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May 28, 2019July 31, 2024

More Than a Business: The Unique Benefits of a Family-Owned Rehab

Written by Ben Camp, CEO of Recovery.com

Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to visit a number (the current count is 19, I believe) of the luxury rehabs listed on our site.

I’ve enjoyed meeting the teams behind each one, but have come to particularly appreciate and recognize the unique benefit of family-owned and operated centers. Here are a few of the reasons that dynamic can be so special.

Financial Independence

There’s certainly nothing inherently wrong with institutional investors, but a key benefit communicated to me when visiting these centers is that without an institutional investor to answer to, family-owned rehabs find they are freer to make decisions that put client needs over profit when necessary.

Don Lavender (Programme Director) and his wife Meena (Family Therapist & EMDR Practitioner) run Camino Recovery in Malaga, Spain. Don and Meena spent many years working for institutional treatment centers in the US and UK, and Don was happy to share the benefits of operating a family-owned center.

team camino — Don (right) and Meena (front, 2nd from left) and their team at Camino Recovery.

“Meena and I wanted to do this on our own. Even though we’ve been approached a number of times, we haven’t gone with or worked with investors. Because when you have to pay more attention to the bottom line than paying attention to the welfare of the client, sometimes a good business decision can turn out to be a poor clinical decision.”

Jan Gerber, Managing Director of Paracelsus Recovery in Switzerland, who runs the company with his mom, the Clinical Coordinator, and dad, the Medical Director puts it this way, “I have a very strong belief that institutional money, institutional investments, and mental health don’t work together. Because when it comes to mental health treatment, be it addiction treatment, eating disorders, depression, or anything else, there is no objective decision. Does a person need more psychotherapy or less psychotherapy? More of that treatment or less of that treatment? It needs to be a clinical decision where the budget and financial side is completely cut off.”

Screenshot 2018 03 01 10.15.29 — Jan (center) and his mother Dr. Christine Merzeder (center right) meeting with their team.

Intimate Atmosphere

For the most part, family-run treatment centers tend to be smaller, more intimate environments. Of the four I mention in this post, Camino is the largest with a maximum of 8 clients, which is well below the norm for residential treatment centers.

Dr. David Nesenoff, of Tikvah Lake Recovery in Florida, provides an extremely personalized treatment experience with treatment taking place entirely in his home.

“Even though Tikvah Lake Recovery is a 15,000 square foot mansion on a 200-acre private lake, this is our home. My wife Nancy and I live here. There are no signs outside and if one were to poke their head in they would see a peaceful home with a few guests visiting. Our clients are considered guests in our home and they are treated as such. Discussions around our table can be anything from talking about the unbelievable food in front of us or about our day or just some fun stuff hosts and guests usually talk about around the family table. Our clinical director becomes part of the family as well as he often joins us around the lunch table and he and his staff are on-site working with our guests one-on-one every day.”

Dr. Nesenoff welcomes potential clients into his home in the short clip above.

David and his son Adam, who operate the center together, believe that the size of the facility (the program is limited to a maximum of 6 people) and the home-like atmosphere are key factors to their guests’ success.

Ameet Braich, Clinical Director of Camino Recovery (and the son of Meena Lavender) also sees great benefit in a more intimate setting. “We’ve all come from years in the field, working in larger institutions and have found that working in a clinical environment is detrimental to the therapeutic process. Having a small, intimate space where people can really get honest and open up about their issues, really works well in this setting.”

Addiction Is a Family Problem

My first exposure to a family-owned and operated treatment center was Duffy’s Napa Valley. From its founding in 1967 until it was acquired in 2015, Duffy’s operated as a family-run business, and frequently described themselves as “A family business for a family problem.” That slogan resonated with me, and I think its a key component to why family-owned centers are so special.

Addiction is a problem that affects the entire family and can also be a byproduct of problems within the family. So “it is natural for the solutions to these struggles and barriers to be learned within a family environment,” says Nesenoff.

Clients at a family-operated program get the chance to see family dynamics in action, which in itself can be helpful. Don says, “We’re imperfect just like every family. But when we mess up or make mistakes, we acknowledge it. And, in a way, it gives the clients the permission to learn.”

As a key part of their program, Camino invites the families of their clients to join them on site for a 5-day workshop, where according to Don, they teach them about the “disease concept and codependency” as well as a focus on enablement.

He doesn’t doubt that there is a connection between Camino’s family ownership and the effectiveness of their family program. “Camino is a family-owned and family-run business. … We pay attention to families seriously, not only our own family but the family systems of others. … Family is important. It is of value. And when people leave us, they return to family.”

A Dream Come True

“It’s a dream come true.” This is how Debby Berry, co-founder of Kembali Recovery described starting and running a treatment center with her son Clayton.

Clayton and Debby show us a nearby waterfall for our Bali Destinations episode.

As anyone who runs a family business knows, it has its challenges. But more often than not, the benefits are worth the effort, and felt not only throughout the organization but by the clients and their families in desperate need of help.

When considering treatment options, you should always investigate the quality of the program. Search our collection of rehabs and find key information such as licensing, accreditations, and pricing at a glance. Whenever possible, consult a trusted medical or mental health professional before a final decision is made.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family-Run Rehabs

What are the benefits of a family-run rehab?

Family-run rehabs may have more flexibility and tend to prioritize clinical care over profits. Most treat a few patients at a time in an intimate, home-like setting. This comfortable atmosphere helps patients open up in therapy.

What is the difference between a family-owned rehab and state-funded rehab?

The cost of treatment without insurance is a key difference between family-owned and state-funded rehabs. State-funded rehabs offer low- to no-cost treatment for uninsured people. However, it often takes longer to enter state programs compared to family-owned rehabs.

Do family-run rehabs have better family programs?

Family-run rehabs tend to pay special attention to their family program. Patients also get to see healthy family dynamics in action and can apply these to their own lives.

May 22, 2019April 15, 2025

Rehab Center Accreditation: Does It Matter?

Luxury Rehab Certification | LuxuryRehab

If you visit the website of a rehab center in the United States, more often than not you’ll find a section dedicated to accreditations from a variety of organizations. For example, Bayside Marin in Northern California has the CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accreditation and the BBB (Better Business Bureau) accreditation.

Interestingly, the CARF accreditation comes from an independent non-profit organization, one that has no affiliation with regulatory or governmental bodies. Consequently, accreditation like this can be confusing.

We must ask, then: Does a rehab center accreditation matter?

A Look at Accrediting Bodies

There’s a smorgasbord of accrediting bodies that exist in the world of rehab centers. The most common are CARF and the Joint Commission. There are other accrediting bodies as well. For example, (WAATME) is an online service that aims to accredit non-pharma-funded rehab centers. The Council on Accreditation (COA), on the other hand, is a non-profit accrediting body that outlines the different standards rehab centers need to meet based on their audience. There’s also the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), who do exactly what their name implies.

In the United States, almost all rehab centers are licensed, certified or accredited in some form.

