In 1991, Jesús Cevallos Coppel set out on a mission: to find the most effective model of addiction treatment in the world and bring it to Mexico. That search led him to the Betty Ford Center in California — then the gold standard of residential addiction care in North America.
What followed was not a simple imitation, but a genuine alliance. Cevallos Coppel worked closely with the Betty Ford Center to adapt their evidence-based model to the cultural and human context of Mexico. The result was Oceánica — a treatment center that honored the clinical rigor of the best international programs while remaining deeply rooted in the values, warmth, and spirit of its community.
In 1993, Mrs. Betty Ford and former President Gerald Ford traveled to Mazatlán, Sinaloa, to inaugurate the center alongside its founders. That moment marked the beginning of more than three decades of service — to individuals, families, and communities across Mexico, the United States, and beyond.
Our journey
1991
Jesús Cevallos Coppel, in search of the most successful model of alcohol and drug treatment in the world, forms an alliance with the Betty Ford Center — adapting it to the cultural context of Mexico.
1993
Accompanied by Mrs. Betty Ford and former President Gerald Ford, the Oceánica Center is inaugurated in Mazatlán, Sinaloa.
1995
Oceánica implements the Basic Addictions Training Course for therapists, endorsed by CAADAC (California Association for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors). Fundación Oceánica is born to support individuals without economic resources who have a genuine desire to recover.
1996
PRODEH is founded — an institution specializing in mental health and emotional wellbeing for employees of the public and private sectors. A 20-year mass media campaign begins, generating national and international awareness about the consequences of alcohol and drug use.
1998
The School Prevention Program (PEP) is developed to support educational institutions in training and early detection of addiction, made available to the broader community.
2000
The Association of Oceánica Graduates is established, with a presence in every state of Mexico and in Chile, Guatemala, El Salvador, and other countries across Central and South America.
2001
Oceánica provides education and training in addiction prevention and treatment to health sector personnel across all states of Mexico, through a Federal Government initiative.
2002
The first technology transfer of the Oceánica model to state treatment centers is implemented in partnership with the government of Durango. The project is subsequently extended to Veracruz, Nayarit, Baja California Norte, and Tamaulipas.
2004
The first addiction treatment clinic using the Oceánica Model within the Mexican prison system is inaugurated at Santa Martha Acatitla, in collaboration with the Mexico City government. Seven state and federal prisons follow in subsequent years.
2006
In partnership with the Veracruz state government, the Oceánica treatment model and program are transferred to update the "Cúspide" State Addiction Center in Veracruz.
2008
In partnership with the Federal Government (INDESOL) and state governments, prevention programs are carried out for indigenous communities across Mexico.
2010
A training, dignification, and supervision program of good practices is implemented in partnership with the Carlos Slim Health Foundation, covering 300 mutual aid centers nationwide for accreditation with CONADIC.
2011
At Oceánica's initiative, the Mexico City government creates the Institute for the Care and Prevention of Addictions (IAPA). The Nueva Vida Centers are inaugurated with the support and guidance of Oceánica.
2012
Jesús Cevallos Coppel is invited to serve as counselor of the National Council Against Addictions — the only private-sector representative on the council. He receives recognition from the Presidency of the Republic, the Carlos Slim Health Foundation, the Betty Ford Center, and CONADIC, among others. The "Oceánica Specialized Services Center" in memory of Mrs. Yolanda Cevallos Coppel is inaugurated by Lic. Margarita Zavala.
2013
Reference offices open in the United States — in Houston and Los Angeles — to better serve North American families seeking treatment at Oceánica.
2015
Inauguration of an outpatient clinic in Mexico City, under the therapeutic justice model, for the priority care of young first-time offenders.
2017
Opening of an Oceánica outpatient clinic for addiction care in Mexico City.
2019
A collaboration agreement is signed to reimplement the Oceánica treatment model for penitentiary care in the federal prison system in Mexico.
2023
The Oceánica USA reference office in Los Angeles, California is formally established, strengthening the bridge between North American families and world-class treatment at our Mazatlán campus.
