ABOUT INSPIRE MALIBU
Set 20 minutes north of Malibu in the affluent Los Angeles suburb of Agoura Hills, Inspire Malibu is a residential rehab for adults who prefer a non-12-step recovery program. Outpatient options and several levels of on-site detoxification are also available. Founded in 2011, the facility is distinguished by its personalized clinical therapy program and science-based approach. Co-occurring disorders are also addressed.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Inspire Malibu does not comply with any one treatment method. Rather, treatment integrates multiple disciplines including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). There is also individual therapy three times a week, as well as abstinence-based and motivational counseling, and pharmacotherapy, which may incorporate Subutex and Suboxone to treat opiate addiction. Clients may also seek a seven- to 10-day “Detox Only Program.”
Clients who wish to remain in recovery after stabilization are introduced to SMART Recovery meetings, which are a support group alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Other treatment modalities include neurofeedback and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy.
Family therapy is also part of the treatment offerings, as well as aftercare planning which may involve outpatient services including a day treatment option that runs for six to eight hours five days per week, and an intensive outpatient (IOP) program with programming taking place three days each week for three hours at a time. Outpatient detox may be accessed through an off-site health clinic.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The staff includes a doctor who is board-certified in addiction medicine, two clinical psychologists, a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, master’s-level counselors, licensed addictions counselors, a yoga therapist, a music therapist, an eating disorder therapist, and a registered dietitian.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Inspire Malibu offers two residential locations. The Agoura Hills houses serve as the main residential treatment facility for clients who stay 30 to 90 days, while the Malibu location overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is offered for clients who want a very upscale experience. Both locations have gourmet meals prepared by personal chefs and private rooms for an additional fee. Laptops and cellphones may be used during treatment, and all clients may utilize the facility’s membership to a local fitness center, which has a swimming pool.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The seven alumni reviews gathered by Best-rehabs.com at time of writing indicated that the facility provided solid treatment, counseling, and accommodations. Two former clients credited the facility with changing their lives, and all agreed that the living arrangements were top notch and the staff were compassionate and knowledgeable. Ratings from all seven clients for treatment effectiveness averaged 4.29 out of five stars, while complaints were minor and included high cost and too much downtime.
Reviews elsewhere online at time of writing, ratings are mostly positive. Feedback from eight reviewers on Google to date averaged 4.5 out of five stars. “Inspire Malibu changed my life, I’ll recommend to anyone seeking help,” wrote an anonymous reviewer. “Inspire Malibu is top notch all around! From the therapy to the extensive individualized schedule, all of my dual-diagnosis issues were addressed by their amazing staff,” added another alum.
Additional reviews appeared on Yelp to date, where six ratings averaged 3.83 out of five stars. Similar to Rehab.com reviewers, those who left negative ratings complained of high costs and inappropriate behavior from staff. “Rip off. You can buy a BMW for what they charge,” wrote Dom, giving one star. “The charges submitted to my credit card are much higher than the ones I agreed to pay Some workers there have good intentions, but the inconsistent application of their rules is alarming to say the least,” added Michael who gave two stars for his experience. Those who reported positive experiences praised the staff for saving their lives and noted that they were equipped with the proper knowledge to succeed post-treatment.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The one loved one polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing gave Inspire Malibu a mixed review. While they noted that the environment was beautiful and the staff provided effective medications and therapies, they also told Best-rehabs.com that the program was too lax overall and did not provide enough intensive on-site treatment. “My sister (and the other patients) had a surprising amount of free time outside of treatment,” the family member wrote. “The treatment sessions were sporadic and located outside the house. it seems like they should have had more on-site treatment and doctors/therapists since it was an inpatient facility.”
Additionally, a loved one left feedback for the facility on Google to date. Awarding one out of five stars, Robin wrote: “They didn’t bring my family member to the hospital when they should have. This person, thank God, made it home, but has regular PTSD flashbacks of the treatment received.” They added,”California rehabs aren’t regulated nearly enough and they make claims that are outright lies, to get loved ones hopeful family members there as paid clients.”
FINANCING
According to the facility’s website, Inspire Malibu accepts private pay and all out-of-network PPO insurance plans. Potential clients may verify their insurance plan online. An option for no-interest financing is also available, and one former client surveyed by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing reported receiving a 50% discount.
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