The 2017 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services held by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA,¹ reports the following percentages by accreditation body:

Accreditation organization
CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities)	29 percent
Joint Commission	20 percent
NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance)	3 percent
COA (Council on Accreditation)	5 percent

With so many different accrediting bodies, it’s difficult to understand the rigor of each one. WAATME, for example, is a service that requires a rehab center to complete “three easy steps” to become accredited. First, the center must sign a declaration confirming they aren’t funded or influenced by pharmaceutical companies. Then they must meet an ethical management evaluation, which is a short online course. Finally, they must pay an annual fee of $999 to remain accredited.

For a rehab center, an accreditation like this will add validity to their center, which in turn will drive business. But for $999 per year, is it worth paying for?

Quality Assurance Matters

Accrediting bodies can keep centers accountable to have the following:

Person-centered approach
Treatment options based on research
Coordinated plans of care
Safe practices
Protective environments
Qualified staff
Policy and procedure standards
Emergency plan that meets health and safety standards
Documentation, critical incident reports, and emergency drills
Commitment to continuous quality improvement

Most accrediting bodies put rehab centers through their paces and demand a high level of excellence that’s transferred to the people that matter most: the patients.

Accreditations require rehab centers to train staff to a high level and operate to the best of their ability. Often, they’ll encourage rehab centers to improve upon weak areas within their operations and to continue to deliver a service that exceeds the average standard.

Do Accreditations Matter?

In short: yes, accreditations do matter.

For example, CARF requires a review of service quality and analysis of patient outcomes to ensure effectiveness. The Joint Commission, on the other hand, asks programs to collect data and monitor opportunities for improving performance. Both include periodic on-site evaluations.

Joint Commission or CARF, Does That Matter?

Between these two accreditation bodies, rehab centers can achieve a high level of quality assurance throughout their facility. While accreditations cannot fully guarantee quality care, a center that’s accredited or actively pursing accreditation by either the Joint Commission or CARF typically demonstrates a commitment to quality and a desire to improve, learn, and grow.

This level of self-awareness to do and be better is important. It’s an assurance than can be translated into trust. When all is said and done, isn’t it trust that matters most in recovery?

To learn more, check out our carefully selected luxury treatment centers here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Accreditation

What does it mean if a rehab is accredited?

An accredited rehab has passed quality checks, inspections, and other criteria to meet quality standards set by a 3rd-party accrediting body.

What are the accrediting agencies for rehabs?

Rehabs can be licensed and certified by these accrediting bodies:

• CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities)
• Joint Commission
• NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance)
• COA (Council on Accreditation)
• WAATME (World Accreditation Addiction Treatment Mark of Excellence)

What rehab accreditations should you look for?

It depends—each accrediting body has its own quality standards. CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) and Joint Commission are the most common, established agencies. Both include on-site evaluations.

May 8, 2019September 1, 2023

How Does Online Aftercare Work?

Rehab is just one step on the road to long-term recovery. It’s also important to make plans for aftercare, so you’ll continue getting the support you need after inpatient treatment. For many clients, online aftercare is the most accessible option. You may even be able to participate in virtual therapy through your residential rehab program.

Since the events of 2020, it’s become the standard for most healthcare visits to occur online. This may include anything from mental health services, like talk therapy, to regular appointments with a general practitioner. Certain visits require in-person interactions, but these have become limited, and in some cases, even discouraged.

While this began as a way to protect clients and providers from contagion, it’s rapidly becoming the standard. We may see this practice continue for years to come. And it has many benefits, even for those at a low risk of contracting disease. Telehealth provides an unprecedented level of accessibility for clients who can’t easily see providers in person. This may include people with mobility concerns, clients in areas with severe weather, or those who want to stay in touch with practitioners who are far away.

The popularity of telehealth has grown extremely quickly, and technological tools are continuing to develop. Some clients—and providers—may still be learning exactly how this type of healthcare works. And we can expect the specifics to change over time.

What Is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy is a type of telehealth, and refers specifically to mental health services that take place online. Most commonly, clients will connect with providers through HIPAA-compliant video chat platforms. There are a growing number of online tools that meet the legal requirements for privacy, such as Doxy and Zoom for Healthcare.

Many clients use these tools to meet with providers as they normally would in person. For example, you might schedule weekly appointments with a talk therapist, meeting via video chat instead of in person.

Although teletherapy was popularized in 2020,¹ it’s been around for a long time. “In 1959, the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute was using early videoconferencing to provide group therapy, long-term therapy, consultation-liaison psychiatry, and medical student training.” It grew much more popular as the general population started using the internet. Researchers began comparing it to other types of medicine in the 2000s, and found that it was “as effective, but slightly different, than in-person care.”

Despite its long history, more information is still needed to determine whether it’s effective for everyone. As more people turn to telehealth, there is hope that researchers will be able to collect enough data to answer this question.

all points north online aftercare — The team at All Points North Lodge in Colorado understand that relapse is a concern for those recovering from addiction. They invest in virtual therapy so that “when you leave, you stay connected.”

Is Online Therapy Effective?

Although there is more research to be done, online therapy has been proven to be extremely helpful for certain clients. This is primarily due to its accessibility. In some cases, experts recommend a mix of online and in-person services.

According to one study, “Telehealth may help engage patients in addiction treatment² by improving access and convenience.” Additional research is needed to confirm that benefit and to determine how best to tailor telehealth to each patient’s circumstances and with what mix of in-person and telehealth services.

Others believe that telemedicine should be the standard way of providing addiction treatment services,³ like Robert Caudill, M.D., a member of the American Psychiatric Association’s Committee on Telepsychiatry:

“’We should be doing it immediately; the more, the better,’ said Robert Caudill, M.D., a member of the American Psychiatric Association’s Committee on Telepsychiatry. ‘It’s exploded in the past week, obviously,’ he told ADAW in a Zoom interview on March 23. But he thinks it should be the norm.”

However, online therapy has some noteworthy limitations. Some of these concerns are especially relevant to people healing from substance use disorders. For example, people in recovery from opioid addiction may be prescribed methadone. It’s important for this treatment to include office visits, to monitor the client’s physical and mental health. Even in these cases, some may benefit from supplementing in-person treatment with virtual services. And fortunately, many types of mental health services are available online.

Online Talk Therapy

Just a few years ago, online counseling was rare, and often dismissed. Lori Gottlieb, psychotherapist and bestselling author, wrote,

“If you had asked me what I thought of online therapy sessions⁴ before the coronavirus pandemic, I would have said, trying my best not to sound dismissive, ‘Well, I’m sure they can be helpful in certain ways — but I wouldn’t call them therapy.’”

However, recent events have made individual teletherapy a necessity. A huge number of therapists moved their practices online⁵ with very little notice. And despite their previous opinions, many have grown to appreciate these online sessions. After reflecting on her experiences throughout 2020, Gottlieb concludes that this modality illuminated certain details of her clients’ lives, “breaking down the facades we all construct and highlighting our shared humanity.”

