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Highlights
Nature Lovers
Therapeutic Location
Residential Cabins
Addiction Recovery
About Black Bear Lodge
Within the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Black Bear Lodge offers a retreat for individuals seeking recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, or co-occurring disorders. With options for residential and outpatient treatment—and a focus on personalized, client-centered treatment, this forest-based center uses immersive nature-based therapies and boasts cabin-like accommodations. Black Bear’s compassionate team empowers clients to heal mind, body, and spirit in an inspiring, peaceful setting.
Black Bear Lodge encourages all clients to live bigger than their diagnosis– to find satisfaction and fulfillment outside of self-medication. Their programs are rooted in proven methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and group counseling, giving clients a strong clinical foundation. At the same time, they embrace practices like yoga, mindfulness, hiking, and zip-lining, helping clients reconnect with themselves and find balance. Led by a multidisciplinary team of experienced therapists, medical professionals, and support staff, Black Bear’s personalized care is as effective as it is empathetic.
Black Bear Lodge offers a range of support services and unique programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. Recognizing the pivotal role of family in the recovery process, they provide family mediation services to guide families through healing, emphasizing effective communication and boundary-setting. Their holistic approach to treatment integrates experiential therapies as well, including therapeutic hiking on scenic walking trails, allowing clients to engage with nature as part of their healing journey. This blend of family-focused support and experiential therapies underscores Black Bear Lodge's commitment to treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
Black Bear Lodge offers more than just treatment—it’s a retreat for healing and renewal. Each room at the lodge is comfortable and cozy, providing the perfect space for connection and relaxation. The lush forest surroundings invite clients to unwind with therapeutic hikes on scenic trails, where nature becomes part of the recovery process. From inviting indoor lounges including an on-site theater to tranquil outdoor spaces, Black Bear Lodge feels less like a facility and more like a haven.
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Insurance Accepted
Provider's Policy:We have a specialized team that works with insurance companies on a day-to-day basis to determine coverage and ensure that patients get the coverage they are entitled to based on their policy. When you call us, we can verify your insurance benefits at no cost and explain what your policy covers.
Our Centers
Addiction doesn't just impact one person—it affects the entire family. At Black Bear Lodge, they understand that true recovery means healing together. Through compassionate family mediation and communication workshops each Wednesday evening, they help families rebuild trust, set healthy boundaries, and support their loved one's journey.
At Black Bear Lodge, comfort is at the heart of the recovery experience. In the peaceful foothills of northern Georgia, each room is designed to be cozy and welcoming, giving clients a place to relax and recharge after a day of inner healing. The lodge feels more like a retreat with its inviting indoor lounges and a theater where clients can unwind with movies or connect with others. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, this warm atmosphere helps create a sense of belonging, making the journey to recovery feel a little easier and a lot more supportive.
At Black Bear Lodge, nature becomes a powerful ally in recovery. Therapeutic hiking, outdoor meditation, and experiential activities transform healing from a clinical process into a holistic journey of self-discovery. By engaging with the serene landscapes of northern Georgia, clients can explore personal growth, reduce stress, and develop mindfulness skills in a natural setting. These outdoor experiences offer more than just physical movement—they provide a profound opportunity to reconnect with oneself, build resilience, and find peace amid the recovery process.
At Black Bear Lodge, dual diagnosis care is tailored to address both addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously. Their expert team conducts thorough assessments to create integrated treatment plans that tackle issues like depression, anxiety, and personality disorders alongside substance use. Using evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), clients gain valuable insights and coping strategies.
Older Adults
Addiction and mental health treatment caters to adults 55+ and the age-specific challenges that can come with recovery, wellness, and overall happiness.
Executives
Executive treatment programs typically directly support the needs of people who manage businesses and may provide flexible schedules and office space to allow work during treatment.
Young Adults
Emerging adults ages 18-25 receive treatment catered to the unique challenges of early adulthood, like college, risky behaviors, and vocational struggles.
LGBTQ+
Addiction and mental illnesses in the LGBTQ+ community must be treated with an affirming, safe, and relevant approach, which many centers provide.
Men and Women
Men and women attend treatment for addiction in a co-ed setting, going to therapy groups together to share experiences, struggles, and successes.
Midlife Adults
For adults ages 40+, treatment shifts to focus on the unique challenges, blocks, and risk factors of their age group, and unites peers in a similar community.
Mild Disabilities
Adults with mild physical or intellectual disabilities receive treatment catered to their specific needs in a safe and clinically supportive environment.
Pregnant Women
Addiction and mental health treatment meets the clinical and psychological needs of pregnant women, ensuring they receive optimal care in all areas.
Professionals
Busy, high-ranking professionals get the personalized treatment they need with greater accommodations for work, privacy, and outside communication.
Veterans
Patients who completed active military duty receive specialized treatment focused on trauma, grief, loss, and finding a new work-life balance.
Alcohol
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism, or drinking excessively throughout the week, signals an alcohol use disorder.
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Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep issues. They are highly habit forming, and their abuse can cause mood changes and poor judgement.
