Author: Kayla Gill

With 9 years in the rehab space, Kayla has overseen the creation of comprehensive addiction treatment content for online audiences worldwide. Her experience managing content for a luxury destination rehab, and her personal path to healing via residential rehab and various therapeutic modalities, inform her first-hand understanding of recovery. She takes inclusion seriously and is especially interested in how trauma and minority experiences shape readers’ journeys.
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Should You Choose a Small or Large Rehab Center?

A rehab center’s size influences your treatment experience in big ways. It impacts important factors like facilities, level of personalized attention, types of therapies offered and more.

When it comes to rehab size, one isn’t necessarily better than the other. What will work for you depends on your needs and preferences. Some people need intimate settings to open up and are more comfortable at a boutique rehab. Others require specific programs or therapies that larger treatment centers tend to offer.

To help you determine which type of center could work for you or your family member, we examine the benefits and differences between small and large rehab centers.

What Classifies as a Small Rehab Center?

While there’s no official definition of what constitutes a small rehab center, they tend to have the following:

  • An intake limit of 10 to 15 people
  • A 1:1 (or better) ratio of staff to patients
  • Many have an intimate home-like setting with a limited number of bedrooms
  • Some small rehab centers are family-run

How a Small Rehab Center Can Be Beneficial to Your Recovery

You Receive More Individualized Attention

At smaller rehab centers, multiple staff service one person at a time. Some even have a 3:1 staff to patient ratio, like The Sanctuary at Sedona in Arizona which has around 30 staff members serving 10 clients. 

Centers with a high staff-to-patient ratio have a greater capacity to offer individualized attention. You usually have more time with clinical staff compared to the average inpatient setting, which gives you around 4.2 hours of contact per week with medical professionals.1

As Quinn Tremblay, Admissions Coordinator at McLean Fernside in Princeton, Massachusetts describes:

“Our staff-to-patient ratio allows us to provide higher amounts of individualized sessions with case managers and psychiatrists. Patients can meet with psychiatry 5 days a week and with a case manager 3 times a week. With that, more processing and evaluation can be done with each patient.”

Meeting often with the clinical team gives you more opportunities to engage in important dialogue. You can discuss matters like what therapies work for you and what doesn’t. Open, frequent dialogue helps people feel heard by their clinician, which is therapeutic2 in and of itself. According to a study from McGill University Health Centre, a listening doctor can offer patients “relief from the stress and anxiety that can be induced and exacerbated by illness.” 

Camino Recovery team
A family-run center in Southern Spain, the team at Camino Recovery brings personalized attention to the fore.

And since clinical staff at small rehabs often service fewer people at once, they have more time to map out your bespoke treatment plan. 

You’re unlikely to fall through the cracks, as Don Lavender, Program Director at Camino Recovery explains:

“When you’re working with 7 or 8 clients maximum, they don’t get lost in the shuffle because there is no shuffle. And because it’s so small and the clinical crew is rather large with a lot of expertise in the clinical mix, treatment is truly bespoke.”

Programs Are More Flexible

Inpatient rehabs with lower intakes may offer more program flexibility. With fewer people to treat at a time, they don’t have to be as stringent with bureaucracy because it’s easier to oversee everyone. And as the clinical team builds a more personal relationship with you, they are more likely to keep track of your requests.

Dr. Thomas Gazda, Medical Doctor at Soberman’s Estate talks about how flexibility is a welcome change for some of their patients:

“We can be more flexible with a smaller number of intakes, which suits a lot of our patients. Many have been through rehab before and found it onerous or too regimented. It didn’t suit them as individuals and they were alienated in the process. Many of those patients come here and it’s a breath of fresh air because we try to be as flexible as possible with them.” 

In rehab programs where you meet with staff more often, you might be able to adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Soberman’s Estate, for example, holds a staff meeting each week with the medical director, clinical director, and nursing team. Clients are invited to sit at the table, discuss their treatment goals and make adjustments to their plan if needed.

You Have More Access to Staff Members

Staff at smaller rehabs often have higher availability to meet with patients outside of regularly scheduled sessions. In these instances, you can pull someone aside when you need questions answered or simply want to talk.

For many people, building a connection with the center staff makes them feel supported and more at home. It creates a sense of belonging. This level of staff-patient relationship, where two or more people intend for healing to occur, is a key component of an optimal healing environment,3 or as defined in the Global Advances in Health and Medicine journal, a healthcare system “that is designed to stimulate and support the inherent healing capacity of patients, families, and their care providers.” In short, it supports a patient’s recovery.

At some small treatment centers, the founders and other senior staff members are hands-on in day-to-day operations. You’ll often see this at family-run rehabs. Founders will get to know each client personally and oftentimes give a deeper, more personal story about the center’s origins. Access to senior staff can promote a sense of trust and help people feel more comfortable at the center. 

“(Co-owner) Jeanine and I live on the property. We feel it’s important that we’re available to our clients. We’re always at hand, should our clients need us. We’re very proud of it. We’re here every day because this is where we want to be and this is what we want to do.”

Giles Fourie, Director and Co-Owner at White River Manor in South Africa comments says core team members are always on hand to help clients:

You Can Be Part of a Tight-Knit Community

The intimacy of small treatment centers creates opportunities to build close relationships with others. Whether you choose a residential or inpatient rehab, you have a full schedule and spend lots of time with others in the program. You get to know the others on a deeper level, especially with a smaller group of people.

Alex Spritzer, Family Addiction and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at The Hope House Scottsdale, talks about the importance of this camaraderie:

“Small groups allow you to know people on a bigger level and learn details about their lives and the circumstances that they came from, which makes a lot of difference. Intimate settings promote trust, and trust promotes healing.”

The Hope House group therapy
With an intake limit of 15 people, group settings at The Hope House Scottsdale are intimate.

Group Sizes Are Smaller

If you have social anxiety, large group settings can be daunting. This might cause you to withdraw or avoid participating in activities, which hampers the recovery process. Smaller rehab centers can provide a more comfortable environment with less intimidating group sizes.

Group therapy is a powerful tool for treating substance abuse4 and may even be as helpful as individual therapy. Participating in group therapy has several rewarding benefits, including decreased isolation. If you can’t open up because a group size is too large or intimidating, this can be a barrier to treatment. It may prevent you from going deeper in your recovery journey.

If you have severe social anxiety, some boutique rehab centers are flexible–you may not be required to participate in group activities at all.

With an intake limit of just 15 people, White River Manor can accommodate the needs of clients with social anxiety. “None of our groups are compulsory. Each client is on their own recovery journey. It’s important they get what they need out of their time with us, so we accommodate each client’s specific needs,” states Jeanine Fourie, the center’s Therapeutic Director and Co-owner.

Keep in mind that participating in group activities has many therapeutic effects5 that are beneficial to recovery. If you are able to join group therapy and activities, it can enhance your healing process significantly.

What Constitutes a Large Rehab Center?

There’s no industry standard for what classifies as a large treatment center. They tend to have more than 30 beds, with some that intake over 100 people. Oftentimes, these centers are located on larger grounds with lots of room for guests to roam and more facilities. They usually have a big clinical team to keep a favorable staff-to-patient ratio.

Larger rehab centers are often thought of as overly clinical or sterile. But this stereotype doesn’t paint an accurate picture of the larger treatment landscape. Bigger addiction treatment centers can offer many benefits to your recovery.

What Are the Benefits of a Large Rehab Center?

Better and More Specialized Facilities

Large rehab centers can often invest in better and more specialized facilities. Since they tend to be located on bigger grounds, they may have more room for these facilities compared to smaller centers.

Spotlight on: Sierra Tucson

One of the larger rehabs in Arizona is Sierra Tucson, set on a 160-acre property. They have the facilities to assist clients through the full spectrum of care, from on-site medical detox to outpatient programs.

The option to stay with one treatment center throughout the recovery journey is beneficial for people who feel uncomfortable with a lot of environmental change, or for those who want to work with certain doctors and therapists throughout their treatment experience.

“We manage various levels of care. When individuals need medically-supported detox, we can do that on-site in our inpatient unit. Afterward, they can transition seamlessly to the residential setting and further to our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs,” says Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal, Chief Medical Officer at Sierra Tucson.

On top of that, Sierra Tucson has a number of specialized facilities to support different types of therapies, like experiential therapy and equine therapy.

Sierra Tucson equine therapy
Sierra Tucson in Arizona offers equine therapy directly on their campus.

Fitness amenities here include a pool, sports court, fully-equipped gym, climbing wall and a ropes course. They have unique onsite facilities to support the spirituality component of their program, including a labyrinth and Kiva arena. Their center even houses an equine area with stables and an arena.

The lack of certain amenities or facilities can be a hindrance to healing. If equine therapy played a necessary role in someone’s recovery journey, but it wasn’t available anywhere, this would be more than frustrating. Larger rehab centers tend to house facilities that are very important to some people’s recovery journey.

Spotlight on: All Points North

All Points North Lodge in Vail Valley, Colorado is set on a verdant campus with a 77-square foot main lodge. They’ve invested in cutting-edge facilities to support specialized therapies and treatments.

On top of an on-campus indoor pool, spa center, boxing arena, game room, and golf courses, this rehab houses state-of-the-art equipment tailored for certain therapies.

All Points North recently introduced a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to their campus. This equipment helps feed the body with the right levels of oxygen to quickly heal itself when faced with different injuries and illnesses. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is now a part of their athletic program and promotes healing for athletes with concussions. But they also introduce other clients to this specialized treatment.

“We have a lot of patients that come from other parts of the country and we can give them a chance to let their bodies oxygenate. It helps them feel better quickly and really assists in treatment,” says Lana Seiler, All Points North’s Associate Director of Clinical Operations.

One of their clients who received HBOT reported, “the facility here goes to depths that most hyperbaric therapy doesn’t go. My experience was almost immediate, where my fog of war disappeared.”

If you need more specific facilities for treatment, it can be difficult to find them at a smaller rehab center. For those in situations with unique treatment needs, for example, an athlete who has had multiple concussions, it can be a huge relief to find a program with specialized equipment.

Specialized Programs and Therapies

If you’re looking for specialized programs or therapies, you’re more likely to find them at a large rehab center. These programs can get pretty specific and can accommodate the unique needs of their clientele.

For example, Hanley Center At Origins is an 80-bed center in Florida with a Center for Older Adult Recovery. This program is specifically designed for older men and women and includes medically supervised detox that addresses the medical concerns unique to someone’s age.

Meanwhile, All Points North has specialized therapies that can be difficult to find otherwise, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) for depression. Both of these therapies require special equipment operated by experienced professionals. They’re offered as a part of All Points North’s athletics program, a unique recovery program designed for current and retired athletes, created by professional athletes.

All Points North Lodge
All Points North Lodge houses state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Smaller, Targeted Client Groups

Some centers with large intake numbers give you the option to break out into smaller, more targeted groups. Not only does this give you a level of safety and comfort as you go into your sessions, you can open up about trauma in your specific groups knowing others have likely been in your shoes.

Below are examples of specific programs found at different large rehab centers:

LGBTQ+ Recovery

United Recovery Project in Hollywood, Florida is a 31- to 50-bed treatment center with an LGTBQ+ program. They address the treatment needs of patients in the community and focus on providing a safe environment for LGBTQ+ individuals to open up. Their staff are specifically trained in cultural sensitivity and issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Veterans’ Recovery

Sierra Tucson in Tucson, Arizona offers a Red, White and Blue Program for members of the military and first responders. The program is designed to help people feel comfortable sharing their experiences with others who have also been through the line of duty. The clinical team includes former military members and first responders.

Breaking up into smaller, more focused groups helps people feel more comfortable expressing themselves and can improve therapeutic outcomes. One of the keys to successful group therapy6 is to identify common bonds between clients. According to ​​Martyn Whittingham, Ph.D., an Ohio counseling psychologist and president of APA’s Div. 49 (Society of Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy), “discovering commonalities is crucial to building group cohesion.”

On top of that, a study on behavior change7 published in the Health and Well-Being journal found that homogeneous groups were better at instigating behavioral changes compared to heterogeneous groups.

Large Treatment Centers Mirror the Real World

An important aspect of the recovery journey is the ability to take what you’ve learned during your time in rehab and apply it to your daily life.

Larger treatment centers offer an environment that better mimics the real world. This gives you the opportunity to put the work you’ve done in therapy into practice. You also learn how to be a part of a larger community.

“A larger facility mirrors being in a larger community as a whole: you can find your people and learn how to deal with others. You can make your way in the treatment center in a way that mirrors how you need to make your way in the world. Successful treatment usually involves reconnecting and learning how to function in a social society,” says Dr. Ryan Drzewiecki, Director of Clinical Operations at All Points North Lodge.

Greater Network of Resources

Larger facilities often have a healthy network of resources to support your recovery. Some even have the capacity to team up with industry leaders.

Take Axis Sports Medicine, for example. They employ the highest number of advanced certified physical therapists in the state of Colorado. All Points North Lodge teamed up with them to offer top-level physical therapy to clients.

If you’re looking to connect with specific leading resources, like a top teletherapist in your area, larger treatment centers may be able to help you. They tend to have a more robust network to pull from.

Find a Treatment Center That Fits You

Both small and large rehab centers offer their own set of benefits. One isn’t necessarily better than the other. Recovery is unique for each person, so the criteria that you’re looking for may differ from someone else’s.f

The good news is, you have plenty of options to choose from. Browse our extensive collection of rehabs to find a treatment center that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small vs. Large Rehabs

Should I choose a small or large rehab center?

