About First Light Recovery

Compassionate, Community-Based Residential Mental Health Care in Orange County, CA

Compassionate, Community-Based Residential Mental Health Care in Orange County, CA

Mental health recovery can feel like an uphill battle — especially when you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help, or you’ve cycled through short-term hospitalizations without real progress. Maybe you or your loved one is exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering what comes next.

First Light Recovery was built for this moment

We specialize in residential mental health treatment for adults aged 18 to 59 who are ready to break through cycles of anxiety, depression, trauma, or personality-related struggles. Our mission is to help you regain your dignity, your confidence, and your place in the world — without judgment, shame, or restriction.

A Safe Space Where Healing Feels Possible Again

We know that many of our clients arrive feeling misunderstood, burned out, or hopeless. You may have been told you’re too much or not enough. You may have spent years hiding your struggles, trying to function, or bouncing between therapists and crisis centers that never took the time to really know you.

That changes here.

At First Light Recovery, we take a client-centered approach grounded in the belief that healing comes from connection, accountability, and self-awareness. You’ll be surrounded by a clinical team that listens, a support staff that respects you, and a community that welcomes you exactly as you are.

Heal from Chronic Low Mood with Structure, Support, and Compassion
Our Philosophy Empowerment Through Enlightened Awareness

Our Philosophy Empowerment Through Enlightened Awareness

We don’t believe in punishment, control, or treating you like a diagnosis. We believe in treating the whole person — mind, body, and spirit.

Our clients aren’t “patients.” They’re people with complex stories who are ready for real healing. And that healing doesn’t happen in a locked-down facility. It happens in a supportive home where you can practice independence, rebuild routines, and gain the tools needed for long-term success.

Tour Our Facility
Casa Grande, San Juan Capistrano.

See what amenities and comfortable living spaces we offer at our Casa Grande, San Juan Capistrano, CA location to contribute to your successful recovery.

Any Additional questions can be answered by our specialists.

Paseo Barona, San Juan Capistrano.

See what amenities and comfortable living spaces we offer to contribute to your successful recovery.

Any Additional questions can be answered by our specialists.

Built with Purpose, Grown Through Compassion

First Light Recovery was founded in 2014 with a simple, powerful goal to provide a more human, more effective path to mental health recovery. Since then, we’ve grown into one of Orange County’s leading residential mental health programs — known for our intimate setting, individualized approach, and deeply committed staff.

We’ve evolved by listening — to our clients, to their families, and to the ever-changing needs of the mental health community. Today, we are proud to offer.

FLR-check

Small, 6-bed properties for personalized care

FLR-check

24/7 support from experienced mental health technicians

FLR-check

Onsite therapists five days a week

FLR-check

A structured but non-restrictive environment that allows for real-world practice and autonomy

FLR-check

A program trusted by providers and clients alike, including in-network access for Kaiser Permanente and other major insurances

Who We Help Our Ideal Client
You might be a good fit for First Light Recovery if you or a loved one.
check

Struggles with mood, thought, anxiety, trauma, or personality disorders

check

Needs more support than outpatient care can provide

check

Has tried traditional therapy or crisis centers without long-term success

check

Feels isolated, withdrawn, or unable to maintain daily functioning

check

Wants to live independently but lacks the life skills, emotional tools, or community support to do so safely

check

Is ready for structure, consistency, and care that meets you where you are

CARF Accredited

CARF, for Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, demonstrates a provider’s commitment to continuously improve service quality and to focus on the satisfaction of the persons served.

CARF’s applies a comprehensive set of standards for quality to their business and service delivery practices. This means that they have demonstrated conformance to proven standards for business practices and are committed to continuous quality improvement. Each provider’s commitment to excellence is periodically evaluated on site and reconfirmed annually. CARF continuously works with accredited providers to improve the quality of life for you and your loved ones. Enhancing the lives of the persons receiving services is at the heart of CARF’s mission.

CARF Accredited
Meet the Team

Meet the Team Behind the Care

We’re more than licensed professionals — we’re people who care. Our team brings clinical expertise, deep empathy, and a commitment to meeting you with patience and compassion every step of the way.
Our Clinical Director, Jennifer Worley, LMFT, has 20+ years of experience supporting individuals and families through complex mental health challenges. She leads a team trained in CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and real-world skill building.
Our Mission and Values

Our values aren’t just words — they’re the foundation of how we engage with clients, families, and each other.

Accountability

We own our work and teach our clients to own their growth
We work as a team — with you, your loved ones, and your support network

We foster connection over isolation

We lead with honesty, clarity, and respect
Man with narcissistic personality disorder receiving treatment in a therapy session
FLR-check

Committed to Quality Our Accreditations

First Light Recovery is a CARF-accredited residential treatment program, a designation earned by programs that meet rigorous standards of care, safety, and clinical excellence.

This accreditation gives clients and families peace of mind: they’re getting care that’s been vetted, trusted, and held to the highest standards in the field.

FLR-check

Get to Know Us and Take the First Step

The About section is your window into who we are — not just as a treatment center, but as people who care about your future.

Our Mission
Leadership & Team
Accreditations & Affiliations

Start Your Journey Toward Healing Today

If you’re struggling with your mental health, you don’t have to face it alone. First Light Recovery offers compassionate care, expert treatment, and a real-world approach to empower you.