ABOUT HUMBOLDT RECOVERY CENTER
Located in Eureka, along northern California’s coastline and near Redwood National Park, Humboldt Recovery Center (HRC) is a nonprofit, long-term residential treatment facility serving individuals struggling with substance use disorders. The nonprofit rehab center collaborates with local Native American tribes and other local community members, emphasizing holistic care for diverse clients. Some clients attend as an alternative sentencing provision for substance abuse-related offenses. HRC has operated for more than 45 years.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Humboldt Recovery Center offers a phased residential program that follows a therapeutic community model of recovery (TC). Over three to six months, residents progress through more intense programming into transitional services as they re-enter society outside of rehab. Programming at HRC integrates evidence-based therapies, education, physical activities, and “mutual self-help,” according to the facility’s website. Residents are drug-tested regularly.
Among the topics addressed in rehab are self-esteem, coping skills, boundary-setting, and impulse control. Recreational therapy includes such outdoor activities as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and cycling. Clients have access to G.E.D. training and testing, literacy classes, nutritional education, and employment support through training and placement opportunities, some facilitated by alumni of center.
While working, residents are encouraged to save as much as they can, preparing for financial wellness, along with receiving aftercare assistance in accessing social services for housing and legal needs.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
All members of the treatment staff are nationally- and state-certified as addiction counselors. The director of Humboldt Recovery Center at the time of this writing had extensive leadership experience in state and local government programs as well as teaching at the university level.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Humboldt Recovery Center’s accommodations include multiple, gender-specific residences, which together accommodate 44 men and 18 women. According to the facility’s website, most bedrooms are double occupancy, though some private bedrooms are available. Residents have access to a fully-equipped exercise center, and many meals are provided for the full community, although each house has an open kitchen for client-use.
Children of residents may visit frequently (and eat free). The center hosts holiday meals and many family events. During the later phases of the residential program, clients may earn passes for overnight stays with family members.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Best-rehabs.com has not yet received any feedback from former clients of this facility. However, all six alumni reviews submitted to Google reviews and Facebook to date were highly favorable, awarding Humboldt Recovery Center five out of five stars apiece. Comments typically included praise for dedicated staff. In a representative review, D.J. wrote, “They had my back then and still do,” reflecting the center’s long-term commitment.
On Facebook, both in alumni reviews, which the center’s staff may monitor, and in community posts on the official HRC page, former clients highlighted the holistic, life-changing support they received. For instance, one cited assistance in arranging for medical appointments while in rehab. Others referenced frequent recreational outings. Several also reported that the program helped them develop integrity, becoming a better parent or person.
WHAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SAY
By contrast, the sole loved one polled by Best-rehabs.com to date was very critical of more than a dozen aspects of the facility. Out of five stars, the loved one of an alum offered one-star ratings for the effectiveness of treatment, the staff’s level of training and experience, family participation, and the facility’s counseling options. They cited the center’s “low budget” as a source of overall weakness.
FINANCING
According to a Humboldt County directory of treatment facilities, the recovery center utilizes a sliding fee scale. The HRC Facebook page reports that some spots offered free for homeless clients.
[1] Google Reviews
[2] Facebook Reviews
[3] Facebook Community Posts