The choice between a small and large rehab center depends on your needs and preferences. Small centers offer personalized attention and intimate settings, while large centers may have better facilities and more specialized programs. Consider what’s most important to you in your recovery journey.

What are the benefits of treatment at a small rehab center?

Smaller rehabs tend to offer more individualized attention, flexible programs, and greater access to staff members. With smaller group sizes, you can build close relationships with fellow participants. The intimate setting promotes trust, which is essential for healing and recovery.

What are the benefits of treatment at a large rehab center?

Larger rehabs can provide better, more specialized facilities and offer a wider range of programs and therapies. Large rehabs create an environment that more closely mirrors the real world, giving you a chance to practice the skills you learn in treatment. They may also have more resources to support your ongoing recovery.
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Miami-Area Luxury Rehabs Offer Clientele-Specific Care in Lush, Exclusive Locales

With its palm-lined boulevards, white-sand beaches, Latin influence, and culture of creativity, the lively metropolis that is Miami offers no shortage of draws. And it’s not just East Coast snowbirds who benefit from its hot, humid climate. Tropical vegetation thrives in this corner of the U.S., which is filled with verdant parks, manicured estates, and rich wildlife areas.

Luxury rehabs in the Miami area feature spacious, well-appointed accommodations, and are often set in lush environments complete with pools, gardens, outdoor amenities, and greenspace views. Programming here often includes equine therapy and other experiential approaches that take advantage of Florida’s many waterways for nature-based activities like beach visits, lake boating, and exploring marine parks.

Florida environment
People travel from all across the United States to soak up some sun on Florida’s beaches.

South Florida’s luxury treatment centers offer bespoke programming that covers a full spectrum of care, including detox, inpatient rehab, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), and sober living. Residential rehabs offer options for abbreviated or extended stays, with gender- and age-specific subgroups, as well as programs catered to executives and other specific clientele. You’ll also find specialty programming here, such as co-occurring disorder treatment, brain restoration, and spiritually-focused care. And it all takes place in an easygoing atmosphere that features plenty of sunshine, fresh air, and stimulating diversity.

Addiction Treatment Amidst Natural Gems: Everglades, Mangroves, and More

Getting Oriented

Miami is located in Southern Florida at the tip of the state’s iconic peninsula. The largest metro area in Florida, the 20-mile-wide strip stretches 110 miles from north to south, bordered by the Everglades on one side and the warm waters of the Atlantic on the other. Numerous natural gems are within easy striking distance of the city: Biscayne Bay, with its turquoise waters, mangroves, and coral reefs; lush natural and man-made barrier islands; and the Florida Keys just over an hour to the south.

Natural Abundance

South Florida’s abundant natural beauty makes it perfect for outdoor activities, which visitors can access in its multiple state and national parks. Bird watching in Oleta River State Park, manatee spotting at Black Point Marina, and sunset paddles in crystal-clear waters are just some of the many activities on offer in this Atlantic paradise. The region is home to thousands of acres of nature and birding trails, perfect for boat tours, canoeing, kayaking, and biking. Rehabs in this area typically offer outings at least once a week, in addition to other hands-on therapeutic experiences.

Florida nature
Natural attractions can be found all across Florida, like Wakulla Springs, located south of Tallahassee.

Sought-After Weather

Because of Miami’s semi-tropical monsoon climate, low latitude, and sea-level elevation, it has two seasons: dry season (November through April) and wet season (May through October). Temperature averages range from lows in the 70s to highs in the upper 80s, making South Florida a popular destination for northerners looking to escape the cold. This bears well for rehab clients’ treatment experience, as Miami’s beachy ambience can serve as a welcome respite from the day-to-day. Warm, sunny weather is also shown to have a positive effect on mood. “Being outside in pleasant weather really offers a way to reset your mind-set,” says Matthew Keller, a post-doctoral researcher at the University Of Michigan who conducted a 2004 study on the impacts of weather on mental health.1

Vibrant Culture

The cultural heart of Florida, Miami is a dynamic melting pot. Its diverse population and love of novelty create an atmosphere where creativity flourishes. Fine art fills the city’s galleries and murals line its streets. Latin and Afro-Caribbean rhythms like salsa, merengue, and bachata breathe life into the local vibe. This spirit of expression finds its way into the therapies and activities on offer at rehabs here, like the dance classes at Headwaters At Origins, music therapy at Futures Recovery Healthcare, and art therapy at Tikvah Lake Recovery. Clients here also enjoy easy access to South Florida’s sober community: hundreds of 12-Step meetings take place in the Miami metro area2 every week.

Rehab is more than just an intensive treatment experience. It’s also an opportunity to connect with others who have shared experiences, and start to build a sober support network that will bolster your recovery for years to come. Miami could be a great place to find your recovery community if you value creativity and diversity, or you’re looking for a culturally competent program that honors the needs of Jewish, LGBTQ+, or Spanish-speaking clientele.

South Florida’s Specialized Treatment Programs

Luxury rehabs in the Miami area employ highly-trained addiction professionals who are certified in specialized areas of care like life coaching and recovery skills, aftercare support, nutrition, and holistic wellness therapies. Many facilities also provide on-site medical care, including medically supervised detox, overseen by teams of addiction-educated doctors and nurses. Programs here also cater to specific groups such as men, women, older adults, and spiritually-minded clients. 

United Recovery Project

Founded in 2016, the United Recovery Project delivers customized treatment plans using a holistic approach. The center offers specialty programs for men, women, and LGBTQ+ folks, and accommodates Spanish speakers as well as people with mild disabilities. United Recovery Project accepts up to 50 clients at a time.

Accommodation and Amenities

Clients can choose to stay in one of three, gender-specific housing facilities: the adult male mansion, the female villa, or the ranch for mature males. Each property sits on over an acre, with pool access and verdant natural surroundings, as well as ample amenities including full kitchens, outdoor grills, ping pong and pool tables, and outdoor spaces for relaxation.

United Recovery Project Male Mansion
A peek inside the male mansion at United Recovery Project.

Treatments and Therapies

United Recovery Project offers a full continuum of care including detox, inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), sober living, and aftercare. The center is a licensed medical facility overseen by a double-board-certified, addiction-specialized medical director.

Experiential therapies and activities here include equine therapy,3 creative therapies such as music and art, and trips to South Florida’s famously gorgeous beaches. The center aims to set clients up for success outside of rehab, with life skills training, case management, relapse prevention education, and nutrition workshops.

Hanley Center At Origins

ASAM-certified and CARF-Accredited, Hanley Center At Origins’ tropical campus is located in Palm Beach, just 1.5 hours north of Miami. The center offers specialty programs for women, men, and older adults in both residential and outpatient formats. The facility houses an on-site medical detox center, and programming here pays special attention to co-occurring disorders and underlying trauma.

Hanley Center at Origins
Hanley Center at Origins is set on a tropical campus with plenty of palm trees and sunshine.

Brain Recovery and Medical Treatment

This program also places extra focus on restoring brain health. Every client goes through the Center for Brain Recovery (CBR),5 where clinicians perform advanced psychological testing and prescribe a suite of personalized, evidence-based treatments: “During treatment, every patient works with CBR to address mental health symptoms or co-occurring disorders that complicate addiction. With the direction of a licensed psychologist, our team of trained CBR specialists offers a variety of services and experiential therapy activities that are tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs.”

The Hanley Center offers medically managed detox, performed by a team of experienced doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists who provide round-the-clock care. This includes medical treatment for any existing conditions, as well as medication management, nutrition, and alternative medicine to help minimize withdrawal symptoms and fast-track physical recovery.

Spiritual Care

The center also provides spiritual care6 and staffs chaplains who provide guidance to clients in need of soul-level support, regardless of their religious background or beliefs. Because addiction affects us on all levels of our being, it’s often very helpful to incorporate religion or spirituality into the healing process. “Through an exploration of spirituality,” says the team, “those who suffer from substance use disorders are reminded that they are not alone.” Many clients find that reconnecting with their spiritual practice during treatment helps restore their sense of balance and inner peace.

Experiential Groups and Services

Activities and experiential therapies7 here include outdoor adventures, beach outings, and cooperative games. These help clients “manage stress, reduce isolation, develop a healthy and active life, build a positive self-image, and increase avenues for connecting with a healthy community post-treatment.” These experiences give clients a chance to have fun and connect with one another, but also carry real therapeutic value. “Our experiential groups and services are provided by a Wellness Coordinator who is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with over three decades of practice. Requirements to become a CTRS include a degree from an accredited university, as well as a formal clinical internship and a national competency exam. At Hanley Center, our Wellness Coordinator is also a certified addiction professional, with an in-depth knowledge of how to propel those suffering from addiction towards a life of recovery.”

Hanley Center At Origins’ clinical program is overseen by expert clinical staff8 including a doctorate-level chief clinical officer and clinical director, with care provided by an on-staff psychiatrist and psychologist as well as directors of gender-specific and wellness programs.

Tikvah Lake Recovery

Family-owned and operated since 2016, Tikvah Lake Recovery is situated on the peaceful, 200-acre private Lake Charlotte. The luxury residential rehab prides itself on being an “extremely personalized executive treatment center.” Tikvah Lake focuses on catering to professionals and also offers gender-specific treatment, with programs ranging from 10 to 90 days. This boutique facility accepts a maximum of 6 clients at a time.

tikvah lake recovery pool
Luxury, comfort, and personalized care are brought to the fore at Tikvah Lake Recovery.

Luxury Amenities

Clients at Tikvah Lake stay in a converted 15,000 square foot mansion directly next door to Highlands Hammock State Park, which offers a host of outdoor experiences including biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. Clients can choose from shared rooms, private rooms, or stand-alone villas, and 5-star amenities include a library, lounge areas, a recreational room, international cuisine, and of course, a private boat dock.

Executive Treatment

Because Tikvah Lake understands the needs of their executive clientele, programming here accommodates specific concerns like time constraints. Designed for those who may not be able to take enough time off to complete a full stay, their 10-day executive treatment program9 “is a great way for high-profile executives to test the waters with rehab; it allows them to take less time away from work than a regular 30- or 60-day program, while learning the tools they need to overcome their addiction at the same time.” The program also addresses issues high-level professionals commonly face, like work-related stress, performance anxiety, and related substance issues like Adderall addiction.

Confidentiality

This rehab places extra emphasis on privacy and holds only 1-on-1 therapy sessions, making it a fitting choice for celebrities and public officials: “All our guests are executives or those seeking high-end treatment – so privacy is mutually respected by everyone.11 Personal struggles are never discussed in front of others. We’ve worked with governors, executives, and people from the entertainment industry. Everyone’s stay at our facility is 100 percent confidential.”

Programming here centers on top-notch clinical care and plenty of individual attention, including daily individual meetings with the center’s clinical director. Their 3-step treatment program12 starts with an orientation and assessment, and consists primarily of CBT-based therapy and psychoeducation. Clinical staff prepare clients for life after residential treatment by incorporating family therapy and assisting with planning for transition to an alternative living facility.

Getting to Treatment

Thanks to Florida’s abundance of space and natural beauty, it’s possible to find a treatment center in a therapeutic natural setting within just an hour or so of the city. And because Miami is a major metro area, it’s well served by airports accepting domestic and international flights.

By Plane

Miami International Airport (KMIA) is just 20 minutes from the city center, and is predominantly served by American Airlines. The airport is a major hub for flights to and from Europe, North America, and Latin America. Because the KMIA receives such high traffic, however, it can get quite congested, resulting in longer wait times for processing and baggage claim. For this reason, some people choose to fly into Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), which can be a less stressful option for domestic flights.

Air taxi, air charter, and business jet clients can fly into Opa-Locka Executive (KOPF) or Miami Executive Airport (KTMB), both located within 30 minutes of the city.

By Car

Miami-Dade County is served by the I-95, which connects Miami with the rest of the East Coast, and the I-75, which runs out to the midwestern The Florida Turnpike connects Miami with Orlando. Clients driving from the Florida Keys can take U.S. Highway 1. Luxury rehabs in the Miami area are usually more than happy to help you arrange travel, and may even provide services such as airport pickup and sober companions to accompany you on your way.

The Magic City: A Special Place to Start Your Recovery Journey

Miami-area luxury rehabs can be a great option for clients who want a bespoke experience in a luxurious treatment environment with access to great weather, beaches, and outdoor recreation. Executives, LGBTQ+ clients, and those looking for gender-specific treatment will find plenty of specialty programming on offer, designed to meet their specific set of needs and cultural concerns.

Check out our curated list of luxury rehabs serving Miami, or explore luxury rehab centers in other locations for detailed information on therapies, staff, accommodations, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Miami

What are the benefits of attending a luxury rehab in Miami?

Luxury rehabs in Miami offer a variety of benefits:

• High-quality care, often with access to the latest treatments
• Highly qualified staff
• Bespoke programs for specific demographics, like executives 
• Plush amenities, such as gourmet meals, spa treatments, and on-site fitness facilities
• Activities that make the most of Miami’s sunny weather

What are the costs of attending a luxury rehab in Miami?

A majority of luxury rehabs in Miami cost between $25,000 to $50,000 for a 28-day program without insurance. Several centers accept insurance. There are also a number of rehabs in Florida priced under $10,000.

How do I find a luxury rehab in Miami?

There are a few ways to find a luxury rehab in Miami that’s a fit for you. You can ask your doctor or therapist for a referral. You can also search for Miami luxury rehabs online using an unbiased platform. Keep important factors in mind during your search:

• Cost
• Amenities
• Staff qualifications
• Aftercare services

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What Exactly Is “Evidence-Based Treatment” and Is It Actually More Effective?