Co-Occurring Disorders
A person with multiple mental health diagnoses, such as addiction and depression, has co-occurring disorders also called dual diagnosis.
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Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is the excessive and repetitive use of substances, despite harmful consequences to a person's life, health, and relationships.
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Opioids
Opioids produce pain-relief and euphoria, which can lead to addiction. This class of drugs includes prescribed medication and the illegal drug heroin.
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Pregnant Women
Addiction and mental health treatment meets the clinical and psychological needs of pregnant women, ensuring they receive optimal care in all areas.
Veterans
Patients who completed active military duty receive specialized treatment focused on trauma, grief, loss, and finding a new work-life balance.
Residential
In a residential rehab program, patients live onsite, with access to daily treatment and 24-hour care. An average stay is 30-90 days.
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Day Treatment
In a PHP, patients live at home but follow an intensive schedule of treatment. Most programs require you to be on-site for about 40 hours per week.
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Detox
Detox fully and safely removes toxic substances from the body, allowing the next steps in treatment to begin with a clean slate.
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Intensive Family Program
Some rehabs offer intensive programs for loved ones. Group and individual therapy sessions help everyone heal, and improve family dynamics.
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Intensive Outpatient Program
In an IOP, patients live at home or a sober living, but attend treatment typically 9-15 hours a week. Most programs include talk therapy, support groups, and other methods.
Outpatient
During outpatient rehab, patients attend a structured treatment program while continuing to live at home.
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Residential
In a residential rehab program, patients live onsite, with access to daily treatment and 24-hour care. An average stay is 30-90 days.
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Evidence-Based
A combination of scientifically rooted therapies and treatments make up evidence-based care, defined by their measured and proven results.
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Experiential
Expressive tools and therapies help patients process past situations, learn more about themselves, and find healing through action.
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Family Involvement
Providers involve family in the treatment of their loved one through family therapy, visits, or both–because addiction is a family disease.
Personalized Treatment
The specific needs, histories, and conditions of individual patients receive personalized, highly relevant care throughout their recovery journey.
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1-on-1 Counseling
Patient and therapist meet 1-on-1 to work through difficult emotions and behavioral challenges in a personal, private setting.
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Meditation & Mindfulness
A practiced state of mind that brings patients to the present. It allows them to become fully aware of themselves, their feelings, and the present moment.
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Trauma-Specific Therapy
This form of talk therapy addresses any childhood trauma at the root of a patient's current diagnosis.
Mindfulness Therapy
This ancient practice can be mental, emotional, and even spiritual. In meditation, you focus your attention on the present moment without judgement.
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Adventure Therapy
This experiential approach uses the physical and emotional challenges of outdoor activities as tools for personal growth.
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Art Therapy
Visual art invites patients to examine the emotions within their work, focusing on the process of creativity and its gentle therapeutic power.
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Experiential Therapy
With this approach, patients heal by doing. Therapists help patients process difficult emotions to speak, using guided activities like art or dance.
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Family Therapy
Family therapy addresses group dynamics within a family system, with a focus on improving communication and interrupting unhealthy relationship patterns.
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Medication-Assisted Treatment
Combined with behavioral therapy, prescribed medications can enhance treatment by relieving withdrawal symptoms and focus patients on their recovery.
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Motivational Interviewing and Enhancement Therapy (MET)
This approach is based on idea that motivation to change comes from within. Providers use a conversational framework that may help you commit to recovery.
Psychoeducation
This method combines treatment with education, teaching patients about different paths toward recovery. This empowers them to make more effective decisions.
Recreation Therapy
In recreation therapy, recovery can be joyful. Patients practice social skills and work through emotional triggers by engaging in fun activities.
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Relapse Prevention Counseling
Relapse prevention counselors teach patients to recognize the signs of relapse and reduce their risk.
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Relaxation Therapy
Muscle relaxation techniques relax mind and body. They can easily be practiced outside treatment, making it a valuable coping tool for continued recovery.
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Seeking Safety
Not looking to the past, patients improve their present circumstances. They work toward safety without detailing traumatic events.
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Solution Focused, Goal-Oriented Therapy
A quick goal-oriented therapy that helps patients identify their current and future goals, find out how to achieve them, and empower future problem-solving.
Spiritual Care
Tending to spiritual health helps treatment become more effective, allowing patients to better cope with their emotions and rebuild their spiritual wellbeing.
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Stress Management
Patients learn specific stress management techniques, like breathing exercises and how to safely anticipate triggers.
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Twelve Step Facilitation
12-Step groups offer a framework for addiction recovery. Members commit to a higher power, recognize their issues, and support each other in the healing process.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
This cognitive behavioral therapy teaches patients to accept challenging feelings and make the appropriate changes to reach personal goals.
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Group Therapy
Two or more people meet with a therapist together. Patients get valuable peer support, strengthen interpersonal skills, and improve self-awareness.
Yoga
Yoga is both a physical and spiritual practice. It includes a flow of movement, breathing techniques, and meditation.
