Thelma McMillen Recovery Center building exterior

About Thelma McMillen Recovery Center

The Thelma McMillen Recovery Center at Torrance Memorial is the South Bay’s leading hospital-based outpatient alcohol and drug treatment center dedicated to helping community members return to a full and rewarding life.

For over 30 years, our program has helped clients get clean and sober while continuing to work, live at home, recover in their normal environment, and develop healthy lifestyle habits.

Through customized treatment plans, experienced staff support, and evidence-based outpatient treatment, our center offers a comprehensive program accepted by most insurance plans that helps teens and adults recover and break free from substance use patterns.

Learn About Our Program

Designed for adults who are ready to get clean and sober within the framework of their real lives.

Learn About the Adult Program

Seeking early intervention for substance use, abuse, and addiction is an important step toward your teen’s recovery and ongoing wellness.

Learn About the Teen Program

“Thelma McMillen was my home. It's where I felt safe to be.”

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Services & Programs

Intensive Outpatient Program

Our three-phase intensive outpatient program is designed for adults and teens who need structured treatment but do not require inpatient care. Patients may choose daytime or evening programming so they can continue work, school, and living at home while receiving support to achieve and maintain recovery.

Our adult program typically lasts nine months, and our teen program typically lasts six months. Patients may continue longer if appropriate.

Our program uses a cognitive behavioral therapy approach and includes:

  • Phase I – Intensive Care
  • Phase II – Transitional Care
  • Phase III – Continuing Care

Individual Therapy

Patients meet one-on-one with experienced mental health professionals who use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based approaches to support recovery.

CBT helps patients recognize and change destructive thinking patterns and develop healthier responses to difficult situations.

Depending on individual needs, therapy may be combined with group therapy, family counseling, education, mentoring, and support services.

Group Therapy

Group therapy may feel intimidating at first, and participation is encouraged at a pace that feels comfortable.

Groups provide opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges while learning practical recovery skills.

Sessions include cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, along with specialized topics including opioid education, trauma education, and multi-family counseling.

Alumni Community

We support the continued success of our alumni through relapse prevention, weekly aftercare sessions, outreach, and participation in the local 12-step community.

Learn more about our Alumni Community

Medication Assisted Therapy

People affected by opioid use disorder and other substance use conditions often benefit from specialized treatment approaches.

Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) combines medications, counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy to support recovery.

MAT may benefit patients experiencing opioid addiction or misuse, including heroin and prescription opioid medications such as hydrocodone and oxycodone.

MAT may also support treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions, including anxiety, trauma, and depression.

Integrated Recovery Care

Recovery from substance use and addiction involves physical, social, and emotional healing.

To support whole-person recovery, we offer programs that support mind, body, and overall well-being, including:

  • Yoga
  • Fitness center access
  • Art therapy
  • Mindfulness training
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Stress reduction programs
  • Mentoring
  • Relationship and communication skills training
  • Coping skills training

Learn More About Treatment Options