ABOUT AZURE ACRES IN SEBASTAPOL, CA
Azure Acres, located in Sebastapol, California, offers detoxification and residential treatment to men and women aged 18 and older who are struggling with substance use disorders and/or dual diagnoses. The facility was established in 1959 and has treated more than 20,000 individuals. Azure Acres is located about 50 miles north of San Francisco. The facility offers intensive outpatient treatment at facilities in Santa Rosa and Sacramento.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The facility’s treatment program follows the 12-Step model and also incorporates crisis intervention, psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), client-centered therapy, somatic therapy, and bibliotherapy. Treatment at Azure Acres is designed to be holistic, encompassing mind, body, and spirit. The facility teaches concepts such as surrender, honesty, humility, and acceptance throughout the program.
Clients should contact the facility by phone to schedule a comprehensive screening assessment. To be admitted, clients must be free from serious mental illness and may not be a danger to themselves or others. Prospective clients must also be independently mobile since facility grounds have some steep terrain. The average length of treatment at Azure Acres is 30 days.
Throughout treatment, clients attend Alcoholic and Narcotics Anonymous meetings five times per week and participate in 12-step readings and Big Book study. Upon admission, each client is assigned a “buddy” who will welcome them and provide support throughout treatment. Clients at Azure Acres also benefit from daily educational lectures, men’s and women’s groups, and small group sessions. Families are included in the treatment program through a family program that takes place every other weekend.
Clients at Azure acres are required to complete basic household chores at the residence and must also maintain their living spaces. This facility also offers a unique moving meditation treatment called Qigong. Aftercare is available for all clients who successfully complete the program, and involves a customized continuing care plan for each resident, help transitioning to outpatient programs, and a strong alumni network.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The treatment team at Azure Acres includes an employee with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, a registered recovery worker, and a registered addiction specialist.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The Azure Acres residence is a historic lodge on 30 acres of redwood forest land that was built in 1906. Photos on the facility’s website show shared rooms with a rustic cabin motif. The facility is equipped with a swimming pool, shared outdoor areas, and walking trails to increase the client’s comfort while in treatment. Meals are served family-style, and the facility’s chefs can accommodate special dietary needs. Clients are able to engage in activities such as frisbee golf, basketball, softball, football, and horseshoes throughout treatment.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The eleven alumni polled by Best-rehabs.com at time of writing gave generally positive reviews. The anonymous clients gave the facility an average score of 2.5 out of five stars for affordability, 2.8 stars for counseling options, and 4 stars stars for staff’s level of training and experience. Indeed, several reviewers praised the staff, with some alumni adding: “amazing,” and “love what they do.” Alumni also said the facility is clean, the campus is beautiful, and they appreciated that many staff members are in recovery themselves.One reviewer added additional commentary, saying, “It was magical for me there. I felt the love and genuine compassion. It was life altering there for me. For me because of the beautiful grounds it is on I felt so connected very grounded.”
When asked about weaknesses of Azure Acres, one reviewer said that the location and building could be improved. Another said they did not like the food, and two reviewers said the facility should offer better fitness opportunities.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The four friends and family members polled by Best-rehabs.com to date gave generally positive reviews.
While one of the four reviewers gave a generally negative review, the other three of the anonymous loved ones gave the facility positive ratings for exercise options and cleanliness. “My son said this was a great program,” one loved one wrote, “I wish the program did more about him wanting to leave early because he could have done very well if he stayed longer. Since then he has relapsed.”
When asked about weaknesses of Azure Acres, one loved one said that there was no aftercare, family therapy was rushed, and the outpatient program was disorganized.
FINANCING
There is currently no information provided by the facility regarding the cost of treatment, since costs can vary based on treatment program and length of stay. However, the facility accepts insurance including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Beacon Health Options, Cigna, and Value Options. Azure Acres is able to offer financing options as well.