And whether or not these therapists plan to return to seeing clients in person, the fact remains: now, we know it can be done. This has important implications for the alumni of residential rehab programs. Specifically, it may mean that you can maintain certain therapeutic relationships after you complete inpatient treatment.

At All Points North Lodge, for example, some clients continue to receive services after they leave rehab. Jerry Vaccaro, President of this facility, explains:

“For substance use disorders, the recidivism or relapse rates are huge. Rather than facilitate this revolving door that patients often experience, we’ve invested in virtual therapy so that when you leave, you stay connected.”

oceanica online aftercare — Oceanica Treatment Center in Mazatlan invites patients to attend weekly virtual sessions for 6 months after treatment.

Staying with the same therapist may help ease your transition out of residential treatment. You won’t need to spend time researching providers, or sharing your personal history with someone new. Instead, you’ll simply continue the conversation, updating your provider on your progress in a different environment.

However, this service isn’t always available. First, some rehabs may require their providers to focus only on inpatient services. And regardless of your program’s policies, “all psychologists and other professional health providers must be licensed by the state in which they practice.”⁶ If you travel out of state or out of the country for treatment, you may or may not be able to see the same provider after you return home. Despite these limitations, you may still be able to access other virtual mental health services, provided by more local groups.

Web-Based Support Groups

While strict regulations govern online talk therapy, fewer rules apply to support groups. Organizations like A.A. and N.A., for example, are simply groups of people coming together to talk about their experiences. Because they are usually facilitated by members, and not by licensed professionals, they have fewer issues with liability.

If you have a reliable internet connection, you can easily attend an online 12-Step group meeting. Several non-12-Step groups, like SMART Recovery, also host virtual sessions. These meetings are available worldwide, to anyone who can access the site.

Because online support groups may be hosted from any location, they cross countries, cultures, and time zones. This provides an unprecedented level of accessibility. While it may be difficult to find an in-person meeting at 4 am on a Saturday, you may be able to attend one that’s hosted in a distant location, simply because of the time difference. But make sure to check that the meeting you choose takes place in a language you understand!

Your rehab program may also offer online support groups. At Oceanica Treatment Center, for instance, has a very active alumni program, in which you will be invited to attend weekly virtual sessions for 6 months after treatment. The team at this facility is committed to staying in touch with clients long after this six-month period, supporting them in their continued recovery journeys.

Apps Support Continued Sobriety

Mobile apps are increasingly popular with people of all demographics, including rehab alumni. These platforms are extremely accessible; unlike talk therapy or support groups, you can use them casually and repeatedly throughout the day. It may not be appropriate to speak at A.A. meeting while you’re waiting in line at a coffee shop; however, it’s perfectly acceptable to look at your phone.

There are a variety of sobriety tools available for smartphone users, many of which are free to use. Some of these apps focus on alcohol use,⁷ while others let you customize your settings. For example, if you stop using illicit substances as soon as you enter rehab, and then quit smoking several months later, you may be able to track your progress in both these efforts using one app.

Every app is different, but most of them share some common features. You might read daily inspiration quotes, celebrate milestones, or even connect with a sober support network. This is also a powerful way to share your progress with friends and loved ones, either through a share function or simply by taking a screenshot of the app itself.

And if a sobriety tracker isn’t right for you, there are many other health and wellness apps that may support your recovery. For example, many clients find that they benefit from mindfulness and meditation exercises. Others may want to focus on nutrition, in which case a calorie tracker may be helpful.

Much more research is needed regarding the efficacy of these apps for mental health. When used with intention, they may be very beneficial. However, self-directed processes are no substitute for talk therapy. It’s very important to use these tools to supplement—and not to replace—professional care.

Online Therapy Makes Aftercare Accessible

Following rehab, it’s vitally important to engage in aftercare. This stage of recovery looks different for every client. And as you plan for the next stage of your life, it’s extremely important to get advice from your team of providers. As experts, they’ll be able to guide you toward resources that support your specific goals.

For many clients, aftercare is made possible by these virtual options. And even if you don’t face specific barriers to receiving in-person treatment, online care can simplify the logistics of recovery. As a result, it can help make your healing process more sustainable.

Search luxury rehabs to learn more about treatment and aftercare and reach out to centers directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Aftercare

How can I continue my recovery after leaving rehab?

After completing a rehab program, you can continue your recovery journey with virtual support through teletherapy or virtual support groups. These alternatives to in-person aftercare provide a convenient option for maintaining sobriety.

What are the benefits of using virtual aftercare services?

Virtual aftercare services, like online therapy and support groups, are a convenient way to access additional support in early recovery. These services can also provide flexibility for those with busy schedules.

How effective is online aftercare for addiction treatment?

Studies show that online aftercare for addiction treatment can be just as effective as in-person aftercare. Virtual services like teletherapy and online support groups are proven to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse.

April 26, 2019June 17, 2025

Ibogaine Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

When you first enter recovery, it can be daunting to consider the road ahead. Especially after addiction, which sometimes offers instant gratification, you may be concerned about the slow rhythm of sustainable change. Some clients find it helpful to kickstart this process using ibogaine-assisted therapy.

Ibogaine is an alternative medicine, often administered in a short-term retreat setting. While it’s not readily available in the U.S., clients can travel to treatment centers around the world to seek it out. If ibogaine is right for you, it could certainly worth the trip. This experience is extremely different from most other forms of treatment.

What Is Ibogaine?

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive alkaloid, found in the West African iboga shrub. In small doses, it’s a mild stimulant. In large doses, it can produce a dreamlike psychoactive state. This medicine has a long history, and has historically been used in healing and initiation ceremonies by members of the Bwiti religion.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is exploring ibogaine as a potential treatment for substance use disorders, especially opiate addiction. According to their experts, “People with problematic substance use have found that larger doses of ibogaine can significantly reduce withdrawal from opiates¹ and temporarily eliminate substance-related cravings.”

Experts found that ibogaine can have both psychological and physiological benefits. It’s sometimes administered at the beginning of a client’s detox process, because it “diminishes opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduces drug cravings.”² Research suggests that ibogaine and its analogs “potently promote neuronal growth,” and produce “antidepressant-like behavioural responses.” Because of this, its effects may be beneficial for clients with a variety of mental health diagnoses.

The Uses of Ibogaine

This versatile treatment is especially useful for clients at the beginning of their recovery process. According to Álvaro de Ferranti, Founder of Tabula Rasa Retreat,

“It is not necessary to detox off drugs before an ibogaine treatment, particularly heroin…Ibogaine does take away heroin withdrawals instantly.”

It’s important to note, however, that clients detoxing from alcohol or benzodiazepines should taper off before beginning this treatment. Make sure to talk to your team of providers about your medical history, in order to avoid any serious side effects.

In addition to opiates, ibogaine is “also known to arrest cravings and addictions to stimulants such as crack cocaine and meth,” Ferranti continues. “It can also help people with dual disorders, mental disorders, and people who simply want to enhance their life spiritually and find answers and come back to self-love.” In particular, research supports the use of ibogaine for certain mental health concerns.

