Best Rehabs with Experiential Therapy Programs in California

Many rehabs in California—whether in SoCal’s sunny Los Angeles or Orange County, or NorCal’s vibrant Bay Area– offer some of the best healing environments for those recovering from drug and alcohol abuse and other mental health conditions. Chances are, you’ll find yourself in a surf therapy session at the beach.

Long after the gold rush, California continues to draw people from all over the world to its beautifully warm sunshine and abundant opportunity. The Golden State is the most populated and diverse state in America, and it’s the third largest state by land mass. California is well-known for its agriculture, breathtakingly scenic landscapes and recreational activities.

What is inpatient addiction treatment?

Inpatient addiction treatment takes place at a rehabilitation center that provides intensive, 24/7 care in a residential setting. Clients live on-site at the facility where they receive treatment. This is often (but not exclusively) for clients who need higher levels of treatment and surrounding support.

What outdoor activities are offered at rehab?

Depending on the region, many rehabs offer outdoor activities and experiential therapies. Examples of these might include hiking, swimming, gardening, or rock climbing. Look at the Experience section on a center’s profile page to see the activities they offer. You can also check a center’s website for more information.

What does a typical day in rehab look like?

A day at residential rehab usually consists of a combination of therapy sessions, complementary activities, and leisure time. Schedules differ from center to center, but your day might look something like this:

• Wake up early and enjoy a healthy breakfast with fellow clients and/or staff.
• Get moving with a yoga or fitness class.
• Join a group therapy session.
• Have lunch, followed by downtime.
• Attend individual sessions with a psychologist or therapist.
• Go to an educational or support group.
• Eat dinner and wind down early with a relaxing activity like music or art, a lighter support group, or individual free time.

How do I know if rehab is nationally accredited?

National organizations such as The Joint Commission and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredit treatment providers. Often treatment websites will have accreditation logos in the footer, but the best place to check is with the accrediting body. You can check Joint Commission accreditation here and CARF accreditation here.

Will my insurance cover inpatient care at rehab?

Many rehabs accept insurance, and depending on your insurance plan, it can help cover inpatient program costs. You can browse California rehabs that accept insurance. You can also look at the center’s website to see which insurance providers are accepted, and contact their admissions team for more details.

What’s the difference between 12-Step and non-12-Step rehab?

Twelve Step rehabs base their programming on the principles of the 12 Steps. They often include it in their curriculum and may include attending 12-Step meetings, like AA and NA. Non-12-Step rehabs do not follow these steps specifically. Which approach appeals most to you likely depends on your background, beliefs, and personal preferences.

Why do people go to California for addiction and mental health treatment?

Southern California is known for having warm weather year-round, which allows clients to take advantage of outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, hiking, horseback riding, and more as part of their rehab program. Northern California has a slightly colder climate but still offers stunning natural beauty, which can be accessed via its plentiful state and national parks.

What activities are unique to California?

Many California rehabs are located on the beach or within easy reach of the Pacific coast, allowing them to offer sports like surfing as a unique experiential therapy. Rehabs in California are also known to provide a wider array of holistic therapies, such as Reiki, sound therapy, and acupuncture.

What center qualifications are typically seen at California rehabs?

California rehabs may be licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services. Rehabs may also be accredited by national organizations such as The Joint Commission or Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or a member of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP).

What kind of therapies are California rehabs known for?

An emphasis on holistic and non-12-Step therapies tends to be more widely used in California. The state has been the hub for holistic treatment for decades, and it’s common for rehabs to offer a larger variety of alternative treatment modalities.

What kind of clientele attend rehab in California?

California attracts clients from all over the state and country due to its myriad of rehabs and ideal climate. Some programs cater to exclusive and celebrity clientele.