Many rehab centers tout their treatment methods as being “evidence-based.” But what exactly does this mean, and does this actually make these therapies more legitimate than others?

Today, there are so many kinds of treatments for substance use and mental health disorders that it can feel overwhelming to decide which is best for you. And in fact, it’s completely normal not to know which type of therapy will suit you best until you gain some exposure during the treatment process.

Some rehab professionals determine the effectiveness of certain types of addiction and mental health treatments by analyzing their clinically proven outcomes. Generally speaking, therapies that have been proven to some degree by scientific research are referred to as “evidence-based.”

If you’re concerned with scientifically proven outcomes, you may want to consider looking for an addiction treatment program that emphasizes evidence-based practice. Keep in mind, though, that not all evidenced-based therapies are necessarily effective, just as not all effective treatments are evidence-based.

Ultimately there are many variables, both personal and environmental, that can affect the success of any treatment or rehab program regardless how much evidence supports it. Researching different treatments or recovery programs is a great way to get a sense for whether a program aligns with your personal beliefs and recovery goals.

Helpful Terms

Aspects of evidence-based practice are referred to by several similar terms. Some of these are used interchangeably, though they do have different meanings and applications.

In general, “evidence-based” refers to anything that’s proven effective according to objective, scientific evidence. The Netherlands based Center for Evidence-Based Management1 states that evidence is “information, facts or data supporting (or contradicting) a claim, assumption or hypothesis.” Below, we define a few of the most relevant terms.

Evidence-Based Treatment (EBT)

EBT is any treatment whose use and effectiveness is supported by scientific evidence as established through research and clinical trials. In other words, the label EBT refers to “treatments or services for one specific problem that have met established standards of research quality and outcomes,”2 as described in a recent article published by a U.S. graduate university, the Smith College School for Social Work. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is consistently proven to be effective for treating anxiety disorders.3

Note, in the research community, an evidence-based treatment can also be referred to as an empirically supported treatment (EST) or an empirically supported practice (ESP). The acronym EBT may also sometimes be used to refer to “evidence-based therapy,” depending on the source.

For the purposes of this article, EBT is used to refer to evidence-based treatment, especially as it applies to addiction.

Evidence-Based Practices (EBP)

EBP is a broader and more encompassing term. According to Smith College’s James Drisko, EBP is a process that “integrates the client’s needs, values and preferences with relevant research evidence4 and clinical expertise into health care decision-making.” That is, a medical professional who follows this practice will consider scientific findings, their own clinical experience, and the client’s desires when prescribing or recommending treatments, therapies and medications. Evidence-based treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can be an important part of the EBP process, but not all evidence-based practices use or prescribe EBTs.

Note that you’ll also see the acronym “EBP” used in the fields of psychiatry and psychology, but typically in these cases it refers to “evidence-based psychotherapy.”

For more information on EBPs visit the Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center.5

Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM)

Evidence-based medicine uses scientific tools “to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and cost of medical practices6 in treating patients,” as defined in the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, published by Duke University. According to the same journal, EBM is an alternative to medicine based on “authority, tradition, and the physician’s personal experience.”

A revised definition, published by UK-based medical trade journal The BMJ describes EBM as “a systematic approach to clinical problem solving7 which allows the integration of the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values,” much like evidence-based practice.

Principles and Benefits of EBT

Evidence-based treatments are attractive options for many and offer several benefits. Some people feel more confident knowing the treatment they’re receiving has been tested and proven to be effective enough to be classified as an EBT. Below are a few of the foundational principles and benefits of evidence-based treatments.

EBTs are based on years of research and study. Usually studies that establish EBTs must be able to be replicated. Findings from these studies, therefore, are very comprehensive and are generally supported by results from multiple sources. And because they should be easily reproduced, many EBTs have detailed instructions for implementation that providers can reference.

Furthermore, EBTs are established through a specific process that outlines what steps clinicians and scientists should follow for testing. These 7 steps of evidence-based practice8 are outlined in the U.S. American Journal of Nursing.

The scientific evidence that supports the use of EBTs typically comes from strict trials. In the scientific and research communities, many publications and research institutions believe randomized controlled trials (RCT) produce the best scientific evidence to prove a treatment’s effectiveness9 and to detect “the harm and the inefficacy of others in comparison with the best existing therapy,” as described in the Journal of Academy of Medical Sciences of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Some research, like that from global academic journal Health Policy, claims that RCTs produce the highest quality of evidence10 because they are “the least subject to bias.” In other words, by testing new treatments in real-world settings, RCTs may help scientists and researchers overcome personal and professional biases to discover what treatments actually work or don’t work.

EBTs are recognized and implemented in many countries around the world. In recent years many government organizations have recognized the value of EBTs in the use of addiction recovery programs. This has led to some legislative mandates, such as an evidence-based practice mandate in the state of Oregon,11 which “ties state funds to specific treatment practices,” as explained in the U.K. based international Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. In 2006 the U.K. government launched an initiative called Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) for depression and anxiety disorders, which established clinical services offering evidence-based psychological therapies12 recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and which was evaluated by the international peer-reviewed journal, Behaviour Research and Therapy. In 2005, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime established Treatnet, a network of 20 drug dependence treatment resources13 around the world, to promote the use of and increase access to evidence-based addiction treatment practices.

EBTs can help treat multiple issues at the same time. Many times people struggling with substance use disorders also need therapy for mental health disorders and underlying traumas. One key benefit of many evidence-based treatments is how they simultaneously help people recover from multiple disorders, improving treatment outcomes and chances of recovery.

Potential Disadvantages of EBT

Not all patients, or even behavioral health professionals, prefer evidence-based therapies. One reason for this is because the process for evaluating and classifying something as “evidence-based” is debatable and can even be seen as subjective. EBT does have several limitations that could make treatment seekers consider other avenues for addiction recovery.

The results that EBTs are based on aren’t 100% reliable or applicable. While many evidence-based treatments and medicines are discovered because of RCTs, that doesn’t mean that RCTs are the only means of determining what’s “evidence-based” or not. Like any study conducted by humans, RCTs can have design and implementation flaws14 which lead to ethical and practical concerns in relying too heavily on their use to establish evidence. For example, the Swedish-founded Journal of Internal Medicine explains that for a RCT to determine the efficacy of a treatment,15 it should enroll “an adequate number of patients and utilize appropriate methodology to minimize the possibility of non-systematic and systematic deviations from the truth.” Because the standards of RCTs can’t always be controlled, studies should be evaluated “by appropriate criteria,16 and not primarily according to the simplistic RCT/non-RCT dichotomy.”

Scientists and rehab professionals do recognize that evidence is an important factor to consider when making treatment decisions. But even if the evidence comes from other types of studies (not just RCTs), Mark Tonelli, MD, MA of the American Medical Association (AMA) argues that “empirical evidence derived from clinical research is neither prescriptive17 nor does it always trump experiential knowledge or physiologic reasoning.”

Studies leave out other, potentially equally valid types of treatment. Much of the evidence used to support EBTs is derived from studies and trials that don’t include non-EBTs like community-based treatment programs or other complementary treatments, like holistic drug and alcohol rehab therapies. “Despite some striking examples of strong collaborations between community-based drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs and research institutions, it was apparent that relatively few investigators work closely with community treatment programs,18 and even fewer programs participate actively in research,” finds the U.S. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Community-Based Drug Treatment.

Because of this exclusion from scientific research and studies, a treatment’s effectiveness shouldn’t necessarily be based on empirical research. As an article from Health Policy describes, “Certain easily or already well-standardized approaches to addiction treatment are more likely to be tested in RCTs (e.g., pharmacotherapies, cognitive behavioral therapy), thereby biasing the pool of available interventions by including only those that have generated the most scientific interest,” but “the absence of efficacy studies does not render an intervention approach ineffective.”19

Individual patients may differ from, and be more complex than, study subjects. People who participate in scientific studies are usually chosen based on strict criteria. Because of this, it’s important for clinicians to recognize that, as one article published in JAMA medical journal states, real-life patients are “rarely identical to the average study patient.”20 Sometimes these differences lead to a gap between “the kind of knowledge that we derive from clinical research and the kind of knowledge we need to provide optimal care to an individual,”21 says Mark Tonelli, MD, MA, in the American Medical Association’s Journal of Ethics. “Application to individual cases requires clinicians to ask whether the patient-at-hand differs in any meaningful way from the ‘average’ patient of the clinical trial. Value judgments must enter into the calculus at this level as well.”

As the Journal of Internal Medicine further explains, “Clinical expertise is required to establish, balance and integrate the patient’s clinical state and circumstances, preferences and actions22, and the best research evidence.” No matter which kind of addiction treatment you seek, a rehab’s staff and medical professionals should conduct a full evaluation in order to take your unique set of problems into account while tailoring an addiction treatment plan23 for your individual recovery goals, like the U.K. based Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Biological Sciences journal advises.

Why You May Still Want to Consider Other Treatments

There are a lot of types of substance use and mental health disorder treatments that aren’t classified as EBTs. Just because their effectiveness may not necessarily be measurable or backed by large bodies of scientific evidence, doesn’t mean they aren’t still useful (or even effective). Non-evidence-based treatments and therapies still have their place in overall treatment and may still be an effective option for you.

Mindfulness, for example, is a complementary, integrative treatment used in many rehab programs. In fact, Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE)24 is a treatment approach that “unites traditional mindfulness meditation practices with techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and principles of positive psychology.” In a presentation for the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Eric Garland, MD, explains that MORE is designed to reduce addictive behavior and is proven effective for chronic pain and opioid abuse.

The Clinical Psychology Review, a U.S. based academic journal, analyzed mindfulness-based interventions for depression, pain conditions, smoking, and addictive disorders25 and found that results from some mindfulness treatments didn’t significantly differ from evidence-based treatments. The report’s conclusions support the notion that “mindfulness-based interventions hold promise as evidence-based treatments.”

And this is just one example of a different, “non-evidence-based” treatment that has been beneficial for many on their journey to recovery.

Finding the Best Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment for You

In the field of substance use and mental health disorder treatment, there are many different approaches to recovery. What works for one person may not work for another. For some, scientific evidence is an important factor in choosing a treatment and rehab center.

If you’re interested in finding treatments that have been tested and proven to be effective in clinical settings, browse rehabs that offer evidence-based treatment for addiction here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Evidence-Based Treatment

What is evidence-based treatment?

Evidence-based treatment is a type of treatment that has been shown to be useful and effective in clinical trials. These are typically randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

What are some examples of evidence-based treatments for addiction?

These are common evidence-based treatment methods for substance abuse:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

How do I find an evidence-based treatment program?

There are a few ways to find an evidence-based treatment program. One way is to ask your doctor or therapist for a referral. You can also look online. Searching for rehabs using an unbiased platform increases your chances of finding a reputable treatment center.

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Is Telehealth Effective for Substance Use Disorders?

Many people hesitate to start rehab because residential treatment programs feel inaccessible. Fortunately, they’re not the only option. More and more rehab programs now offer treatment via telehealth.

The popularity of telemedicine1 has skyrocketed in the past few years. It’s clear to see why this type of treatment became important in 2020: online appointments allow people in recovery to get the care they need, without taking unnecessary risks. Online treatment programs also limit the number of people on-site at a rehab facility, protecting both staff and clients.

However, online mental health treatment isn’t just for times of quarantine. Even before COVID-19 made social distancing a primary concern, “telehealth initiatives provided a platform to combat the shortcomings of cost, quality, and access ingrained in American health care.”2 Online therapy is a vital component of accessibility. Oftentimes, those who most need treatment also have the hardest time traveling to see a healthcare provider. For these clients, telemedicine makes it possible for them to get much-needed care.

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth, or online medical care, is an especially valuable resource for vulnerable populations. Substance use disorders can affect anyone, including elderly and immunocompromised clients, those with mobility issues, and people whose schedules make in-person therapy impossible. For example, a CEO or high-level executive might be able to take an hour-long break for a therapy session, but unable to take 3 hours off so they can commute to and from the office.

When you think of online addiction treatment, you may imagine something like a Zoom call, with the client and provider talking through a screen. That’s certainly a big part of telemedicine, and most talk therapy sessions do fall into this category. But there’s much more to online healthcare than video chat.

Telemedicine can include any type of online health management.3 For example, you might track your daily caloric intake through an app and share it with your nutritionist, or you might communicate with your psychiatrist via email. Many patients opt in to text message reminders about upcoming appointments. All of these fall under the umbrella of online healthcare.

Is Your Privacy Protected During Online Therapy?

Many clients are rightfully concerned with their privacy, and the confidentiality of the therapy they receive. And of course, any kind of online communication has an inherent security risk. A hacker is unlikely to get their hands on any information you share in person, behind closed doors, with no recording devices in the vicinity. Thankfully, several regulations control the privacy of clients’ health history.

Most of the time, healthcare providers are legally obligated to protect any client data obtained during treatment, whether that treatment occurs online or in person. However, some of these rules have changed since the pandemic. In the U.S., for example, the government has allowed more flexibility to healthcare providers who are moving their practices online. In some cases, lawmakers may be more lenient regarding HIPAA regulations for telehealth.4 This is intended to make virtual treatment accessible for clients whose providers may not have been set up for online healthcare prior to COVID. It gives doctors and counselors a little more leeway, so they don’t have to stop seeing patients entirely while they learn how to use various online platforms.

It’s likely that these regulations will change over time, as we continue to adjust to this new era. Clients engaged in online addiction treatment programs should stay apprised of this. Ideally, you’ll check in with your providers on a regular basis to make sure that their specific practices meet your needs for confidentiality.