Opioid Addiction

In the Western world, this treatment is best known for its effect on recovery from opiate addiction. It alleviates most withdrawal symptoms, making detox faster and less uncomfortable. Clients also experience long-term benefits.

In one study, conducted by MAPS, “Results showed the most improvement in drug use at one month with 50% of participants reporting no opioid use during the previous 30 days. Ibogaine was associated with substantial reductions in opioid withdrawal symptoms³ and drug use in participants and may provide a useful prototype for development of innovative pharmacotherapy of addiction.”

Cocaine and Stimulant Addiction

According to the team of providers at Iboga Quest in Mexico, “cocaine addiction appears to respond very well to ibogaine treatment⁴when coupled with proper preparation and after-care.” This finding is aligned with preliminary data from formal research.

In one retrospective study, subjects who had been treated for “cocaine dependence,⁵ almost none of whom used opioids, reported a median relapse-free interval of 5.5 months following single doses of ibogaine.” Ibogaine’s influence on the risk of relapse may be caused by its other psychological benefits.

Another study, which specifically focused on people in recovery from cocaine addiction, found that clients “patients benefited from the treatment in all the secondary outcomes, reporting decreases in craving and improvements in personal relationships, quality of life, and self-efficacy, thus supporting existing notions that treatments combining ibogaine and psychotherapy do have a therapeutic potential in the treatment of substance use disorders.”⁶

PTSD

Many people in recovery present with co-occurring disorders, meaning that they have both substance use disorders and additional mental health diagnoses. In particular, it’s quite common for clients to have PTSD. This condition has a complex relationship with substances. Some clients turn to substances in order to self-medicate its symptoms, and others develop PTSD due to experiences they have while using substances.

Ibogaine is shown to have a positive impact on PTSD patients.⁷ One study, conducted with military veterans, found that treatment “may offer a rapid and robust, and well-tolerated, treatment option for those suffering from a variety of psychiatric and cognitive symptoms,” and specifically for symptoms related to trauma.

Depression

Promising research is currently being done into ibogaine as a treatment for depression. Scientists began by creating an analog of ibogaine,⁸ intended to have similar effects. This medicine, called tabernanthalog (or TBG), “appears to relieve depression and addiction symptoms without producing hallucinations or other dangerous side effects.”

Although much more research is needed into the effects of TBG, some healthcare providers already support success using ibogaine to treat depression. According to the team at Tabula Rasa Retreat, “ibogaine can lead to an increase in serotonin levels in the brain, leading to a sense of wellbeing and possibility after a difficult period.” Their program caters to people with substance use disorders, depression, PTSD, and a wide variety of other mental health concerns.

The Experience of Ibogaine

Ibogaine is available at treatment centers around the world, although not in the U.S. Just like any other type of rehab, each of these facilities has its own distinct philosophy. Choose an environment that suits your specific needs.

Whatever the atmosphere of the facility, it’s important to carefully prepare for this experience. If you’ve been using certain substances—such as alcohol—you may need to detox prior to treatment. For others, this may not be required. Make sure to talk to your medical doctor and to the staff at your treatment center about the safest way to proceed.

Ibogaine induces a psychedelic experience. During the session itself, you may find yourself in a dreamlike state for up to 72 hours. Clients often report revisiting traumatic events from the past, and gaining new insight into their least healthy behavioral patterns.

As you slowly emerge from this state, you will likely experience immediate and significant differences. Rich, a client at Iboga Quest, had previously undergone detox, and later decided to try ibogaine after a relapse. Comparing these 2 experiences, he told interviewers, “With iboga, or ibogaine, it’s like hitting the reset button…I would say I still had symptoms, but they were significantly less—maybe 20-30% of what you’d normally have.”

Ibogaine also transformed his experience of shame. Prior to treatment, he struggled to accept himself, and was haunted by past mistakes. In an ibogaine-induced dream state, he envisioned a human body with empty spaces inside it, which he’d been trying to fill by using substances. As he explored these images, he learned the value of accepting himself just as he is.

“I always thought that acceptance was almost like admitting defeat. And [ibogaine] showed me that I didn’t have to necessarily like these aspects of myself; it wasn’t asking me to do that. But I had to accept them…these are things that happened…and even if they’re aspects of myself that were true at some point, they don’t have to remain true. And accepting them doesn’t mean that they remain true forevermore. In fact, accepting them puts you in a really great position to be able to change those aspects of yourself that you don’t like. And so that was my major teaching, really.”

The Long-Term Effects of Ibogaine

Unlike some other psychedelic medicines, ibogaine can have a lasting effect on mental health.⁹ In fact, researchers believe that it can “modify addiction-related neural circuitry through the activation of neurotrophic factor signalling.” This has important implications for its use in the long-term recovery process.

Despite its rapidly apparent benefits, however, ibogaine is not a miracle cure for substance use disorders. Experts at Tabula Rasa Retreat have defined 4 distinct phases of ibogaine treatment:¹⁰

In Phase 1, patients ingest ibogaine and experience a dreamlike state. You’ll likely spend this portion of treatment in bed, and under medical supervision.
During Phase 2, you’ll be fully conscious and aware, but may be hypersensitive and overwhelmed by recent epiphanies.
Phase 3 “begins abruptly and lasts for around 3 months. This phase is known as Temporary Freedom.” During this time, clients report decreased cravings and a lower sensitivity to triggers. It’s extremely important to remember that this, too, is just one phase of treatment. Clients should have a clear plan for aftercare in order to take advantage of this time.
Phase 4 is also known as the “Return to Earth.” At this point, clients often see an increase in their emotional sensitivity, and may be susceptible to relapse.

Researchers have determined that ibogaine “is not a cure for addiction.¹¹ Instead, it merely interrupts addiction.” There is a great vulnerability associated with Phase 4 of treatment. No matter how relieved you may feel in Phase 3, it’s extremely important to prepare for your long-term recovery. If at all possible, it’s best to make plans for aftercare before you begin treatment. This may guard against the impulse to return to your old life too quickly.

Some clients begin recovery with ibogaine, and then go on to attend a more traditional rehab program. You might also consider joining an intensive outpatient program (or IOP), meeting with a support group, or simply seeing a talk therapist who specializes in substance use disorders. However you choose to proceed, make sure you’re prepared for the next phase of the healing process.

Beginning Recovery With Ibogaine

Although more research is needed, ibogaine is a very promising treatment. Whether you’re healing from substance addiction, trauma, or another mental health diagnosis, it may be a good place to start moving forward. However, like any other medication, this medicine is not appropriate for all clients. It has some notable health risks,¹² and may cause unwanted physical side effects. Make sure you consult with a medical professional in advance, to ensure it’s a safe method for you.

Remember that while recovery can start with ibogaine, it’s just the first step in a lifelong process. It’s best to combine this medicine with other, evidence-based therapies, which may include rehab, medical care, talk therapy, or other options. Ibogaine can be a powerful element of your healing process, and may make it easier for you to move toward a healthier lifestyle. But this experience is no replacement for the slow, careful cultivation of sustainable behaviors.

