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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:To make sure you fully understand your benefits, we suggest reaching out to your insurance carrier directly. We're here to help with any questions you might have. Feel free to explore our website for more information on insurance options that might be right for you.
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.
Young Adults
Emerging adults ages 18-25 receive treatment catered to the unique challenges of early adulthood, like college, risky behaviors, and vocational struggles.
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.
Alcohol
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism, or drinking excessively throughout the week, signals an alcohol use disorder.
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Bipolar
This mental health condition is characterized by extreme mood swings between depression, mania, and remission.
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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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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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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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Heroin
Heroin is a highly addictive and illegal opioid. It can cause insomnia, collapsed veins, heart issues, and additional mental health issues.
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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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.
Twelve Step
Incorporating spirituality, community, and responsibility, 12-Step philosophies prioritize the guidance of a Higher Power and a continuation of 12-Step practices.
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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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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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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.
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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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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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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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.
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.
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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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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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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Truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. From a man who’s been to many treatment centers. Extremely nice place. I enjoyed every aspect of it from the food to the cabins to the nature. Very relaxing and amazing place to relax your mind while getting sober. The employees were amazing but the three that stood out to me the most were Tilly, Jess, and Elijah. Other employees that were amazing were Haylee, Steven, Tobey, Ira, Greg, Summer, Marcie, and many many more. Mrs Brenda was the kindest most thoughtful person I met there. And Ofcourse my therapist Haley, she helped me through so much in a short time. Tiffany and Sarah were also amazing and were very thoughtful and helpful to me in times I needed it. Even the drivers were amazing. They go above and beyond for us clients and they made me feel at home and safe to open up to them. They were an amazing part of my recovery. It’s a clean environment I can’t say enough. I recommend this place to anyone and everyone. Thank you black bear for everything, I will truly miss this place.
Dylan Kelly
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