Brave Step Recovery Program
Substance Abuse Treatmentfor Veterans and First Responders
We are proud to dedicate our services to the brave individuals who have served our country and communities, including veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families. We understand the profound sacrifices these individuals and their loved ones make, and we recognize that their unique experiences can sometimes lead to challenges requiring specialized support. It is essential to find a treatment program that truly understands and respects their distinctive lifestyles.
Solution Based Treatment offers evidence-based, trauma-focused, and personalized treatment across all levels of care. Our dedicated team is specifically trained to understand the culture of the military and first responder communities, ensuring we provide the most effective and supportive care.
We are also honored to announce that the VA has approved our treatment center to provide behavioral and mental health services to former members of the U.S. Military. As a result, treatment at [Insert program name here] is covered by the VA through TriCare Healthcare Alliance.
Our center provides a comprehensive range of personalized treatment options specifically designed to address the unique needs and experiences of active-duty military personnel, veterans, and first responders. Recognizing the distinct challenges these individuals face, our clinical team includes specialists in trauma-informed care with extensive experience working with the military community. Our program begins with an in-depth assessment, allowing us to create a recovery plan tailored to each individual’s experiences and needs. Our therapeutic approaches combine individual and group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and a variety of holistic treatments such as mindfulness training, yoga, and fitness training, all adapted to the specific needs of service members.
The brave men and women serving in our armed forces and on the front lines as first responders often encounter unique and extraordinary stressors. The demands of long deployments, the emotional toll of separation from family, the impact of combat or critical incident exposure, and the constant pressure to maintain peak readiness can unfortunately contribute to substance use issues. However, the very nature of their professions can make seeking help difficult due to stigma, concerns about career implications, or simply not knowing where to turn. At Solution Based Treatment, we want you to know that we offer a non-judgmental and supportive environment where healing and recovery are the priorities. Our active-duty military/first responder program is designed to provide a nurturing space for you to reclaim your life.
Michael DeSena PsyD, LCSW
Tip of The Spear Psychotherapy
Dr. Michael “Mike” DeSena is a New York native whose life and career have been defined by service, resilience, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. A witness to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Mike was profoundly affected by the terrorist attacks, having seen the second plane strike the World Trade Center. This pivotal moment helped shape his sense of duty and ultimately redirected his career path.
Initially pursuing a pre-medical track in college, Mike made the decision to leave his studies. Driven by a desire to serve, he enlisted in the United States Navy, joining the elite Seabees. Over the course of his military career, Mike completed three combat deployments in support of Army Special Forces and Navy Special Operations. His leadership, dedication, and tactical capabilities earned him an invitation to screen for Naval Special Warfare Development Group. After successfully completing the screening and selection process, he was assigned to an undisclosed SEAL Team squadron supporting Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). He would go on to complete six additional forward deployments, engaging in a variety of roles ranging from direct action combat to low-visibility special operations missions.
While serving, Mike continued his education and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University. In 2017, his military career came to an end following a combat-related explosion that resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). After experiencing this event, he was medically retired and spent time recovering at the Wounded Warrior Battalion on Camp Pendleton. During this transition, he served at the Navy Expedition Medical Training Center, providing realistic combat simulations to train corpsmen and medical personnel in mass casualty scenarios.
Refusing to let adversity define him, Mike redirected his mission toward the mental health field. He earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California, followed by a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.