If you’d like to learn more about this therapy, see rehabs offering ibogaine-assisted treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ibogaine Therapy

What is ibogaine treatment for substance use disorders?

Ibogaine treatment is a unique approach to treating substance use disorders that involves the use of the iboga plant. It’s believed that ibogaine can help people heal from addiction by providing a deep psychological and spiritual experience that helps them confront its root causes.

Is ibogaine treatment safe?

While ibogaine treatment shows promise in treating addiction, it’s not without risks. It’s important to seek treatment at a licensed and reputable facility with trained medical staff who monitor patients and provide appropriate care.

What types of addiction can be treated with ibogaine?

Ibogaine treatment is used to treat a range of conditions, including addiction to opioids, alcohol, cocaine, and meth. However, it may not be suitable for everyone and should only be used under the guidance of trained medical professionals in a controlled and supervised setting.

April 24, 2019February 5, 2025

Top 5 Reasons Why Spain Is the Perfect Place for Rehab

Spain is the healthiest country in the world, according to Bloomberg’s Healthiest Country Index.¹ In fact, by 2040, the country is expected to have the highest life expectancy at 86 years old, surpassing the likes of Japan and Switzerland.

Perhaps it’s all the sunshine and siestas. Or maybe it’s the paella and olive oil. Whatever it is, the Spanish are evidently doing something right with their lives, and if you’re looking for a fresh perspective and a place for rehabilitation, Spain might just be the place for it.

Here’s why.

1. Healthy Eating Habits

The low-fat diet is old news. Instead, the Mediterranean diet—supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts—has been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease and increase life expectancy.²

Of course, diet alone won’t alter your life forever, but healthy eating has many benefits to both the mind and body. Good food gives us energy and makes us happier within ourselves. It promotes positive thinking and helps us focus, and if you’re looking to make sincere changes in your lifestyle and regain balance through rehab, what you eat is a great place to start.

2. Temperate Weather Conditions

Spain is notoriously known as “the place in the sun.” In the summer months, much of the country basks in glorious and humid sunshine, while the rest of the year remains hot and occasionally rainy throughout.

Rehab requires time to think, time to relax and time to switch off. And believe it or not, the weather plays a big part in this process. The sun makes us feel more positive, and it encourages us to breathe deep, reflect and heal.

3. It’s a Culture-Infused Paradise

Spain is shrouded in mystery and history, and the country dates back to well before 1512 (when the country officially became “Spain” as we know it). During the 16th Century, it was the most powerful country in Europe, and consequently, Spain is soaked in rich tapestries, churches and fortresses alike.

This culture-rich country makes for the perfect place for exploration, adventure and self-growth. Chances are, if you enter rehab in Spain, you’ll discover new and exciting things to check out every day, which will impact your healing and help you connect with what’s important.

4. The Locals are Lovely

Spaniards are lovely. They’re an open people and, oftentimes, they don’t shy away from speaking truths and showing appreciation. Unlike the preconceptions of communication that exists in the U.S. and U.K., Spaniards typically put up fewer barriers. So they often welcome visitors with open arms.

When it comes to rehabilitation, then, there’s a lot to learn from the Spanish way of life. They operate with good moral practice in mind and often demonstrate important values that can be overlooked.

5. It’s a Slow Pace of Life

Spain, by all intents and purposes, does not operate a fast pace of life. They’re a stress-free society that believes things will work out on their own. In fact, a famous Spanish expression is “mañana mañana,” which translates to “tomorrow morning.”

Of course, if you’re entering rehab in Spain from another country and exploring the local culture, this slow pace of life can be quite the culture shock, but a sense of stillness is something that should be sought during rehab, and Spain provides the perfect breeding ground for this.

Year after year, Spain is voted as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. In 2017 alone, it received more than 80 million tourists,³ surpassing the U.S., the U.K., Italy and Mexico.

And for good reason.

The Spanish lifestyle is designed to promote rest and recovery. It’s the perfect place to switch off and forget the hardship of everyday life, and its hot climate, healthy diet and welcoming culture make it the perfect location for rehabilitation and healing, regardless of where you’re coming from.

To find out more about rehabs in Spain, watch our video series above or explore our list of treatment centers in Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Spain

What makes Spain an ideal location for rehab?

Spain offers a range of rehab centers staffed by experienced professionals, a pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, healthy cuisine, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

What types of addiction can be treated in Spain’s rehab centers?

Rehabs in Spain provide treatment for a variety of addictions including alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, and co-occurring mental health disorders.

What are the benefits of choosing a rehab center in Spain?

Advantages of rehabs in Spain include personalized treatment plans, a holistic approach to healing, luxurious accommodations, a supportive and compassionate environment, and a chance to start a new life in a beautiful and inspiring setting.

April 15, 2019February 28, 2024

Helping With Horses: What You Need to Know About Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

EAP Treatment for Addiction - Luxury Rehab

Horses have stood side-by-side with humans for centuries. And now, we’re working with horses to treat addiction and mental illness.

Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP), also known as equine assisted therapy (EAT) or simply equine therapy, is a rapidly growing form of addiction recovery. It involves using horses to achieve therapeutic goals as designed by a health professional, the benefits of which include improved motor skills, sensory processing, and better social interaction.

Here’s what you need to know about equine therapy, and why it’s an effective way to treat those challenged by addiction and mental health issues.

What Is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Equine assisted psychotherapy is a highly specialized form of therapy that uses horses to help treat those suffering from trauma and addiction. Founded at the Sierra Tucson treatment center in Arizona, equine therapy has now been introduced in North America, in the U.K. and across much of Europe, and for good reason. Don Lavender, Programme Director at Camino Recovery, explains:

“It’s become a really effective therapy. We are working with addicts to teach how to work with personal boundaries and the boundaries of the self and others, as well as some healing. It’s therapeutic for the human because they get to learn connection with others. If they’re isolated and they’re using drugs, they will learn how to replace that with connection.”

Get a peek into equine therapy with Don Lavender from our visit to Spain.

Equine therapy takes an activity-based approach to healing to promote personal growth, responsibility and positivity. It’s designed to break down the barriers that prevent positive communication and encourage healthy interactions, first with the horse, and then with those around us.

How Does Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work?

The common misconception about equine assisted psychotherapy is that it involves horseback riding. In actuality, there is no riding of horses involved in this form of treatment. Instead, equine therapy is about groundwork. It’s about learning how to speak the language of the horse and build a connection with it through a series of ground-based activities.

One example is lunging. In short, lunging is getting the horse to move around the pen with you. You can pull on a horse’s rope and drag it around the pen next to you, or you can develop a “join up” and walk in unison with the horse at its own free will. It’s the latter that you want to achieve, but to do this requires the patient to understand, read and tend to the horse’s emotions.