Feeling safe with your therapist is paramount; a lack of trust will almost certainly interfere with your recovery. Step one, as always, is to find the right type of treatment and the right provider for you. After that, there are still a number of factors to consider as you decide if telemedicine is a good fit.

Pros and Cons of Online Rehab

Like any other form of communication, online rehab has its pros and cons—it’s certainly not appropriate for everyone. However, the very act of considering online therapy is an opportunity for you to evaluate your own priorities. By deciding whether online therapy is right for you, you’ll likely learn more about what you need out of any treatment program.

Advantages of Remote Therapy Sessions

Accessibility

Online therapy is one of the most accessible forms of healthcare. All you need is an internet connection and a computer, tablet, or even a phone. You’ll be able to contact your medical team from home, from the office, or from the other side of the world. You won’t have to cancel appointments if you’re sick, or if the weather is bad. It also allows for more flexible scheduling, because it completely eliminates travel time.

Accountability

Some clients, especially those who are new to recovery, may struggle to make and keep their appointments. This can be especially true if in outpatient treatment. If your appointments happen virtually, you’ll have fewer excuses to cancel. If you forget an appointment, some therapists will call or text you a reminder. Then, instead of having to reschedule or pay for unused time, you’ll be able to hop on the call within just a few minutes.

Group Dynamics

Online mental health treatment makes it possible for clients to engage in group therapy with people who are physically distant. Clinical Director Brenna Gonzalez explains how The Hope House Scottsdale uses technological tools for long-distance family therapy:

“The theatre room is equipped with telehealth equipment, so we can include family members in a client’s treatment program. Returning home to family support is really important, so it’s key to ensure family members understand what’s going on with their loved ones during treatment.”

Hope House Scottsdale movie theatre
The Hope House in Scottsdale, Arizona has an on-site theatre room fitted with telehealth equipment.

Continuity of Care

Virtual therapy appointments often allow you to stay in contact with the same treatment team even when you move from one location to another. This is especially important for clients who travel to residential rehab in another state or country, and want to proceed to an aftercare program at the same rehab center when they return home.

At some rehabs, online treatment is a routine component of aftercare. Ryan Soave, the Director of Program Development at All Points North Lodge, describes the role telehealth plays in their continuing care:

“In our full continuum of care, people come out of detox into our residential facility, then they step down to the partial hospitalization program, all the way through into intensive outpatient and the telehealth program.”

Not every rehab facility offers this. Some programs may suggest you engage in online aftercare with the same facility, but a different medical team. If you live in the U.S. and travel to another state for rehab this can get especially complicated, as the U.S. has strict laws governing therapy for out-of-state clients.5 Make sure to learn what your options are before you begin inpatient therapy, so you’ll know what to expect going forward.

Potential Drawbacks of Attending Addiction and Mental Treatment Virtually

Limited Physical Care

Virtual therapy can address many serious issues, and may be appropriate for some physical exams. However, it has noteworthy limitations when it comes to physical care, especially in the treatment of substance use disorders. For example, it’s not an effective way to perform medical detox. That process should be closely supervised by an in-person team of doctors and nurses.

Even clients who have already completed detox may still benefit from in-person care. One major drawback of online treatment is that online appointments don’t allow doctors to monitor your vital signs or perform daily drug testing.6 This aspect of accountability can be very important for people who are new to treatment, and losing access to it can severely impact the recovery process.

Confidentiality

Although providers are ethically obligated to protect their clients’ data, breaches can and do occur. In telehealth appointments, you may be responsible for some aspects of online security.7 Your device or your home network may not be entirely secure, even if your therapist’s data is.

Lack of Experiential Therapy

Online therapy is an effective way to talk to a therapist or other provider. However, there are many powerful and effective types of therapy that can only happen in person. During on-site or inpatient treatment, you may have access to art therapy, group activities, and even massage or acupuncture. Experiential therapy can greatly benefit your physical and mental health. These opportunities invite clients to learn about healthy social dynamics while creating happy memories. And it’s just not possible to go whitewater rafting via video chat!

Online Rehab Programs Can Be a Great Fit for Some Circumstances

Because of its physical limitations, some clients may benefit from telemedicine as part of a combination approach to recovery. You may choose to see some providers online and others in person. You may plan to maintain long-distance therapeutic relationships after complete inpatient treatment. If you’re interested in online therapy, be sure to talk to your medical team and ask whether they think it might be right for you.

Before you begin this type of online treatment, take some time to understand your own interest in it. Recovery is a time to reconnect with yourself and to start building healthy relationships. For some people, virtual treatment programs are appealing mostly because it allows you to stay in isolation. If that’s true for you, it might not be the best fit.

If you have other concerns—such as physical health issues, scheduling, or various forms of accessibility—don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. For many people, online appointments are the only way to access high-quality care. If in-person treatment just isn’t an option for you, telehealth may make it possible for you to begin recovery.

View and connect with rehabs that offer online services to find out if this format is a good fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Addiction Treatment

Is telehealth effective for substance use disorders?

Telehealth is an effective option for addiction treatment, providing accessible and convenient care via online platforms. It offers a safe and private way to receive therapy, making it especially beneficial for vulnerable populations and those facing travel constraints.

Is privacy protected during online therapy?

Online therapy ensures privacy through legal obligations and regulations, and most healthcare providers strive to maintain confidentiality. Clients should stay updated on specific practices and communicate their concerns to their therapists to ensure their privacy needs are met.

What are the pros and cons of online rehab?

Online rehab has advantages such as accessibility, accountability, group dynamics, and continuity of care. However, it has limitations in physical care, potential confidentiality risks, and the lack of certain experiential therapies. Assessing personal priorities and consulting with your treatment team can help determine if online treatment is a suitable choice.
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Rehabs in Texas: Big-City Convenience and Countryside Charm 

In the U.S., the state of Texas is famous for being just as friendly as it is big and warm. The second biggest state by area and population, people usually think of wide open spaces, hot weather year-round, and a fierce loyalty that Texans wear like a badge of pride. 

Maybe it’s the warm southern hospitality or maybe it’s the sense of freedom that comes with endless blue skies, but either way there’s just something about Texas that feels like home no matter who you are or where you’re from. 

If you’re looking for a rehab facility or program that reminds you of the comforts of home while still giving you the privacy and space you’re craving in order to begin or continue healing, then going to a rehab in Texas might be a good option for you.  

Recover Amidst Texas’ Diverse Landscapes

The environment we surround ourselves with can soothe our souls and cultivate healing in different ways. Some people find healing in the countryside, and some are invigorated by cityscapes. Texas isn’t just all hot weather and never-ending fields. One could even say that this region has something suitable for anyone’s preference. 

Texan Terrains

Because of how big the state is, Texas has a variety of diverse landscapes and climates. These range from the coastal swamps lining the Gulf of Mexico, to the low rolling plains stretching from end to end of the state, to the cacti-dotted desert and forested mountains of Big Bend National Park. No matter what landscape most nurtures your soul, you’ll probably be able to find it in Texas.  

hannahs house
Hannah’s House on Texas’ South Padre Island delivers trauma-informed care just for women in a tranquil beachside setting.

Your Choice of Weather

Though famous for its hot weather, Texas is home to several different microclimates. Areas along the Gulf Coast have much milder temperatures ranging from 46°F to 92°F, depending on the time of year. In the opposite direction, the northern panhandle of Texas experiences hot weather in the summer and fairly cold weather during the winter months. If weather tends to affect your moods and is an important factor for you, consider your preferences before choosing your ideal treatment center.

Rural and Urban Rehabs

Perhaps one of Texas’s most inspiring natural features is its wide open spaces. Ever since the cattle industry boomed in Texas in the late 1800s, many people in the U.S. and worldwide have associated the state with cowboys and the vast swatches of land they roamed.

Imagine sitting under a giant oak tree by a stream, surrounded by grassy fields dotted with wildflowers as far as the eye can see. If you’re used to living a city lifestyle, slowing down and connecting to the earth in this way can provide a pivotal shift in perspective. Being in nature can help reduce our physical and mental stress levels,1 which may be just what you need to kickstart your recovery.

While the state is vastly rural, the majority of Texans live in urban areas.2 If you’re looking for the convenience and logistical ease that cities offer, Texas has plenty of rehabs in urban settings, like J. Flowers Health Institute and The Menninger Clinic in Houston. 

j flowers
J. Flowers Health Institute in Houston, Texas offers a unique Executive Health Diagnostic Evaluation Program catering specifically to high-level professionals.

Prominent Treatment Approaches and Specialties

Faith-Based Programs

As with many of the Southern states, Texas is also known for being highly religious. According to a 2016 survey of adults by the Pew Research Center, Texas is the 11th most “highly religious” state3 in the U.S. Additionally, the majority of adults in Texas are Christian4 (77%), meaning they consider themselves members of any Christian denomination. As such, many rehabs in Texas offer programming with a spiritual emphasis to accommodate those with existing religious frameworks.

If religion is an important aspect of your daily life, then you might consider incorporating your faith in your recovery journey, which is quite common. In fact, nearly 73% of addiction treatment programs in the U.S. “include a spirituality-based element,” and “more than 84% of scientific studies show that faith is a positive factor in addiction prevention or recovery,”5 as found in a study on faith and substance abuse in the Journal of Religion and Health. Attending rehab in Texas is a potentially good opportunity to connect with other people who are moderately or highly religious and may share similar perspectives that can bolster your treatment experience. 

Executive Rehab

Another benefit of Texas’ large size is the privacy and exclusivity it offers. The spaciousness found at many Texas rehabs might appeal to executives or other high-profile people who need a more insulated treatment program.  J Flowers Health Institute in Houston, for example, has a maximum occupancy of 5 guests at a time and offers discreet concierge services and individual treatment plans. Perfect for professionals, the center offers mental health, addiction, and substance use treatments that cater to executives, including a highly comprehensive Executive Health Diagnostic Evaluation Program.6

menninger clinic
The Menninger Clinic in Houston, founded in 1925, is recognized nationwide for its high clinical standards and proven treatment outcomes.

Explore New Ways of Healing in the Friendship State

People all across the nation and the world are drawn to Texas because of its undeniable charm, miles of land calling for adventure, and its world-renowned music scene. 

Texans are known for being so welcoming that “friendship” is actually the state’s official motto. If you’re craving a treatment setting that makes you feel at home, the Southern hospitality found here might be exactly what you’re looking for. 

Another benefit of Texas’s open space and natural parks is the chance to experience any number of outdoor activities from hiking and rock climbing, to rafting and spelunking. Plus, Texas is home to several stunning natural parks, including Big Bend National Park near the Rio Grande and Padre Island National Seashore along the Gulf of Mexico. Some rehabs include adventure therapy and destination outings in their treatment programs to help clients recharge and experience different ways of navigating through treatment.  

Lastly, if there’s one activity Texas is known for, it’s music. Music lovers from all around the world flock to Texas, where many iconic artists throughout the decades have left their legacy. The state’s capital, Austin, was nicknamed the live music capital of the world.7 Catching a live show may not be the first thing on your mind during treatment and in early recovery. But if music is an important part of your life, or music therapy is something you’d like to explore, plenty of rehabs in Texas offer the opportunity to incorporate that passion into your healing process. 

Traveling to Texas for Treatment

Texas is a major flight hub and hosts 24 passenger service airports, including 12 international airports. Large distances between cities mean it’s often easiest to fly between metro areas within the state. Many rehabs offer help with logistics like airport transfers. Some can even connect you with a sober companion to accompany you on your travels if staying sober in transit is a concern. 

Going to rehab in Texas is an attractive option for both busy professionals who can’t afford a lot of travel time, and for the peace of mind that wide open spaces invite.

Start Your Recovery Journey Under Texas’ Open Skies

From its warm weather and hearty hospitality to its massive, diverse terrains, Texas has many draws for those seeking a transformative addiction or mental health treatment experience. And many addiction rehabilitation centers in Texas offer distinct features like faith-based programs, working privileges for executives, and exceptional exclusivity. 

Texas has many options to choose from; whether you’re searching for intensive outpatient treatment in Dallas, holistic treatment in the countryside or rehabs that accept Medicaid and other state insurance options.

See our collection of rehabs in Texas for program information, photos, and reviews of top treatment centers. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Texas

What types of settings and weather can I expect at Texas rehab centers?

Texas offers a diverse range of landscapes, including coastal swamps, deserts, forested mountains, and idyllic countryside. The weather varies across the state, with milder temperatures along the Gulf Coast and hotter summers in the northern panhandle. When choosing a rehab center, consider your preferences and the location’s climate.

Do rehabs in Texas offer faith-based programs?

Yes, many private rehabs in Texas provide programming with a spiritual emphasis. Texas is known for its religious population, with a majority identifying as Christian. If incorporating your faith into the recovery journey is important to you, attending a rehab in Texas can offer opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar perspectives.

Are there exclusive rehab options for executives in Texas?

Absolutely. Texas’s spaciousness and large size allow for privacy and exclusivity, making it an attractive option for high-profile clients. Some luxury rehabs, such as J. Flowers Health Institute in Houston, offer discreet concierge services, individual treatment plans, and comprehensive programs tailored to the specific needs of executives.
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Choosing a Rehab Facility: How Qualified Is Their Staff? 

In any organization that provides essential services, the experience and expertise of the staff is paramount. This is perhaps even truer for addiction treatment facilities. Clients at rehab are trusting treatment professionals to help them navigate the challenging, and often vulnerable, journey to recovery.

