase successful treatment outcomes.

Social Support and Peer Connection

A core piece of our residential program is group therapy and the development of a peer support network. Current and former members of the military can find comfort and community with others in recovery through sharing and hearing stories of similar traumatic experiences. This gives them common ground and can be a powerful treatment to facilitate healing.

Alumni Aftercare and Transition Services

Our aftercare services support alumni clients’ recovery efforts after they complete residential treatment and help them transition back into their communities. During residential, clients will receive support to help create a personalized recovery plan for after treatment. This may include a blend of peer support services, virtual support, transition to a sober living home, or participating in outpatient therapies. 

AA meetings for alumni are held virtually on a biweekly basis. Check-in calls and text happen regularly. Spirituality is an important part of AA 12-step meetings as it requires belief in a higher power..

Alumni activities include baseball games, bowling, beach events, etc. Alumni are invited back for an H & I (hospitals and institutions) program sponsored by AA which is like a private 12-step meeting.

Take the first step

Will Insurance Cover Veteran Residential Treatment at Miramar Health?

At Miramar Health, we believe financial concerns should not be a barrier to recovery. We’re committed to making our comprehensive treatment services accessible to all active-duty personnel, veterans, and their spouses.

If you’re a veteran, active-duty military, or family member wondering about insurance, the answer is yes. Miramar Health is a veteran-owned and operated treatment center and an in-network provider through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Community Care Network (CCN) via TriWest Healthcare Alliance. 

We are authorized to provide Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment to eligible veterans nationwide, with access granted through referral by VA case managers. We also accept Tricare for active-duty members and their families.

Our dedicated admission specialists are here to assist you in understanding the details of your coverage and will help you navigate the insurance process..

We also accept most major commercial policies

How To Receive Care at Miramar Health in California

Referral

You must be referred through the VA if you have Triwest insurance coverage.or directly with us if you have Tricare insurance coverage.

Call

With a short phone call, one of Miramar Health’s treatment specialists can guide you or a loved one through the brief and confidential admission process. Reach out directly for guidance on how to go through the process.

Assessment

After we vet your application, we will carry out a clinical and medical assessment by phone.

A Courageous Step On Your Journey to Health

The recovery journey can be a challenging time for many clients. Knowing this, we are committed to accompanying you and your family on this journey, every step of the way. It takes extreme courage to face the challenges associated with addiction and we are here to help.

Get Started With Admission

Once these steps are completed, in a phone call with the admissions team, we:

  • Schedule your arrival
  • Call us to discuss your insurance options and we’ll guide you. If you’re covered under Triwest you need a referral from the VA. If you’re covered under Triricare, you can work with us directly. We will provide specifics to help you.
  • Provide you with a list of recommended items to bring to treatment
  • Make ourselves available to you for any additional information and support.   

Access to Recovery Tools and Resources

Miramar Health’s Hesperian St. Detox and Residential Treatment program in Santa Ana, CA provides access to comprehensive therapies, support services, and structured activities designed for healing.

Therapies and programs available include:

The Benefits of Residential Treatment for Veterans

Miramar Health offers a tailored approach that understands the unique challenges of those with military experience. This focused care benefits veterans in several ways:

Military Trauma-Informed

Our team of therapists and staff understand the specific kind of trauma and stress that veterans often struggle with, and many members of our team have served in the military themselves.

Holistic Approach

We approach addiction with the understanding that it is often influenced by underlying mental health problems. Our specialized programs include a blend of holistic treatments that focus on physical, mental, and spiritual healing to treat both substance abuse and mental health challenges.

Reducing Stigma

Clients with military backgrounds are often hesitant to reach out for help or speak with loved ones about their struggles with addiction or mental health stigma. Veteran-specific therapies create a safe space to share experiences, develop positive coping skills, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of recovery.

Peer Support

Veteran rehab centers and treatment programs help former military personnel connect with others who have faced similar challenges. This fosters a sense of community, which is essential for successful recovery.

 Accessible Treatment Options

We welcome clients from across the country. Whether you’re seeking full-time residential care or flexible outpatient support, our locations make it easier to begin your recovery journey.

Hesperian House

2542 N. HESPERIAN ST. Santa Ana CA 92706

Our clinical team uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based, and effective treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Residential Treatment?

Residential treatment takes place in a safe, home-like setting. Residents receive around-the-clock support from our compassionate staff, and have access to resources like nutritious meals, recreational activities, and life skills workshops, as well as a range of therapies.

Recognizing and responding to the impact of military trauma, we promote the following values: safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, empowerment, and resilience.

Veterans, active-duty military, and their families can benefit if they have experienced military war and combat trauma, military sexual abuse, violence, loss, or other distressing event,s and experience mental health or substance abuse challenges.

First, we understand military culture and trauma as many of our staff have served. We address the root causes of trauma responses, focusing on safety, trust, and empowerment while avoiding the re-traumatization of our clients.

We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. As well, we offer mindfulness meditation and holistic activities on an individual basis. These therapies are all tailored to our client’s individual needs.

It typically ranges from 30 days to 90 days, depending on individual needs.

We understand the importance of family in the military community. Throughout treatment, the family will have several occasions to visit the center, participate in activities or events, and attend family therapy or support groups.

We have a flexible technology policy that allows cell phones and computers to be used with limits.

Our treatment center is a smoke-free setting, including cigarettes, vapes, and chewing tobacco. We do not allow entry of any non-prescribed medications, alcohol, illicit drugs, or weapons

Miramar Health is a veteran-owned and operated treatment center and an in-network provider through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Community Care Network (CCN) via TriWest Healthcare Alliance. 

We are authorized to provide Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment to eligible veterans nationwide, with access granted through referral by VA case managers. We also accept Tricare for active-duty members and their families.

Reclaim Your Mission – Begin Recovery Today

Take the courageous first step towards lasting health and well-being. Contact our admissions team today.