A big reason why equine assisted psychotherapy is so effective is that the horse emulates a non-judgmental, open and entirely honest human being. They are a “divine mirror” to human emotion and give a patient the ability to understand how certain actions and behaviors affect those around them.

sierra tucson equine psychotherapy — Sierra Tucson in Arizona uses equine therapy to “explore emotional regulation, relationships, and present-moment mindfulness.”

What Are the Benefits of Equine Therapy?

Oftentimes, those suffering from addiction, trauma and mental health issues suffer in silence. It’s not a matter of having no support around you, but rather, it’s about failing to open up and validate hardship.

Working with horses, then, breaks down these barriers to effective communication and healing. It helps people adjust their perceptions and focus on attending to the needs of something other than themselves, and consequently, it builds a bond of trust and support.

When it comes to horses, we consider them to be non-judgmental creatures. As Don explains:

“Horses are perfect animals to do this, because every cell of their being is to join up and connect.”

And that’s what using equine therapy in treatment is all about. It’s about togetherness and understanding the needs and requirements of other people, it’s about building confidence and self-esteem, and it’s about improving both verbal and non-verbal methods of communication.

Healing Through Experience

Psychotherapy is often dubbed “talking therapy.” In the media, it’s depicted as a person lying on a sofa explaining their problems to a therapist and the therapist asking, “how does that make you feel?” And for many, this is an effective way of treating addictions and trauma, but treatment shouldn’t be limited to verbal communication.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a non-verbal method of therapy that uses experiential principles¹ to encourage positive behavior. To accomplish simple tasks, a patient must first learn and understand “the language of the horse” and build a connection through non-verbal communication methods like body language.

From there, they can begin to understand how their communication approach affects the horse and learn how to improve on it, working to better understand themselves—it’s the understanding of one’s self that’s the ultimate goal to better recovery.

Find out more about the best treatment centers offering equine therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is equine-assisted psychotherapy?

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that involves interacting with horses as a means of promoting emotional growth and healing.

What conditions can be treated with equine-assisted psychotherapy?

Equine-assisted psychotherapy can be effective for treating a variety of mental health and behavioral issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and relationship problems.

What should I look for in an equine-assisted psychotherapy program?

When choosing an equine-assisted therapy program, look for a reputable rehab with certified therapists, trained horses, and comprehensive surrounding support.

November 15, 2018June 28, 2025

5 Ways to Help Someone Struggling With Depression

Watching someone you love struggle through depression can make you feel helpless: you want to offer support, but you feel unsure of how to help. With approximately 300 million people worldwide suffering from depression,¹ many of us will at some point be close to someone experiencing this disorder. Although it may feel exasperating at times, with a little research and the right approach, there are some steps you can take to help.

1. Learn How to Recognize the Signs of Depression

Being able to spot the signs of depression will help you distinguish between who your loved one is and how their depression makes them act. This helps you take their behavior less personally, allowing you to better protect your own well-being. And, in turn, you can more supportive to them.

Common Characteristics of Depression²

Sleeping or eating more or less than usual
Low energy
Unexplained physical pain
Loss of interest in work, school, activities, or sex
Pervasive feelings of sadness, hopelessness and guilt
Talking about suicide

2. Express Your Concern

Though it may not be comfortable to bring up, the first step to getting help is to acknowledge that there’s a problem. Severe depression can be life-threatening,³ and people lost in its fog can’t see what others see. If you’re concerned about your loved one, kindly and compassionately let them know—it could be a vital step in the right direction.

3. Listen With an Open Heart

There’s a reason depression has been called the “disease of loneliness”⁴—depressed people often get labeled as “downers” and further isolated from their would-be support circles. But just like we care for loved ones struggling with any other ailment, we can do the same for someone who is struggling with depression.

Depression can be downright debilitating. Simply offering a listening ear, bringing over a hot meal or sitting with your loved on to watch a movie are great ways to show your support. Since this illness makes it difficult to express any positive emotions like gratitude or appreciation, you may feel like your kindness goes unnoticed. But the truth is that thoughtful deeds like these can give someone strength to get through the day.

It also puts you in the best position to encourage them to get help.

4. Encouraged Your Depressed Loved One to Get Proper Care

The good news is that depression is treatable.⁵ Because it’s such a motivation killer, the role loved ones play in getting a depressed person into treatment can’t be understated. Depression that remains untreated can get worse over time, so getting your loved one into treatment is paramount. And although setting boundaries with a depressed loved one⁶ is often easier said than done, it’s also equally important to protect your own physical and mental health in the process. Leaving the counseling up to the professionals is the best course of action, especially for severe depression.

5. Look Into Depression Treatment Options

Treatment comes in many different forms, including inpatient rehab for depression, which can yield great results. This can be a good option for people whose depression is more acute, or who weren’t happy with the outcomes of previous approaches they tried. Treatment methods for depression vary, but typically consist of some combination of medication, counseling, and holistic therapies.

To learn more about what programs are available and browse centers based on location, specialization, and more, visit our collection of rehab centers specializing in depression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some ways to help someone struggling with depression?

You can help someone with depression by offering emotional support, listening without judgment, encouraging them to seek professional help, and promoting healthy habits like exercise and good sleep. Be sure to avoid making assumptions about their condition.

What should I do if someone I know is suicidal?

If you know someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to take their statements seriously and seek professional help immediately. You can encourage them to call a suicide prevention hotline and accompany them to get emergency care.

October 30, 2018November 13, 2024

Treating Depression With Ketamine and Psychedelics

spiral staircase marble steps brass banister photo cred: ludde lorentz

Both ketamine and psychedelics have emerged as popular therapeutic methods in recent years for those who have been resistant to other forms of depression treatment. While many medical professionals and people who have undergone these treatments attest to their benefits, there are still legitimate concerns being expressed about the potential risks associated with their use.

]We take a look at some factors to consider, and the science behind this approach.

How Ketamine Is Used to Treat Depression

Ketamine’s most common medical use is as an anesthetic and a sedative. But it can also be used as a fast-acting antidepressant, usually in the form of a nasal mist or IV infusion performed under medical supervision. Studies have shown that, starting within 4 hours of receiving a dose, ketamine relieved the symptoms of depression for approximately one week at a time.¹ Research further suggests that ketamine causes new connections to form in brain. Its fast-acting effectiveness and impacts on neuroplasticity have led clinicians like Gerard Sanacora, Psychiatry Specialist at Yale Medicine, to speculate on its increased use in medical research.

“It’s quite possible that we will see more medical institutions offering ketamine as a treatment,”²says Sanacora. “And the FDA recently approved the use of esketamine, which is derived from ketamine. These are all very exciting prospects.”

Is Ketamine Safe?

Currently, ketamine is only approved by the FDA as an anesthetic and pain reliever,³ not as a depression treatment. This is largely due to the fact the long-term impacts of ketamine are mostly unknown. Since it’s also used recreationally for its narcotic properties, addiction risk is a major concern. Too much ketamine can have adverse effects like dissociation, hallucinations and paranoia (known as a “K-hole”).⁴ While ketamine administered in the proper doses under professional supervision is considered safe, these concerns prevent it from becoming more mainstream.