Rehabs staff executives who run day-to-day operations, treatment professionals (both medically licensed and not) who provide rehab services like detox and counseling, and support staff who guide clients through their day-to-day experience. 

When you’re looking for an addiction treatment program that’s a good fit for you, it’s important to consider the qualifications of their team. Here, we take a closer look at who works at rehabs and what job titles, roles, licensing, and certifications they may have. 

Who Works at Rehabs?

In the U.S., drug treatment facilities are state-regulated. This means that treatment professionals at rehabs must meet various licensing and credential requirements as determined by the state.

If you’re in the U.S., to see licensing requirements by state please consult the state regulations for substance use disorder programs and counselors1 overview by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or the credentials and licensing of substance use disorder workers2 listed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Following, you’ll find more information about the various employees at addiction and mental health rehabs, by area of expertise.

Medical Professionals

Medical and mental health professionals have medical training and licensing. Not all rehab facilities house medical team members, but many programs do. These highly qualified professionals oversee aspects of treatment like detox, health screening at intake, and managing medication. Depending on the program, they might also help clients address co-occurring physical health problems while in residential care. They may or may not have specializations specifically related to addiction treatment.

Medical Doctors

Rehabs with on-site detox facilities often staff doctors who oversee detox programming and safely guide patients through withdrawal.3 They may also review and administer clients’ regular medications, as well as oversee their general physical health and wellbeing. Some rehabs also have an addiction medicine physician,4 which is a doctor with an advanced education in addiction, on-site. 

Nurses

There are actually several different rankings and certification requirements for each rank of nurse. The highest ranking, advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), must have a master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice. In descending order or rank, registered nurses (RN) have either an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing; a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed nurse practitioner (LNP) must complete a one-year program pass a state licensing exam; and lastly, certified nursing assistants (CNA) obtain a certification after passing a 4-12 week program and earning their state license.

Another clinical role you may see is a behavioral health technician,5 which are also called paraprofessionals, psychiatric technicians, and mental health technicians. These professionals support doctors and nurses by assisting clients with daily tasks, implementing treatment plans, and recording client behavior. Behavioral health technicians are required to have a bachelor’s degree, but most states do not require specific licensing. 

Note on Detox Programs: When evaluating a detox program, a strong qualification to look for is if the doctors and nurses staffing the facility are specialized and/or experienced in addiction. 

Mental Health Professionals

At rehabs, various types of mental health professionals guide clients through psychotherapy sessions. They may draw on a wide range of treatment methods including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and experiential therapies, in both group and individual therapy settings. 

These formally educated therapists can have a range of certifications and job titles: 

  • Counselor or Therapist. The difference between counselors and therapists6 is their respective training and degree requirements. Therapists receive training on connecting with clients and generally require a master’s degree, while counselors draw from their own experiences to connect with clients and require a bachelor’s degree. Neither of these professionals can recommend or prescribe medications, but they can refer you to other professionals for medical evaluation or treatment. 
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). These therapists are qualified to work with people to help improve their family relationships, which can be important in rehab since family dynamics can often trigger or enable disordered behavior. In most states in the U.S. a master’s degree or doctorate degree is required to become a LMFT. You can check your state’s licensure requirements on the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards7 website. 
  • Psychologist (PhD, PsyD). Psychologists have doctoral-level training and state licensing. They assess, diagnose, and treat people who have mental health disorders and are highly trained to help people understand and change their thought patterns and behaviors. 
  • Psychiatrist (MD). Psychiatrists hold medical degrees. Similar to psychologists, psychiatrists provide mental health counseling but can also prescribe medications as they’re qualified to monitor clients for side effects. 
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Social workers act as case managers and liaisons for clients and their families and help them navigate the rehab system. In the U.S., clinical social workers8 have master’s degrees and passed licensing exams to be able to independently diagnose and treat mental disorders, as explained on the Social Work Licensure website. 
  • Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS). In this role, a person can choose to specialize in a specific field of addiction, like adolescent addiction. Again, certification requirements for addiction professionals9 vary per state, but the National Certification Commission for Addicted Professionals (NCC AP) provides different levels of national and international credentialing.  
  •  

Other Clinical Professionals

This group of rehab staff includes any non-medically qualified clinicians who still work with diagnosing and treating patients.

Dietitians, Nutritionists, and Similar Rehab Staff Members 

Nutrition is a key component of rehab. Throughout your treatment experience, your mind and body go through intensive changes, and proper nourishment helps restore your bodily systems to health. Because of this, many rehabs house dieticians and nutritionists, who may hold a range of job titles and certifications: 

  • Registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) 
  • Certified clinical nutritionist (CNN) 
  • Certified nutrition specialist10 (CNS)
  • And others like nutrition coach, health coach and fitness instructor

In the U.S., dietitians are certified to treat clinical conditions and specific health conditions, like eating disorders. In order to practice, a dietitian must be certified from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.11 On the other hand, nutritionists in the U.S. aren’t always certified, and if they are, certification requirements differ from state to state.  

Holistic and Complementary Medicine Practitioners

Holistic and complementary medicine are similar practices, with a few distinct differences. A broad term, holistic describes non-mainstream “treatments and practitioners12 who don’t work within the system of conventional medicine.” Conversely, complementary medicine means any treatments or therapies used in addition to and alongside other conventional medical and psychological therapies. 

Rehabs may staff a wide array of holistic and complementary medicine practitioners, depending on their program focus: 

  • Acupuncturists and massage therapists
  • Physical therapists (including yoga instructors, bodywork therapists)
  • Music and art therapists
  • Mindfulness and meditation teachers
  • Homeopathic and naturopathic doctors and herbalists
  • Energy medicine practitioners
  • Somatic therapists
  • Personal trainers

Important Information About Wellness Therapists

There are a lot of different ways to become a holistic or complementary professional, which vary greatly on location and position type. Some positions require certifications, but in general there are no license requirements regulated by governing bodies.  

In the U.S., the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health was formed within the National Institutes of Health to test the safety and effectiveness of complementary treatments.13 This center publishes guidelines to help people choose the best treatments for them. 

Admissions

Admissions staff are the first point of contact for people inquiring about rehab programs. They are essentially the rehab’s sales team, though they can play a very hands-on role in helping clients and their loved ones get information, plan for treatment, and arrange logistics such as travel. 

For more on the admissions process, see our article on what to ask when calling a rehab.

Support Staff

Rehabs also typically involve general workers in their clients’ treatment experience. These supportive peers may greet clients and help them get settled in when they arrive, transport clients to group outings, or be on hand to answer questions as clients make their way through the program. This position doesn’t require any special certification. In fact, many times these staff members are former clients or people in recovery who nonetheless play an important role because of their frequent interaction with clients.

In general, a lower staff-to-client ratio is a sign of rehab program quality, as this allows clients to receive more individual attention throughout their stay. “Luxury centers also allow, through their higher cost, the kind of extra staffing that is helpful in management of certain people’s cases,” explains McLean Hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Frederick Goggans. 

Rehab Executive and Administrative Teams

A private rehab’s executive staff are the leaders who run the organization. This person or group of people is responsible for implementing the center’s business strategy as well as establishing the client’s journey through their particular program. Depending on the program size, you may or may not have much interaction with this part of the rehab’s team. However, the higher-level decisions they make have a direct impact on the center’s overall culture and, as a result, your treatment experience. 

Rehab executive teams can consist of one or several people including but limited to the following positions: 

  • Founder or CEO 
  • President
  • Chief operating officer
  • Program director
  • Clinical director

Small boutique or family-owned rehabs may only have one person acting as an executive. An intimate team does not necessarily mean you’re getting lower quality care (just as the opposite is also true). But if there is only one executive staff member, make sure that person’s credentials are legitimate. 

Important Information About Rehab Executive Staff

In general, you’ll want to consider the answers to the following questions when reviewing the qualifications of a rehab center’s executive staff:

  • What Degrees Do They Hold? Formal education is a standard requirement for running a business, though some executives gain their positions through professional experience and connections. Either way, this information can usually be found on the team page of a center’s website.
  • What is Their Professional Experience? Direct work experience related to the rehab space can be just as valuable as an education. Consider this the same way you would look at someone’s resume: if they don’t have any previous experience in the field related to their current role, you might wonder how they got their position. 
  • Do They Have Executive Skills? The success of a company is often steered by the leadership of its executives. In general, a rehab executive should have strong management and leadership skills in addition to field-specific expertise, a strong stance on addiction treatment ethics, excellent communication and presentation skills, and proactivity when it comes to the rehab’s staff and client satisfaction.  

Making Sure You’re in Good Hands

A rehab facility is successful when the many different staff members cohesively work together to make the program run smoothly. Some of these people you’ll see and closely interact with every day on your recovery journey and others you might not. 

Having a general idea of what to look for in the qualifications of rehab staff is one factor that can help you feel more confident in your decision to go with a particular program. 

Discover a rehab that fits your needs by exploring our list of facilities around the world. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Staff

Who works at rehab facilities?

Rehab facilities employ a diverse range of professionals to support the treatment and recovery process. These include medical professionals, mental health and clinical professionals, holistic and complementary medicine practitioners, admissions staff, support staff, and executive teams.

What qualifications do medical professionals at rehab facilities have?

Medical professionals at rehab facilities have medical training and licensing. Depending on the program, they may oversee aspects such as detox, health screening, medication management, and addressing co-occurring physical health problems. Medical doctors and nurses play essential roles in providing medical care and support.

What types of mental health professionals are found at rehab facilities?

Rehabs employ various types of mental health professionals, such as counselors, therapists, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers. These professionals guide clients through psychotherapy sessions using different treatment methods to address mental health disorders.

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Understanding the Role of Sober Coaches in Addiction Recovery 

The transition from an addiction treatment program to daily life is a fundamental step in the recovery journey. Many people can feel overwhelmed and isolated during this time. These feelings are normal—you’re navigating new territory and adjusting to a new lifestyle.

To make the adjustment period more manageable, some luxury treatment centers will set you up with a support system as part of their continuing care program. Another way to bolster your support network is with a sober coach, also known as a recovery coach. Many sober coaches are affiliated with rehab centers or hospitals. However, some work with free-standing organizations, or as private practitioners. 

Sober coaches can help you feel less isolated, hold you accountable and offer advice and guidance to ensure sustainable recovery as you return to life outside treatment. 

A sober coach may be a good option if you want a more hands-on relationship with a non-clinical professional who can guide you through this particularly sensitive stage. Keep in mind that a sober coach is not a replacement for other parts of your continuing care program. Rather, they supplement aspects of continuing care and offer support that some people may need for long-term recovery. 

Since sober coaching is a relatively new position in addiction treatment, we explore how their role is defined and ways in which they can support your recovery. 

What Is a Sober Coach?

The recovery journey doesn’t stop when a rehab program ends. In more recent years, we’ve seen a rise in new peer-based recovery support services1 that has stemmed from the need to provide people with extra support as they transition from a formal treatment program into their natural environment. A growing number of peer-based recovery support services and new roles have been designed to assist people during that transition period and help them maintain long-term sobriety. One of those roles is a sober coach.

Sober coaches can have many different titles, including recovery coach, recovery manager, recovery mentor, recovery guide and more. Their role remains the same: to provide someone with “non-clinical assistance to support long-term recovery from substance use disorders.”2

Unlike clinical professionals, sober coaches don’t need to have formally acquired credentials. Instead, sober coaches draw on experiential knowledge and expertise3 to help clients achieve and maintain lasting sobriety. Their knowledge generally comes from their own addiction recovery experiences or from helping others recover. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a sober coach offers supportive assistance, rather than directives.4 They can help with a number of recovery-related issues: 

  • Setting recovery goals
  • Developing recovery action plans 
  • Finding new peers
  • Improving job skills
  • Exploring new hobbies and things to do in your spare time 
  • Finding sober housing 
villa paradiso sober coaching
Villa Paradiso Rehab in Marbella, Spain offers aftercare recovery coaching.

Generally, a sober or recovery coach offers the four following types of support: 

Emotional Support

Emotional support includes anything that addresses your emotional concerns. This could range from inspirational coaching to empathetic listening and encouragement. 

Informational Support

Sober coaches can connect you with resources and information that benefit your recovery, like learning a new life skill or developing new coping strategies for dealing with challenges. 

Instrumental Support

This includes assistance with concrete, practical tasks like finding housing and employment.

Affiliational Support

A sober coach can help you connect with  others who can bolster your recovery journey. This might take place through events,activities, or online or in-person communities. 

The Difference Between Sober Coaches and Sober Companions

There are several roles that involve helping people maintain long-term recovery beyond inpatient rehab. It’s important to clarify the distinction between them, to ensure you look for the right type of guidance. 

A common misunderstanding is that sober coaches are like sober companions. However, their roles are markedly distinct. 

Sober Coaches (or Recovery Coaches)

A sober coach is a hired, non-clinical professional who supports your long-term recovery from substance use disorders. Most have been through recovery themselves and are trained on how to help others through the journey. Sessions with your recovery coach occur on a regular basis and are held via phone, online or even onsite at your treatment center. 

Sober Companions

A sober companion is generally more involved in your daily life than a sober coach. They will accompany you throughout your day as necessary, to ensure you have the support and accountability you may need to prevent a relapse.

noosa confidential sober coaching
Noosa Confidential in Queensland, Australia offers sober coaching as part of the aftercare portion of their programming.

Who Are Sober Coaches a Good Fit For? 