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Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that causes hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking.
Grief and Loss
Grief is a natural reaction to loss, but severe grief can interfere with your ability to function. You can get treatment for this condition.
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders destabilize the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. If untreated, they can undermine relationships and lead to severe distress.
ADHD, ADD
ADHD is a common mental health condition caused by dopamine imbalance. Common symptoms include inattention, hyperactivitiy, and impulsivity.
Anger
Although anger itself isn't a disorder, it can get out of hand. If this feeling interferes with your relationships and daily functioning, treatment can help.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can include excessive worry, panic attacks, physical tension, and increased blood pressure.
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Bipolar
This mental health condition is characterized by extreme mood swings between depression, mania, and remission.
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Burnout
Burnout entails mental and physical exhaustion, and leads to a severe lack of fulfillment. This condition is often caused by overwork.
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Chronic Pain Management
Long-term physical pain can have an affect on mental health. Without support, it can also impact your daily life and even lead to addiction.
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Depression
Symptoms of depression may include fatigue, a sense of numbness, and loss of interest in activities. This condition can range from mild to severe.
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by intrusive and distressing thoughts that drive repetitive behaviors. This pattern disrupts daily life and relationships.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a long-term mental health issue caused by a disturbing event or events. Symptoms include anxiety, dissociation, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.
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Self-Harm
The act of intentionally harming oneself, also called self-injury, is associated with mental health issues like depression.
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Stress
Stress is a natural reaction to challenges, and it can even help you adapt. However, chronic stress can cause physical and mental health issues.
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Trauma
Some traumatic events are so disturbing that they cause long-term mental health problems. Those ongoing issues can also be referred to as "trauma."
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Alcohol
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism, or drinking excessively throughout the week, signals an alcohol use disorder.
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Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep issues. They are highly habit forming, and their abuse can cause mood changes and poor judgement.
Chronic Relapse
Consistent relapse occurs repeatedly, after partial recovery from addiction. This condition requires long-term treatment.
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Co-Occurring Disorders
A person with multiple mental health diagnoses, such as addiction and depression, has co-occurring disorders also called dual diagnosis.
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Cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant with euphoric effects. Agitation, muscle ticks, psychosis, and heart issues are common symptoms of cocaine abuse.
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Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is the excessive and repetitive use of substances, despite harmful consequences to a person's life, health, and relationships.
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Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a stimulant that causes intense euphoria and heightened awareness. Abuse of this drug can trigger depression, insomnia, and memory problems.
Heroin
Heroin is a highly addictive and illegal opioid. It can cause insomnia, collapsed veins, heart issues, and additional mental health issues.
Psychedelics
Hallucinogenic drugs—like LSD—cause euphoria and increased sensory experiences. When abused, they can lead to depression and psychosis.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, or meth, increases energy, agitation, and paranoia. Long-term use can result in severe physical and mental health issues.
Opioids
Opioids produce pain-relief and euphoria, which can lead to addiction. This class of drugs includes prescribed medication and the illegal drug heroin.
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Prescription Drugs
It's possible to abuse any drug, even prescribed ones. If you crave a medication, or regularly take it more than directed, you may have an addiction.
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Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking—i.e., ceasing to smoke—means giving up smoking nicotine and tobacco products. This process has very important health benefits.
Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic drugs are made in a lab, unlike plant-based drugs like mushrooms. Most synthetic drugs are either stimulants or synthetic cannabinoids.
Clients can bring their own pet(s)
For greater comfort and healing, pet-friendly treatment centers welcome dogs and animal companions to stay with their owners while they attend treatment.
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Pet Friendly
For greater comfort and healing, pet-friendly treatment centers welcome dogs and animal companions to stay with their owners while they attend treatment.
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Executive Program
Addiction and mental health treatment for executives typically involves high discretion, greater technology access, and more private, 1-on-1 care.
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Gender-specific groups
Patients in gender-specific groups gain the opportunity to discuss challenges unique to their gender in a comfortable, safe setting conducive to healing.
Healthy Meals are provided
Great food meets great treatment, with providers serving healthy meals to restore nutrition, wellbeing, and health.
LGBTQ group
Group therapy unites LGBTQ+ patients in a safe and culturally competent setting, encouraging peer support under the expert leadership of a therapist.
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First Responders Program
Paramedics, police officers, firefighters, and others join in a specific First Responders program, usually focused on trauma, grief, and work-life balance.
Yoga
Yoga is both a physical and spiritual practice. It includes a flow of movement, breathing techniques, and meditation.
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Lynn Echols
CEO
MSN, RN
Jennifer Hoodecheck
Clinical Director
LCSW, MAC
Matthew Partain
Director of Admissions
Vince Foley
Regional Human Resources Director
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Black Bear Lodge has without a doubt changed my life for the better. I’ve been shown that life is enjoyable without drugs or alcohol, I’ve been given hope that I can live a sober and fulfilling life. I can’t thank the therapists, nurses, the RA’s, and the staff enough for caring about me the way they do.
Landon B
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