How Psychedelics Are Used to Treat Depression

Psychedelics have a different way of treating depression. Research shows that hallucinogens like psilocybin (found in psychedelic mushrooms), LSD and ayahuasca can potentially relieve the depression symptoms after just a single dose. Successful psychedelic treatments can help people gain clarity about problems they’re experiencing, giving them the opportunity to access their subconscious and process past traumas they had previously suppressed. According to recent studies, psychedelics enhance people’s feelings of connectedness with others,⁵ their spirituality and their sense of meaning. Some studies suggest that these substances open pathways in the brain—hence the notion that psychedelics expand your mind. While this sounds promising, the science on how these drugs work to treat depression is still being studied.

Watch this TED Talk by Mark Haden, Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health, to learn more about psychedelics:

Are Psychedelics Safe?

Psychedelics also pose their own set of risks. Although they’re not generally considered to carry high addiction risk, there can be unpredictable short-term effects of psychedelics.⁶ Not least of these is a “bad trip,” which can include symptoms like extreme paranoia, anxiety, and loss of psychological control. While these symptoms usually subside within a relatively short period of time, they can lead users to place themselves in dangerous situations. Generally speaking, however, when intentionally therapeutic doses of ketamine or psychedelics are administered by professionals in safe environments, the risks to your safety are quite low.

Finding the Right Rehab for Depression

If you’ve tried different treatment methods for depression and find yourself still struggling with this debilitating disorder, know that there is an abundance of treatment options out there, and some may work better for you than others. While ketamine or psychedelics may not be for you, a variety of other program offerings might be.

Visit our collection of rehabs specializing in depression treatment to explore some of the world’s best centers today. Additionally, learn more about RehabPath and get the most up-to-date company news.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can ketamine and psychedelics be used to treat depression?

Ketamine and psychedelics treat depression by influencing the brain’s chemical pathways, promoting new thought patterns and behavior. They can provide rapid relief for symptoms of depression, and may be particularly useful for people who haven’t found success with other treatments.

What is the difference between ketamine and traditional antidepressants?

Unlike traditional antidepressants which can take several weeks to start working, ketamine can provide relief from depression symptoms within hours. Ketamine targets different neurotransmitter systems in the brain compared to other antidepressants, making it a valuable treatment option for people who haven’t responded to other medications. Additionally, helps repair damaged neural pathways, leading to longer-lasting effects.

What’s the process for ketamine or psychedelic therapy for depression at a residential rehab center?

In residential rehab, you’ll undergo ketamine or psychedelic therapy under the guidance of qualified professionals. Patients are carefully screened to ensure that they’re appropriate candidates for these treatments. After an initial consultation, your care team will develop a personalized treatment plan, and you’ll receive the medication in a comfortable, private setting. The treatment is closely monitored to ensure safety and efficacy, and you may receive ongoing therapy and support to promote long-term recovery.

October 8, 2018February 5, 2025

Can You Go to Rehab for Depression?

If you’re having serious thoughts about suicide or self-harm, immediate help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit their website to chat with an emotional support counselor.

Did you know many rehabs don’t just treat addictions, but mental health and mood disorders like depression, too? In fact, many people could greatly benefit from inpatient treatment for depression.

The seriousness of depression shouldn’t be underestimated—the prolonged feelings of sorrow depression causes can hinder your ability to be an active participant in your own life and make you feel hopeless, drained and physically unwell. Depression is a life-threatening mental illness¹ and often requires professional help.

Could inpatient depression treatment be the right path for you? Following, we’ll take a look at

When to go to rehab for depression
Who benefits from inpatient depression treatment
Where to find residential treatment centers for depression

When Do You Need Inpatient Depression Treatment?

People choose to go to residential rehab for depression for a few reasons. These could have to do with the severity of their depression, feeling like they’ve exhausted other treatment options, or wanting a retreat-like atmosphere to reset.

Your primary care doctor or qualified mental health professional can help you determine if inpatient depression treatment is the right step for you. Following are some signs that it may help you consider a more in-depth approach to tackling this persistent condition.

When Depression Takes Over Your Life

Sometimes depression is manageable, but other times it’s downright unbearable. Some depression sufferers experience such profound sadness that they can’t think of anything else. This common mood disorder can weigh heavily on those who struggle with it, making it difficult to find joy or pleasure in anything. And in this context, even simple tasks like showering, cleaning the house, and grocery shopping can feel virtually impossible.

Other signs of severe depression that could be a cue to talk to a mental health provider include

Isolating yourself from friends and family
Inability to hold a steady job
Using drugs or alcohol to cope
Not leaving your house for days at a time
Dramatic weight loss or weight gain
Bouts of unexplainable sadness and crying
Hurting yourself
Thoughts or attempts at suicide

If depression interferes with your ability to function in your everyday life, you might find relief in the higher level of care and surrounding support that rehab provides.

When Other Therapies Haven’t Worked

For some people, conventional depression treatment methods just don’t do the trick. Treatment-resistant depression² occurs in about 10-30% of those who are with diagnosed major depression. This means that even after first-line approaches like antidepressants and talk therapy, they may still experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide, find it hard to function, and be likely to relapse into another depressive episode.

However, other options are available. Several alternative therapies for treatment-resistant depression³ are shown to work effectively, including:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT)
Combined medication and psychotherapy

A number of inpatient rehabs are equipped with the professional staff and programming required to treat mental health and addiction comprehensively. This means they offer more opportunities to try different treatment options, including approaches that involve combining therapies.

If you’ve tried multiple medication strategies, or you’ve been in outpatient therapy for a long time without making significant progress, a more intensive option like a residential program rehab may help you make the change you’ve been looking for.

When You Need a Change of Scenery

Our surroundings have a huge impact on our mood, and environmental factors can affect the experience of depression. In fact, the WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse includes supportive environments in its recommendations for fostering mental health:⁴

“Mental health promotion involves actions that support people to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles and which create supportive living conditions or environments for health,” according to their report summary Promoting Mental Health: Concepts, Emerging Evidence, Practice.

Research also suggests that spending more time in nature can have a positive effect on mood disorders.⁵ Many residential treatment facilities are located in serene, naturally beautiful areas for just this reason.

Inpatient treatment offers a chance to step away from day-to-day life, which many people find makes them more receptive to change. It can also be a good option for anyone who wants a more immersive treatment experience, even if their depression isn’t especially severe.

How Rehab Can Help Depression

Residential depression rehab allows you to commit fully to your recovery for a period of time. For those who haven’t had success with more less structured treatment options, this could mean more potential to impact your relationship with yourself, and new opportunities to see different results.

