About AXIS Rehab
Our Story
AXIS Rehab was founded in 2012 by a group of addiction medicine physicians and recovery advocates who recognized a critical gap in San Diego's behavioral health landscape. Too many treatment centers focused solely on detox without addressing the underlying emotional wounds that fuel substance use. Our founders envisioned a facility where clinical rigor and the healing power of nature work hand in hand.
They chose the Clairemont Mesa neighborhood for its quiet residential setting, proximity to the coast, and year-round temperate climate — ideal conditions for outdoor therapeutic programming. What began as a modest 12-bed residence has grown into a comprehensive 29-bed treatment center that has served more than 4,500 individuals from across Southern California and beyond.
Today, with a dedicated staff of 55 professionals, our facility remains true to its original promise: to meet every person where they are and guide them toward a life defined not by addiction, but by purpose, connection, and renewed hope.
Our Mission & Philosophy
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment and mental health care that empowers individuals to achieve sustainable recovery. We believe every person deserves access to high-quality clinical services delivered in a dignified, nature-enriched environment. Through individualized treatment planning, family involvement, and community reintegration support, we strive to transform lives and strengthen the communities we serve throughout the greater San Diego region.
Treatment Philosophy
At AXIS Rehab, we view addiction not as a moral failing but as a treatable medical condition rooted in neurological, psychological, and social factors. Our treatment philosophy integrates the latest advances in neuroscience with holistic, nature-based modalities — combining cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care with outdoor mindfulness sessions, horticultural therapy, and guided nature walks along San Diego's coastal trails. By engaging the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — we help clients develop resilience that outlasts their time at our facility.
Our Team
Dr. Elena Vasquez, MD, ABAM
Medical Director
Board-certified in addiction medicine and psychiatry, Dr. Vasquez has over 18 years of experience treating substance use disorders. She oversees all medical programming at our facility, including medication-assisted treatment protocols and detox supervision. Her research on integrated dual diagnosis care has been published in several peer-reviewed journals.
James Whitfield, LCSW, CADC-II
Clinical Director
James brings 15 years of clinical social work experience to AXIS Rehab, specializing in trauma-informed care and family systems therapy. He leads our residential counseling team and developed our nature-based group therapy curriculum, which incorporates outdoor mindfulness and eco-therapy techniques unique to our San Diego campus.
Dr. Priya Nair, PsyD
Director of Outpatient Services
Dr. Nair holds a doctorate in clinical psychology with a specialization in co-occurring disorders. She designed our intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization tracks, ensuring clients receive structured support as they transition from residential care back into daily life. Her therapeutic approach blends DBT, ACT, and experiential nature-healing practices.
Our full clinical staff of 55 professionals includes board-certified psychiatrists, registered nurses (RN), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), certified alcohol and drug counselors (CADC), registered dietitians, and certified fitness and wellness instructors — all committed to your recovery.
Our Facility
Amenities
- Private and semi-private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
- Landscaped healing garden and outdoor meditation courtyard
- Chef-prepared nutritious meals with dietary accommodation
- Fitness center with yoga and movement therapy studio
- Art and music therapy rooms
- Comfortable group therapy lounges with natural lighting
- Outdoor recreation area with walking paths
- Family visitation suite
- On-site laundry facilities
- Wi-Fi access during designated hours
- Transportation to local 12-step meetings and nature excursions
- 24/7 nursing station and medical monitoring
Begin Your Recovery Journey
Contact our admissions team to learn more about AXIS Rehab.