Sober coaches offer support through various stages of the recovery journey.5 

A sober coach could be a good fit for you if you don’t have a strong support network, live in an environment with many triggers, or need additional help with daily life. Some people can benefit from having a sober coach in more than one stage of their recovery journey. 

The Pre-Decision Stage

Before you make a decision to enter residential treatment, a sober coach can help you take this big step. They can ensure you feel less isolated through the process and assist with finding a rehab that suits your needs. Once you’ve found a program, they can guide you through the entry process. 

During Treatment

A sober coach who supports you during a rehab program takes on a slightly different role. They are an advocate and will help you foster life skills for lasting sobriety. For example, Hope Rehab Center in Thailand has a treatment model that includes exposure therapy, wherein clients are taken on excursions to experience the outside world. Their on-site sober coach supports you during these encounters to help you handle real emotions that may come up during life after rehab. 

Aftercare

A number of luxury addiction treatment centers across the globe offer sober coaching as part of their aftercare program. Oftentimes, sober coaches that work with rehab centers reflect the same level of care, support and privacy your addiction treatment program offers. 

In Europe, both Villa Paradiso Rehab in Marbella, Spain and Tabula Rasa Retreat in Portugal have aftercare recovery coaches. 

Australia has a number of treatment programs with sober coaches as part of their aftercare, including Noosa Confidential in Sunshine Coast and The Banyans in Brisbane. 

The United States has plenty of options across the country. For example, Oceanside Malibu in California, JourneyPure in Tennessee, Blue Ridge Mountain in Georgia and The Sanctuary at Sedona in Arizona all offer recovery coaching as part of their aftercare programs. 

It’s important to keep in mind that while sober coaches offer valuable support and life skills for sobriety, they should not replace the care you’ll receive from healthcare professionals and therapists during primary treatment and aftercare. 

The Difference Between Sober Coaches and Other Addiction Treatment Professionals

Sober coaches are relatively new in addiction treatment and can perform many different roles in someone’s recovery,6 which sometimes leads to role ambiguity. 

The public still holds some confusion about the responsibilities of sober coaches compared to other addiction treatment professionals. However, there are established differences as outlined in the Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center’s guidelines for ethical peer-based recovery support.7 It’s important to understand these distinctions to make sure you’re looking for the right professional for your needs. 

Sober coaches are not healthcare professionals. 

Unlike doctors, nurses, or psychiatrists, most recovery coaches don’t have medical degrees. Their role is never to diagnose you or provide you with medical advice or care. 

Instead, a sober coach helps you remove potential roadblocks that might prevent you from seeing a medical professional. For example, they can help you find the right medical professional, or drive you to your appointment. 

Sober coaches are not social workers or addiction counselors. 

Unlike social workers and addiction counselors, sober coaches take on a more informal role and aren’t required to have a degree in social work or formal credentials in counseling. 

Whereas addiction counselors are discouraged from self-disclosure, or using their personal experience to connect with clients, sober coaches are encouraged to share their personal experiences with you. They act as your confidant. 

If you need professional help from a social worker or an addictions counselor, your sober coach will help you get in touch with them.

Sober coaches are not sponsors. 

Unlike with sponsors, you and your sober coach don’t uphold each other’s sobriety.  Some sober coaches haven’t struggled with addiction before, but are there to support you, especially during sensitive transition periods. 

A relationship with a sober coach is more like that of a mentor and a mentee, or a personal trainer with their client.

oceanside malibu sober coaching
Oceanside Malibu in Malibu, California offers recovery coaching as part of their aftercare program.

How to Find the Right Sober Coach for You

Most sober coaches work in affiliation with recovery centers and hospitals. However, some work with free-standing organizations or as private practitioners.  

Since sober coaches don’t need to have formally acquired credentials, it’s important to take extra precautions when searching for one, especially if you plan to look outside of your rehab program. 

If you’re unsure where to start, you could ask recovery centers during an initial phone call if they have any referrals for reputable sober coaches. If you’re already seeing a therapist, you could ask if they have  any recommendations for you.  

How to Search for Rehab Center-Affiliated Sober Coaches

1. Check the addiction treatment center’s reputation and credibility.
Doing this as the first step gives you a good idea of the level of expertise a rehab center would expect from its employees and affiliates.

Reputation Check

Read through the rehab center’s online review. You can also ask around to see if they’re in good standing with other healthcare providers or treatment facilities.

Accreditation Check

In the U.S., there are two national organizations that accredit treatment providers. These include the Joint Commission and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). While rehabs might showcase accreditation logos on their website, you should check directly with the accrediting body.

2. Ask the addiction treatment center for sober coach options.
After you’ve found a reputable rehab center you trust, ask them for referrals of sober coaches. Usually, you would have gone through an initial phone call with an admissions specialist first. They’ll ask general background questions, including questions about your medical history, substance use history and family history. 

Once they have a better understanding of your situation, they will give recommendations for different sober coaches. You can compare their backgrounds and even go through an initial phone call with them to find a sober coach that best matches your needs. 

How to Search for a Private Sober Coach

If your addiction treatment program doesn’t offer sober coaching, you can hire a private sober coach to help you at any point in your recovery journey. Much like rehab centers, there are certain markers you should look out for to ensure you hire a credible, reputable sober coach who matches your needs. 

1. Ask people you trust.

You can start your search by asking people you trust if they have any recommendations for sober coaches. This could be your therapist, psychiatrist or even your doctor. 

2. Check the sober coach’s reputation, accreditations and affiliations.

Important to note: there’s no professional, independent governing body that offers accreditations to sober coaches.

Many private sober coaches have a website. It’s recommended to look through them and use these indicators to check whether the sober coach is reputable and has the level of expertise you’re looking for:

  • Online reviews—These give you a general idea of a private sober coach’s reputation.
  • Feedback—Reach out to people who have used that sober coach’s service and ask for their feedback. 
  • Relevant qualifications—Some credentials to look out for include psychiatric, medical, or social work accreditations or degrees. Keep in mind that if a sober coach doesn’t have the degrees listed above, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not qualified.
  • Work experience—Check a sober coach’s work background to see how many years they’ve been a practicing coach and if they have experience with others in similar situations as yours. 
  • Affiliation with treatment centers or hospitals—Check the qualifications of the centers they’ve partnered with to give yourself an idea of their credibility and professionalism.   

Sober Coaches Offer the Extra Support Many People Need for Long-Term Recovery

Adjusting to life after rehab can feel like a difficult prospect. As you journey to create a healthy, substance-free lifestyle, there are resources and tools you can turn to that help make the adjustment easier. 

For many people, sober coaches are a pillar to lean on and offer invaluable support they need for long-term recovery. The relationship is often grounded in trust, health and wellness, which is why finding the right person is so important. 

Many established rehabs either have referrals for sober coaches or have sober coaching as part of their program. To get your search started, browse our collection of rehabs that offer sober coaching.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sober Coaches

What is a sober coach?

A sober coach, also known as a recovery coach, provides supportive assistance to people in long-term recovery. They supplement other aspects of continuing care and can help with setting recovery goals, developing action plans, finding new peers, improving job skills, exploring new hobbies, and finding sober housing.

What’s the difference between sober coaches and sober companions?

A sober coach is a non-clinical professional who supports long-term addiction recovery. They provide regular assistance through phone, online, or in-person sessions. A sober companion, on the other hand, is more involved in a client’s daily life, providing support and accountability to prevent relapse and accompanying them throughout the day as needed.

How can I find a sober coach?

To find a sober coach, follow these steps: 1. Check the reputation and credibility of the addiction treatment center you are associated with. 2. Ask the treatment center for referrals of sober coaches. Compare their backgrounds and have an initial phone call with them to find a match. 3. If your treatment program doesn’t offer sober coaching, you can hire a private sober coach. Ask trusted professionals like therapists or doctors for recommendations and check their reputation, qualifications, work experience, and affiliations with treatment centers or hospitals.

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Privacy in Rehab: How to Keep Your Treatment Confidential

Addiction can affect anyone, including public figures and those in high-profile positions. For these clients, concerns around confidentiality can be one of the biggest barriers when it comes to seeking treatment.

Because of this, privacy is among the most important considerations when choosing a rehab. 

The good news is that you have options. In general, rehabs are at least held to clinical standards of patient confidentiality, and due to the sensitive nature of addiction treatment, most are located in discreet premises and take measures to protect your privacy. Some premium programs cater specifically to clients who need extra seclusion, with many featuring private villas and exclusively one-on-one treatment sessions. Other treatment centers also focus on confidentiality and understand that for certain clientele, like celebrities and recognizable figures, anonymity is essential.  

Understanding the protection you’re entitled to in clinical settings, and learning what to look for in a residential rehab, can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your recovery.  

Why Privacy Matters

Recovery is a highly personal journey. If opening up to others about your struggle isn’t something you feel comfortable with, that choice is completely valid. 

While mental health stigma is decreasing1 thanks to growing visibility, coming out about a substance use disorder can, unfortunately, have consequences in some cases. In a 2017 study published in Addiction Research & Theory, researchers found that the stigma of being identified as someone struggling with addiction2 can have personal, medical and professional consequences similar to those who are dealing with mental illness. These consequences can be especially high-impact for those who are in the public eye. 

Celebrities, politicians, and high-profile businesspeople often choose to pursue more discreet treatment options. Fortunately, many centers have exclusive programs that cater specifically to this need.

How You’re Protected by Clinical Standards

Healthcare providers in the U.S., including rehab centers, must adhere to certain privacy protection laws. Two important ones that concern addiction treatment include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA3 and 42 CFR Part 2.4

HIPAA

HIPAA is a privacy law that enforces national standards to prevent the sharing of health information of individual patients without their consent or knowledge. Under this law, you have the right to access and examine your healthcare records and can request amendments or accounting of disclosure of your protected health information.

All healthcare providers, health plans, businesses and healthcare clearinghouses must comply with HIPAA.

paracelsus confidentiality
Paracelsus Recovery in Zurich, Switzerland treats only one client at a time in their completely bespoke program.

42 CFR Pt. 2

While HIPAA applies to all medically-related information, 42 CFR Part 2 applies specifically to those who will enter, who have entered, or who have already gone through addiction treatment programs. 

Under this law, rehab centers are prohibited from disclosing any individual information that identifies or indicates that the patient has dealt with addiction. This is so that people in recovery aren’t treated unfairly in cases of employment, child custody, or divorce. Without your written consent, treatment centers are unable to share any of your information, even with other medical facilities and practitioners.

42 CFR Part 2 applies to any entity that provides a recovery program, so all programs in the U.S. must adhere to this federal law. 

As for facilities outside the U.S., the laws can differ significantly. For example, in Canada, the Privacy Act of 1985 prevents treatment centers from sharing any mental or physical health information5 that might be harmful to the patient.

Because privacy levels can vary from program to program, it’s best to ask admissions staff at centers you’re considering what steps they take to ensure privacy and what kind of regulatory oversight they have in this area. 

While these protection laws are designed to keep the information of rehab center patients safe, there are still ways you can ensure extra layers of privacy if discretion is a major concern.  

Privacy at Different Addiction Treatment Programs

Whether you’re looking for a residential rehab program or an intensive outpatient program (IOP), certain markers can help you identify which ones offer a more confidential experience. On the most exclusive end of the spectrum are luxury rehab centers that cater specifically to clients who need to keep a low profile. 

Residential Rehabs

Here are some of the ways residential rehab programs can offer a more private experience: 

Distance From Your Community
For many people, the fear of bumping into familiar faces during or on the way to rehab prevents them from starting treatment. With residential rehabs, you live onsite for the duration of your program. Removing yourself from your everyday environment not only reduces the chances of being recognized, but also reduces circumstantial triggers. This gives many people the comfort they need to focus on their recovery. 

Discreet Locations
Luxury inpatient rehabs are often located in remote, naturally beautiful settings, which offer the added benefit of total seclusion. These peaceful, awe-inspiring surroundings are the perfect backdrop for inner healing, says Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal, Chief Medical Officer of Sierra Tucson in Arizona:

“Trying to heal in a main metropolis, where you hear cars, sirens and noise is not very conducive. When clients come to Sierra Tucson for treatment, suddenly they’re in a quiet space without extraneous sound. There’s no interference from the outside world and people can really focus inward and take care of themselves.”  

Many luxury rehabs aren’t recognizable as treatment centers from the outside, and some don’t even publicly list their location. 

An Extra Layer of Privacy at Destination Rehabs
If you’re looking for anonymity, you may consider traveling to a destination rehab where you have even more space from your usual surroundings. Local culture can even play into which destination is more appropriate for those seeking an escape from the public eye. 

Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus in Zurich comments on Switzerland’s non-sensationalist culture, and how it can be attractive for clients who want to avoid media attention:

“Confidentiality is Switzerland’s second name. Some of our A-list celebrity clients will go to a local Starbucks, and while they’re recognized, they’re not in the news. Local tabloids don’t write about it and they’re not harassed for autographs either.” 

mercui confidentiality
Mercui Recovery, a single-client rehab with locations in Malibu, Aspen and Costa Palma, Mexico offers a full continuum of care on-site, from initial detox to aftercare.

Privacy Options for Intensive Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are for those who don’t need 24/7 care or medical detox. This could be a good option for people who have a milder addiction diagnosis, or as a step-down from a residential rehab program. Some studies show that IOPs are just as effective as residential rehabs,6 as they offer more intensive schedules with additional hours of therapy in comparison to standard outpatient programs. 

If you’re looking into an IOP but are concerned about privacy, keep the following in mind: 

Some IOPs Cater to Your Schedule 
Some luxury rehabs offer IOPs as a step down from residential rehab or as a standalone program. 