Highly Individualized Programming

High-quality rehab programs are often designed to provide you with a fully customized treatment plan. This is based on thorough assessments you receive before and during the intake, or admissions, process. These centers usually have a wide array of therapeutic methods at their disposal, from individual and group psychotherapy to experiential and holistic approaches. Your team of clinicians—comprised of some combination of medical doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists and complementary therapists—can combine different elements into a treatment plan just for you. This is good news for your outcomes, as experts agree that depression treatment is more effective with a multifaceted approach.⁶

Sharing Your Experience and Learning From Others

One of the most difficult aspects of depression is the crippling loneliness it entails. At a rehab that treats depression, you’ll be with others who have been through what you’re going through and understand how you feel. You’ll spend every day in an environment of professionals who can help you unpack how you’re feeling and learn how to manage it. Knowing you’re surrounded by people who are working with you toward your success can give you a much-needed boost of affirmation and encouragement.

Gaining Lifelong Tools

Oftentimes, depression is a chronic condition.⁷ Developing an ability to cope with it and prevent it from recurring is an invaluable asset when struggling with this disorder. Intensive depression treatment helps you build a solid toolbox of coping skills you can reach into again and again, each time you need to, well after you leave treatment. These awareness tools may help you move through depression episodes more quickly, or experience them less intensely, if they do resurface.

Depression often feels like a merry-go-round you can’t get off. Stepping away from your familiar patterns and into a treatment-focused environment can provide a welcome break from the cycle and allow you to progress in new ways. Going to treatment pulls you out of that day-to-day slump and into a structured day built around your recovery.

Taking the Next Step

If depression has prevented you from fully living your life and you’ve exhausted other avenues, then a more intense, immersive option can be a good idea. Depression rehab isn’t punishing or harsh; you can think of it as a retreat that gives you the time and space to create change. For those struggling with depression, taking the step of seeking inpatient treatment may be necessary. Check with your healthcare provider or therapist to determine if this is the right recovery path for you.

Rising above your depression starts with reaching out for help. And finding a program that meets your needs can be the most healing experience of your life.

To learn more about available programs, see our searchable list of residential depression treatment centers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Depression Treatment

Can depression be treated at a rehab center?

Yes. Rehabs offer evidence-based therapies like CBT and medication to help people with depression manage symptoms and achieve long-term recovery. Additionally, many rehabs offer holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, and massage therapy for a more comfortable treatment experience.

What’s the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab for depression?

Inpatient rehab for depression involves living at a treatment center for a set period of time (usually from a few weeks to several months). In outpatient depression treatment, you receive treatment during the day and return home at night. Inpatient programs may be better if you have severe depression or require round-the-clock care, while outpatient treatment is good for those with milder symptoms or who have a strong support system at home.

What should I look for in a residential rehab center for depression treatment?

Look for a facility with experienced and qualified treatment teams that offer a range of evidence-based therapies to help manage symptoms and promote long-term recovery. Holistic healing approaches such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices can also be helpful. You might also consider the center’s amenities, accommodations and level of personalization.

October 5, 2018February 6, 2025

Non-12-Step: A Different Take on Addiction Treatment

12-Step programs have been a popular component of addiction recovery for the past 80 years. There are over 123,000 Alcoholics Anonymous chapters around the world, and introducing yourself in front of a group of A.A. meeting attendees has become virtually synonymous with sobriety. But since its inception in the 1930s, a number of other models of addiction recovery have become available—many of which are secular, evidence-based, holistic or otherwise offer a completely different approach to treatment. If you don’t resonate with the 12-Step approach, you may find other alternatives more appealing.

Common Non-12-Step Therapies

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

Motivational enhancement therapy¹ is designed to encourage internal change. It’s a time-limited intervention that typically involves a handful of sessions. The first session usually opens with an assessment and from there, a therapist advises on coping strategies for high-pressure situations. Your progress is tracked throughout the subsequent sessions. This approach uses motivational interviewing techniques to inspire change, and sometimes involves loved ones in treatment.

Biomedical or Medication-Assisted Therapy

This approach takes a logic-based view of addiction as something “broken” that can be fixed. According to clinicians who use pharmacotherapies, medications can be used to correct chemical imbalances in the brain that may make certain people more susceptible to addiction. One example of this would be Naltrexone, which prevents opioid users from feeling the drug’s narcotic effects to help them taper off it. Antidepressants may be given for co-occurring depression, lowering its tendency to exacerbate an addiction. Medications are often used in conjunction with other approaches, like talk therapy.

Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback therapy is a non-invasive treatment which involves monitoring the activity of the central nervous system. It’s based on the understanding that the brain can self-regulate. By using EEG sensors to monitor brainwave activity and rewarding the brain for calming itself, neurofeedback therapy “rewires” the neural pathways created during substance abuse, essentially training the brain and nervous system to remain in a calmer state. This approach encourages higher-frequency brain waves, which helps improve mood, focus and energy levels.

Holistic and Alternative Therapies

Holistic therapies are designed to complement and enhance conventional therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy by uplifting your overall state. This may make you more receptive to other aspects of your treatment regimen. They’re designed to enhance your health and entire wellbeing using methods like mindfulness, spirituality, and energy work. In rehab, holistic approaches see addiction as a symptom of broader mental, physical and spiritual unwellness and aim to treat the effects of addiction on those aspects of self. Holistic therapies used to treat addiction come in a variety of forms like massage, yoga and reiki.

Considering a Non-12-Step Program

The 12 Steps work great for some people, but they aren’t the only path to recovery. Certain questions can help guide you on whether a non-12-Step program might be a better fit.

Have you already tried the 12 Steps? If you’ve gone to 12-Step meetings many times before or 12-Step based programs and experienced recurring relapse, it may be time to try something else. Keep in mind that relapse is often part of the recovery process—if you felt momentum with the 12 Steps, then it may be best to stick with it.

Are you concerned about co-occurring disorders? The 12 Steps alone is unlikely to fully address trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns that may co-occur with addiction. Many rehabs use the 12 Steps alongside other methods. It’s good to check if a rehab center specializes in co-occurring disorders—these are highly complex and require sophisticated treatment.

Explore Non-12-Step Rehab Centers

While the 12 Steps are widely used in rehabs worldwide, you can find many centers that take a vastly different approach to addiction treatment. In fact, many rehabs employ the most innovative treatment methods and specialty programs available. If the 12 Steps didn’t work for you, it may be worth looking into rehab programs with different treatment philosophies. To help with your search, our comprehensive list of non-12-Step rehabs lets you filter by price, amenities, insurance accepted, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Non-12-Step Rehabs

What is a non-12-Step rehab?

A non-12-Step rehab doesn’t follow the 12 Steps: a guideline to recovery that involves following designated rules. Non-12-Step rehabs use different models of addiction recovery, such as evidence-based, secular, holistic, and more.

What’s an alternative to 12-Step groups?

Non-12-Step groups provide sober community and emotional support, without following 12-Step principles:

• SMART Recovery
• LifeRing Secular Recovery
• Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.)
• Women for Sobriety
• Moderation Management

… and more.

Do non-12-Step programs work?

Addiction is treatable, and plenty of people find success through non-12-Step programs, like holistic rehabs. If you don’t resonate with the 12-Step approach, it may be beneficial to look into alternatives. There are many pathways to recovery; what works for one person may not work for another.