Exclusive: Michael Lohan's Revelation: "God Wants Me to" Open a Rehab Center

His estranged daughter Lindsay is one of the most well-known rehab patients in the world -- and now Michael Lohan is on a mission to open his own rehab facility in California

Michael, 50, recently moved from the NYC area to Los Angeles in order to start a "faith-based" rehab, and spoke to UsMagazine.com about the new venture.

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The famous father has struggled with drug and alcohol abuse himself, and made numerous overtures via the press begging his 24-year-old daughter to get treatment. (Lindsay Lohan recently ended her court-ordered stint at a rehab center. She has denied abusing prescription drugs and accuses her dad of spreading lies about her to the press.)

"After seeing what my daughter, myself and other people I know have been through, it has led me to realize this is my calling and purpose in life," he tells Us.

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Lohan explains that the center will not employ doctors or conventional medical treatment ("that will be done at an associated hospital"). Instead, he states, "we are rehab that focuses on mind, body and soul. It is a spiritual retreat."

Although a patient's religious affiliation is irrelevant at the center, Lohan says, "the basis of the rehab will be that there is a God; that good conquers evil; that the best way to live is to treat others like you want to be treated; and treat your body like a temple."

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Right now, Lohan says they're "getting closer" to making the center a reality, although a location has not yet been chosen. "We've got the team in place, and the financing is all there," he claims. Some staffers are already onboard, he notes, including physical therapists and Jon Koga, who specializes in kickboxing and yoga training.

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And the as-yet-unnamed "retreat" won't cater to rich, VIP clientele, he points out. "I'm not going to close my doors on anyone. We may offer a scholarship [to those in need]," he explains. "You don't have to be Lindsay Lohan or Nicole Richie or Robert Downey Jr. or a celebrity to get rehab."

Estranged from his four kids, he says, "all I want to [do] is open this place and see my family, Dina and my children are in a good place. When that day comes, I am done, I am finished."

"All of the things that have happened to me in my life have led to this. I know this is what God wants me to do first and foremost."