These treatment centers understand that many clients who want to attend intensive treatment still need to keep up with their daily responsibilities. Most of their programs are designed to fit your schedule, and are located in metro areas that are more accessible from where you live. 

Passages Malibu in California, for example, has an IOP program designed to help graduates of residential treatment integrate back into daily life. They understand that this is an opportunity for clients to return to work and other day-to-day responsibilities while still receiving a high level of support for their recovery journey.

Virtual IOPs Offer Extra Privacy 
With telehealth on the rise, many treatment providers now offer a virtual IOP option. This is especially beneficial if you’re nervous about being seen at a treatment center. Usually, you can design your schedule to avoid causing any disruptions at work. Additionally, many people feel more comfortable attending treatment from the privacy of their own homes. 

A few luxury rehabs across the United States offer virtual IOPs, including All Points North Lodge in Colorado, Inspire Malibu in California and The Meadows in Arizona. 

A small number of rehabs cater specifically to high-profile clients who need very high levels of privacy. They place a special focus into ensuring client comfort and utmost confidentiality. These centers may be in isolated locations, and some even accept only one client at a time.

Paracelsus 

Paracelsus in Zurich, Switzerland is one of the world’s leading and most exclusive luxury rehabs. Catering to the ultra-wealthy, including politicians, celebrities and royalty, their program is designed for those who need to remain completely discreet: they take in only one client at a time. Founded in 2012 as a family business, Paracelsus boasts an incredibly tailored treatment experience, with a team of over 15 therapists and doctors who care for one client. 

During treatment, clients stay at their exclusive lakefront residence, featuring penthouse apartments with a main bedroom and ensuite bathroom plus an additional room for an on-site therapist. Stays here also include a private butler and housekeeper. 

Paracelsus goes to great lengths to accommodate their clients–their CEO Jan Gerber explains why:

“There’s a group of people who are underserved when it comes to addiction and mental health treatment. These are people who come from money or power and require 100% confidentiality and a place they can trust. They have a very specific background and need comprehensive care tailored to their situation. It’s important for our clients to feel at home without any disruption to the lifestyle they’re used to. Such disruptions can be incredibly negative for treatment.”

the banyans confidentiality
The Banyans in Brisbane, Australia takes no more than 8 clients at a time at their luxury residence on 13, secluded acres.

Mercui Recovery 

Mercui Recovery prides itself on its high standards of discreet care. As a top luxury treatment center, their private residences rest amongst some of the most scenic and tranquil surroundings in Aspen, Colorado; Malibu Canyon, California; Ibiza, Spain; and the Pacific coast of Mexico. They take in one client at a time, and you can choose from one of their many locations or select an in-home option. 

Clients can expect five-star service and exclusivity at Mercui Recovery, with a team of dedicated professionals for 1:1 treatment. Their treatment program is hyper-tailored to each individual, with clients ranging from politicians to business elites. Here you’re offered the full continuum of care, from initial detoxification to intensive aftercare.

The Banyans 

The Banyans in Brisbane, Australia is an exclusive treatment center that caters to the privacy needs of clients and places emphasis on the clinical aspect of care. Taking in no more than 8 people at a time, clients are accommodated in a luxury residence on a secluded 13 acres overlooking lush hills. 

Known as Australia’s most therapeutically intense private treatment program, they offer over 9, 1:1 treatments with 6 medically trained doctors as part of your clinical team.

Keeping privacy at the forefront, association of clients with The Banyans is never disclosed. This means they use personal names instead of ‘The Banyans’ on booking and reservations, no uniforms with their logo and unbranded cars for transportation. 

They also offer a 14-day virtual program called The Banyans at Home for those who prefer to receive treatment from the comfort and privacy of their own house.

For a deeper dive into exclusive, ultra-private addiction treatment programs, see our guide to single-client luxury rehabs.

Your Privacy, Protected 

Your ability to focus on recovery and healing can make your addiction treatment experience that much more impactful. Recovery is a sensitive process that shouldn’t be hindered by external factors like privacy issues. 

In addition to standard protections, there are many ways luxury rehabs centers can cater to clientele in the public eye, with solutions that range from single-client intakes to discreet transportation to and from facilities. 

You deserve a safe space for recovery and healing. See our collection of select luxury rehabs to discover a center that could be the perfect fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Privacy in Rehab

How can I ensure privacy during rehab treatment?

When choosing a rehab program, consider facilities that prioritize privacy and confidentiality. Look for rehabs located in discreet premises, offering private accommodations and 1:1 treatment sessions. When calling a treatment center, ask what measures they take to protect your privacy. This knowledge can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on recovery.

Why is privacy important in rehab?

Privacy matters in rehab because addiction recovery is a personal journey. Seeking treatment in a confidential setting helps avoid potential consequences of stigma. Luxury rehab centers often have exclusive programs tailored to clients who need extra privacy, ensuring their anonymity is respected throughout the treatment process.

How can I find a rehab program that offers privacy?

Choosing a program that’s not located in your home community can provide an extra layer of privacy for your treatment experience. Luxury rehabs often have discreet locations in remote and naturally beautiful settings. For those opting for an intensive outpatient program (IOP), luxury rehabs may offer flexible schedules and even virtual IOP options for added privacy and convenience.

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Tips for Staging an Intervention

When most people think of an intervention, they picture the classic scene that’s often shown in TV shows and movies: a group of family and friends gathering for a meeting in the living room. And while this is one way to do it, there are actually many ways to stage an intervention. Everything from the setting to the addiction treatment professionals who help you can be quite different from what the media portrays.

To begin with, staging an intervention requires more behind-the-scenes planning than you may realize. The more prepared you are, the more you’ll increase your chances of convincing your loved one to get the help they need. What you do to prepare will depend on how you want to stage your intervention and what kind of intervention you want to do.  

So whether you’re ready but simply need encouragement, or you know you want to stage an intervention but don’t know where to begin, keep reading for more facts and professional tips on this challenging but important step.

How Interventions Work

Interventions often become necessary because many people aren’t aware how harmful their behavior actually is to themselves or others. This happens frequently with people who struggle with substance or alcohol use disorders, as denial is an inherent part of addiction.1

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), an intervention is a “short-term counseling strategy2 based on motivational enhancement therapy.” In other words, an intervention happens when concerned family and friends gather to try to motivate or convince a loved one to get professional help for their substance use or mental health disorder. 

When successful, an intervention can help your loved one do the following:

  • Stop immediately harmful behaviors (like drug consumption) 
  • Gain a clearer understanding of the benefits of treatment
  • Equip them with the necessary information to get help
  • Take steps to get the help they need

The ultimate goal of an intervention is to get someone to change their behavior, preferably by willingly seeking professional help.

How to Know When Someone Needs an Intervention

An intervention can be done for any loved one who has a problem with using substances or alcohol, or has mental health problems preventing them from living their fullest life. Your partner, friend, or family member doesn’t have to “hit rock bottom” for you to feel like you want to help them. 

If someone you know is showing signs of addiction, like engaging in risky behaviors or neglecting normal daily activities, it’s appropriate to host an intervention. This can be for both substance and behavioral addictions:

If you suspect someone could benefit from an intervention, but aren’t confident moving forward, it’s a good idea to talk to their close friends and family (if you’re comfortable doing so) to have a better understanding of their condition and life situation. Another option is to consult with an intervention professional, which we discuss further below. 

Why Interventions Work

When a group of people, like family members and significant others, gather to show and voice their genuine concern for the welfare of a mutual loved one, this alone can be a powerful tool to show someone the severity of their addiction and to motivate them to change their behavior. Results from several studies also support this idea. 

An intervention is considered a success when a person commits to treatment, according to the US National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). Based on this criteria, the NCADD claims that when performed correctly, intervention success rates are above 90%.3

Another U.S. organization, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) reviewed results from numerous studies on the effects of interventions and reported that these studies “suggested that brief intervention can reduce alcohol consumption4 in a substantial number of at-risk or problem drinkers and can facilitate the referral of dependent drinkers into specialized alcoholism treatment.”

What Happens During an Intervention

In general, an intervention involves family and friends meeting with a loved one to motivate that person to seek treatment. Ideally this is done in a nonthreatening manner and environment. The exact details may be somewhat different depending on which approach you decide to use (see the intervention options discussed below). 

The main difference is that interventions can be done with or without the help of professionals. Below we’ll discuss the 2 main ways to stage an intervention: 

  1. Making a plan to do it on your own.
  2. Involving a professional interventionist. 

DIY Interventions

When you do an intervention yourself it simply means you’re planning, preparing and executing the event without a professional interventionist’s help. This is a realistic option for many people if they feel confident and are committed to thoroughly organizing the intervention. 

The key to staging an intervention on your own is choosing someone, whether yourself or another person, to lead the intervention. The best person to lead an intervention is someone who can stay strong throughout the conversations and can quickly and calmly handle any conflicts that arise. It’s important that the leader of the intervention educates themselves on common arguments that people struggling with addictions use so they know how to address these comments if they come up. Lastly, the intervention leader will be in charge of giving the loved one the choice of going to rehab or not. 

Even if you don’t hire a professional interventionist, you can still invite a doctor, a therapist, a spiritual or faith leader, or even a licensed alcohol and drug counselor to the intervention. Just be aware that some of these professionals still require fees for their services. 

Professional Intervention Services

Some mental health specialists are experts at diagnosing disorders and building strategies to solve them. These professionals are interventionists, and if you hire them they can help you through every step of your intervention. 

Working with a professional interventionist is a good idea if the family and friends involved in the intervention (a.k.a. your “intervention group”) have strained relationships, don’t have adequate time to invest in prepping for the intervention, or may be holding on to grudges that prevent them from contributing constructively. In these situations, a professional can act as a “referee,” helping the group process their emotions before the intervention to avoid it becoming a hostile and counterproductive situation. 

As the Mayo Clinic, a U.S. nonprofit medical center, explains, it may also be critical to get help from a professional interventionist5 if your loved one meets the following criteria: 

  • A history of serious mental illness 
  • A history of violence 
  • Suicidal behaviors, tendencies or thoughts 
  • Current use of mood-altering substances
  • Has been to treatment and relapsed 

A professional will know how to safely de-escalate any potentially violent situations and  address self-destructive behaviors during the intervention. 

If you choose a DIY intervention, conflicting emotions and family tensions may come up as you’re preparing. It’s okay to pivot and seek professional help if doing an intervention yourself becomes too difficult. 

To find an interventionist in the U.S., you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) national 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS) also provides a network of professional interventionists across North America and Britain.6

Different Types of Interventions

As previously mentioned, interventions don’t always just look like a group gathering in the living room. There are several different types of interventions. These may be based on how many and what kinds of people are present, on how the intervention is organized and handled, or on the approach used.

Interventions Based on People Present

The number of people involved in an intervention can range from one person to a mixed group of loved ones and professionals. 

  • Simple Intervention: This type of intervention happens when one person, such as a close friend or family member, confronts a loved one in a neutral environment to discuss their concerns and develop a treatment plan. 
  • Classic Intervention: A group of people gathering to talk to a loved one in a non-confrontational manner about their need for treatment is considered a classic intervention. Usually the group meets beforehand to set goals, decide each person’s role in the meeting, and plan the event. A professional may or may not be involved, depending on what the group decides.
  • Family Systems Intervention: In some cases family members are collectively involved in enabling a person’s addiction or struggle with substance use disorders themselves. Family systems interventions are intended to address all members of a family and encourage them to get treatment either individually or as a group. Families often have complex dynamics, so this is best done with the help of a professional who specializes in organizing this type of intervention. 
  • Crisis Intervention: This is usually unplanned and happens after a person experiences a potentially threatening or dangerous situation. Family or friends present then confront the loved one and try to persuade them to get treatment. Because of the situations that crisis interventions happen in, emergency workers like paramedics or police officers may be present. 

Interventions Based on Approach

Another way to think about interventions is based on what type of format you’d like it to follow. In general, the following approaches can be used in classic or family systems interventions:

  • Johnson Model: This approach is non-confrontational and focuses on family and friends communicating the facts, evidence and personal effects of a loved one’s substance use with the help of a professional. The interventionist plans the session with the intervention group, who also decide on at least three different treatment options to propose to the person they’ll speak to.
  • ARISE Model: Developed by the AIS as an alternative to the Johnson model, the ARISE approach has three levels that the intervention team works through.
  • Confrontational Approach: This is the type of intervention you usually see in TV shows, and is an aggressive approach that happens when people demand that someone gets treatment. This approach is rarely effective and therefore not recommended by professionals. 
  • Tough Love Intervention: Less aggressive than the confrontational approach, the tough love intervention happens when a group of people surprise a loved one with an intervention in order to persuade them to get help.
  • Love First Approach: The love first approach is less aggressive than the confrontational and tough love interventions. The intervention group typically meets first with an interventionist to develop their plan. Each person also writes a letter to read at the event.

How to Decide Which Approach Is Best for You

Deciding which type of intervention will work best for you, your group and your loved one can be difficult. One of the benefits of working with an interventionist is that they can help you decide the best intervention approach.  

Things to Consider Before Staging an Intervention

If you’ve decided that an intervention is the right next step to getting help for your loved one, you’ll need to know how much money you should plan on spending and what your ultimate goals are before you begin. 

How Much Interventions Cost

Unfortunately, in the U.S., interventions alone are not covered by insurance (though the costs of rehab treatment may be). Which means you will be responsible for any professional fees and costs. 

Interventions can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $18,000. This varies greatly depending on what kind of professional you hire and what’s included in their fees. Some professionals charge up front for all associated costs, while others charge per service offered. In general, you can fund a professional intervention for less than $6,000. 

