Over the years, research has taught us much about the illness of addiction and how it best responds to treatment. Many of these evidence-based practices are fully incorporated into our treatment approach. We have also incorporated the principles and 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous as originally practiced in the early days of the Fellowship where members achieved very high recovery rates. Finally, we have added a unique group of experience-based therapies specifically designed to help you feel and experience the changes as they occur. Taken together, these three components form what we call “The Austin Recovery Way.”
ABOUT AUSTIN RECOVERY
Located in Austin, Texas, Austin Recovery operates two rehab facilities that primarily focus on substance abuse: the sprawling 100-acre Hicks Family Ranch, which offers 30-day and 90-day residential programs for men and women, and Family House, which specifically treats women with children under age six. Other offerings include intensive outpatient and outpatient programs.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Upon admission, clients participate in an assessment designed to reveal issues that should be prioritized during treatment. In addition to substance abuse, counselors look for issues such as eating disorders, boundary issues, and codependency. Following the assessment, residents begin an individualized treatment plan based on 12-step principles.
Residents can expect a highly structured mix of individual counseling, addiction and life skills education, group therapy, and step work. Experiential therapy options include yoga, drumming, gardening, art therapy, and music therapy. Women in the Family House program also receive case management and parenting education.
Intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment and standard outpatient treatment are typically offered as step-down options for those at high-risk for relapse. In addition, a three-day family program is available to those with loved ones in treatment at Austin Recovery.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
According to the facility’s website, individual and group therapy sessions are led by master’s level counselors and licensed chemical dependency counselors. The family program employs case managers and parent educators.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Accommodations at the Hicks Family Ranch are gender-specific. Guests share sleeping quarters and have access to fitness equipment and game rooms. Other on-site amenities include a yoga room, volleyball court, pool, scenic walking trails, and a labyrinth.
Family House’s living arrangements allow for mothers and children to live together. The center also provides off-site, state-approved child care during the day and has a complete playground.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Austin Recovery received average ratings above three out of five stars from the 11 alumni surveyed by Best-rehabs.com across 15 aspects of the facility. Of the 15 categories evaluated, the facility’s treatment effectiveness received a near perfect average rating of 4.89 out of five, while its cleanliness and staff’s level of experience were the second strongest performing categories, with average ratings of 4.55. These ratings were supported by alumni commentary, which included praise for the compassionate staff and great facility.
Alumni gave averages of 3.36 stars for counseling options and 3.73 for holistic offerings, in addition to 3.55 stars for exercise and leisure activities. Multiple alumni expressed appreciation for the experiential therapies.
A few alumni, however, commented the program could be more individualized. “There were weak alternatives to 12 step and there was no individualized treatment options,” Suzanne wrote. A.G.C. agreed, writing “It was a 12-step based program and felt very generic.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The 12 loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing on more than a dozen aspects of this facility gave above-average ratings of at least four out of five stars for all metrics. An average rating of 4.67 out of five stars was given to the facility’s cleanliness, while family participation received a 4.5-star rating. “They allow family in participation so we didn’t have to worry about the unknown with my nephew,” an anonymous loved one told Best-rehabs.com.
One anonymous loved one wrote, “Well-equipped with skillful and caring staff.” Another anonymous reviewer wrote, “Of those being helped, there was a lasting positive affect. Understanding and very experienced.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
The staff’s level of experience garnered an average rating of 4.5 out of five. Two staff members surveyed by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing gave four- and five-star ratings for treatment effectiveness and five stars for staff experience. The facility garnered a four-star rating for overall quality of care.”Great place so long as you are willing to try and do what they say,” one staffer wrote.
FINANCING
The center does not publish its rates, but its website describes the cost of treatment as “reasonable.” Self-pay options are available and some insurances are accepted. A deposit is due upon admission, and full payment is expected prior to discharge.