Besides any costs involved with hiring an interventionist and hosting the intervention, your group may also want to plan for the costs of addiction treatment, such as transportation and facility check-in fees. This way, if the intervention is successful, your loved one can immediately get the help they need. 

According to Laura Herrman, the Marketing and Outreach Director at Gallus Detox Centers:

“Generally the people who thrive here are those who are willing to start their recovery journey. However, we do work with a lot of interventionists that have people come in who aren’t necessarily completely willing yet. And what we do when they’re with us is find that motivation for change.”

If you decide to pay for some or all of your loved one’s treatment, be sure to give yourself enough time to research and choose the best treatment center for your loved one’s circumstances. 

Setting a Goal for the Intervention

It’s important that both you and anyone joining you go into the intervention with a clearly defined intervention goal so you can plan your intervention around achieving that goal. A U.S. Surgeon General’s Report published by SAMHSA, explains:

“The goals of early intervention7 are to reduce the harms associated with substance misuse, to reduce risk behaviors before they lead to injury, to improve health and social function, and to prevent progression to a disorder and subsequent need for specialty substances use disorder services.” 

Examples of intervention goals might include your loved one completing certain actions:  

  • Acknowledging the harm in their behavior and the effects it’s had on others
  • Taking actions to change their behaviors
  • Agreeing to speak to a professional for more information on treatment
  • Checking in to a rehab facility
  • Scheduling another meeting to discuss the situation further 

Your Intervention Preparation Checklist

No matter how you decide to stage an intervention, use the list below to help you prepare.  

  • Decide which kind of intervention you’ll do. If you choose to hire professionals, get them involved right from the beginning so they can help you with the rest of your planning.
  • Plan who will be present. If you want a group of people present, stick to a small number who represent the “core” of close family and friends. This group will be your intervention group, or intervention team, and should be involved in the planning and preparation stages. 
  • Pick your location. The location will differ depending on what kind of intervention you choose, where your team and your loved one are physically located, and where you believe you’ll be most likely to achieve the goals you set. Above all, the setting for your intervention should be a neutral, safe space for all intervention members to express themselves. The U.S. Surgeon General explains in a report on SAMHSA that “early intervention services8 can be provided in a variety of settings (e.g., school clinics, primary care offices, mental health clinics)”
  • Prepare and rehearse what to say. Interventions can be uncomfortable for a lot of people, not just the loved one you’re talking to. Preparing speaking notes or even a script will help everyone keep their emotions in check and stay on topic throughout the process. It’s also a good idea to research and review terms and statements that everyone should avoid saying, like “alcoholic” and “junkie.” 
  • Manage expectations. TV show interventions often skew our perspectives of what we think will happen. People aren’t necessarily happy to accept help or even open to discussing their problems. Which is why it’s important for your intervention group to establish boundaries and predetermine actions each person will take in case your loved one refuses help.
  • Conduct the intervention. All of your preparation leads up to the actual intervention. Many people don’t follow through with their plans and aren’t successful at staging the intervention. It takes as much work to follow through as it does to get to this stage. 
  • Follow up. No matter what the outcome of the intervention is, it’s important that all members uphold statements made during the intervention. For example, if parents say they won’t finance their child’s lifestyle unless they get treatment, they must follow through with that statement.

It’s important to keep in mind that, often, one intervention alone is not enough to motivate someone to take action. And even when someone does take steps to get help, follow-up interventions may be needed to encourage continuing care. 

Start Planning Your Intervention

Staging an intervention requires courage and preparation. Many people see an intervention as their one chance to convince a loved one to get the help they need, which is frequently the truth. That’s why it’s key to make sure you navigate this important moment correctly and with the right intentions.

We hope the knowledge and information above will help you to confidently move forward with planning your intervention. 

For more on available addiction treatment options, explore our collection of luxury rehabs here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Performing an Intervention

How do interventions work?

Interventions are short-term counseling strategies based on motivational enhancement therapy. They involve concerned family and friends gathering to motivate or convince a loved one to seek professional help for their substance use or mental health disorder. The ultimate goal is to get someone to change their behavior and willingly seek treatment.

When is an intervention necessary?

An intervention can be done for any loved one who has a problem with drugs or alcohol, or has mental health problems preventing them from living a functional and fulfilling life. It’s appropriate to host an intervention if someone is showing signs of addiction, such as engaging in risky behaviors or neglecting normal daily activities.

Why do interventions work?

Interventions work because they gather a group of people, like family members and significant others, to show and voice their genuine concern for the well-being of a loved one. This alone can be a powerful tool to demonstrate the severity of their addiction and motivate them to change their behavior. Studies have shown that when performed correctly, intervention success rates are above 90%.
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Finding Help for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) has the same symptoms as depression, but with a more complex recovery process. Because of its effect on energy levels, depression can interfere with your capacity to seek help. This makes TRD especially daunting for many people. It takes a great deal of determination to try new treatments, with the knowledge that just finding the right modality may take some time. As difficult as this is, it’s important to stay focused on the goal of getting well. 

Whatever treatment you’re currently trying, you can always continue to learn about this condition. Knowledge is power. The more you know about treatment-resistant depression, the better equipped you’ll be to manage your symptoms and get the depression help you need. 

Lifestyle Changes and Behavioral Health Treatments for TRD

Treatment-resistant depression1 is defined as depression with symptoms that are not alleviated after trying two or more treatment options (medications) for at least six weeks each. Despite the myriad medical and behavioral options for treating depression, many people still struggle to find an effective treatment. One-third of people with major depression have TRD.2 

If you think you may have treatment-resistant depression, you’re likely already familiar with the symptoms of major depression.3 While these criteria are well understood, research is beginning to explore some of their underlying causes. 

Most people understand depression to be related to chemical factors in the brain. There are a number of environmental factors that may contribute to depression4—and it’s not just physical health. Depression has recently been associated with more frequent use of screens (cell phones, computers, etc.), and a lack of access to green space. High levels of air and noise pollution may also exacerbate symptoms. On the other hand, activities that guard against depression include confiding in other people, being part of a sports club or gym, and strangely enough, eating cereal. 

These protective factors paint a clear picture: eating cereal with friends at the gym might be a valid treatment for treatment-resistant depression. In all seriousness, though, most of the activities that diminish the chances of depression include social support. That support doesn’t have to come from friends; it can also come from a one-on-one therapist, a psychiatrist, or a support group. The simple act of reaching out for help can have an immensely positive impact on TRD.

tabula rasa depression rehab
Tabula Rasa Retreat in the Alentejo Region of Portugal uses ibogaine therapy to induce a profound psychedelic state that many clients find helps them to make breakthroughs in healing their depression.

Alternative Therapies for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Holistic and alternative modalities are an increasingly popular way to treat mental health conditions. People with treatment-resistant depression might be particularly interested in these types of therapy. If traditional interventions—like SSRIs, talk therapy, and exercise—haven’t worked, you may be ready to try a radically different strategy. 

Many of these depression treatments , like psychedelic-assisted therapies,5 are just starting to gain traction. However, they are not new. This class of medications was studied extensively from 1943-1970. The political shift of the 1970’s pushed researchers away from the subject, but now, public perception of psychedelics is starting to change. More effective treatments for TRD are very likely on the horizon. 

In this new era, the stigma once associated with alternative therapy is dissipating. It’s an exciting time for anyone who wants to find new ways of treating mental health. That’s true for both clinicians and people dealing with their own diagnoses. Living with treatment-resistant depression might not be straightforward, but the number of safe and readily available treatments is steadily growing.

Ketamine Therapy for Depression

Ketamine is a psychedelic dissociative that can be helpful in treating depression,6 including TRD, and PTSD. It is administered in a supervised setting, rather than being prescribed for daily use. Ketamine IV treatments may be conducted individually or with small groups, and are always closely monitored by a medical team. 

Ketamine therapy is intended to give you space to step back from your emotional experience, and to process your feelings from a more objective point of view. This perspective can be especially helpful in treating depression; simply taking space from your feelings can result in the immediate relief of some symptoms. Clients enter a trance state, during which they gain greater insight into their lives, often returning to full consciousness with renewed energy and a clear sense of how to move forward. The pharmaceutical aspect of ketamine therapy is often, but not always, combined with talk therapy either before or after the treatment itself. This invites clients to process the experience and set intentions for the future. 

Ibogaine Treatment for Depression and Addiction

Ibogaine is a psychedelic that can be used to treat depression and addiction. According to MAPS, it is “a psychoactive alkaloid naturally occurring in the West African shrub iboga. While ibogaine is a mild stimulant in small doses, in larger doses it induces a profound psychedelic state. Historically, it has been used in healing ceremonies and initiations by members of the Bwiti religion in various parts of West Africa.” Modern-day clinicians are finding that clients with treatment-resistant depression also benefit from ibogaine therapy.7

Like ketamine, ibogaine is administered in a protected, controlled environment. Although more research is needed into this form of therapy, ibogaine shows promising results in observational studies.8 Thanks to these positive outcomes, this treatment is becoming more readily available in a number of settings, including rehab facilities. 

For many clients, ibogaine therapy is a transcendent, even spiritual experience. By revisiting past experiences, they are able to reconnect with their higher selves. Álvaro de Ferranti, Founder of Tabula Rasa, explains that this treatment “heals the pain by helping the user deal with deep-seated traumas and emotional baggage. It helps them open themselves up to new possibilities, to let self-love back in, and to simply allow them to get back to self again.”

mountain springs recovery
Mountain Springs Recovery in Monument, Colorado treats depression using an evidence-based approach.

Combined Approaches to TRD Treatment

Pharmaceutical methods are just one way of treating resistant depression.9 Evidence supports the theory that a combined approach, including multiple modalities at once, is the most effective way to affect change. In order to achieve this, you may need to assemble a team of healthcare providers with different specialties. 

Treatment-resistant depression is a mental health condition, but it can also impact your physical health, your relationships, and every other area of your life. Because of this, you can likely benefit from working with not just a psychiatrist and talk therapist, but also a personal trainer, massage therapist, or even an acupuncturist. If you want to kickstart the healing process with intensive treatment, you may want to consider inpatient treatment, or an IOP. As you try various modalities, remember that there’s no one right or simple answer. You might need to experiment with a few different combinations before finding what works best for you.

How to Know When to Try a New Treatment

When you begin treating any condition, whether it’s mental or physical, it’s important to track your symptoms carefully. For TRD, you can do this by journaling, using a mood tracker, or even making a spreadsheet to track how different behaviors affect your emotional state. Working with healthcare providers can also be extremely helpful in this process. A therapist will be able to refer to their notes, and provide objective insight into your progress over time. 

If you decide to try pharmaceutical treatment for treatment-resistant depression,10 it’s absolutely essential that you follow your prescriber’s directions. Brain chemistry changes slowly, and it can be hard to know whether a new medication is working unless you give it adequate time to take effect. Research suggests that it takes at least 4 to 6 weeks on a new treatment before you start seeing results.  That being said, everyone’s brain chemistry is different, and your experience may be different from this. Make sure to work closely with your provider to manage any side effects, and get their advice before stopping a medication. 

When you’re working with an expert in any field, whether they’re a therapist or an interior decorator, it can take time to find the right person for you. If you’ve been seeing a therapist for some time without noticeable results, don’t be afraid to look for a new provider. That being said, don’t jump ship just because it doesn’t feel good. The work of therapy may not be easy or fun; the question is whether it’s helping you make positive, sustainable changes in the rest of your life. 

Because depression often has environmental causes, it can also be helpful to see how your mood changes based on external factors. For example, do you feel worse in rainy weather, or when you don’t have time to see friends? In some cases, you can make behavioral changes to manage these symptoms, such as investing in a sun lamp or rearranging your schedule. However, you’re unlikely to stop encountering common triggers. If these external circumstances have less of an effect on your mood as you continue treatment, it’s a sign that you’re on the right track. 

As Rowland Tweedie, Health and Fitness Manager of Paracelsus Recovery, sees it, “People are 360 degrees. All of us, we’ve got many aspects of our life: our health, our mental state, our physical state.” While the road to recovery may not be simple or straightforward, this process will undoubtedly teach you a great deal about yourself. 

Healing From TRD is an Opportunity

As painful as treatment-resistant depression can be, it can also be an opportunity. If you’re able to cultivate an attitude of curiosity about yourself and your healing journey, the process may be far less arduous. 

When you try several different types of therapy, you’ll learn about yourself from every angle. People are complex, powerful, and multifaceted. That includes you. As you get to know yourself better, you may find that recovery is a creative act. For people with TRD, it means more than finding the right pill. Instead, this is the process of building a better and more fulfilling life. 

To learn more about different TRD therapies, you can connect with an inpatient rehab facility that treats depression.

Frequently Asked Questions About Treatment-Resistant Depression

How do I know when to try a new treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD)?

To determine when to try a new treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), you can use tools like journaling, mood trackers, or spreadsheets to track how you feel day to day. Working closely with your therapist and other treatment providers can provide valuable insights into your progress and guide decisions about trying new approaches.

What alternative therapies are available for treatment-resistant depression?

Alternative therapies, including psychedelic-assisted therapies, are emerging as potential treatments for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). These therapies offer new possibilities for people whose depression hasn’t responded to traditional interventions.

How can combined approaches be effective in treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD)?

Combining multiple therapies and working with a team of healthcare providers with different specialties can be the most effective approach in treating treatment-resistant depression. This comprehensive approach addresses the multifaceted impact of TRD and can lead to better outcomes.