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Access Malibu (Cliffside Malibu)

5243 Horizon Dr Malibu, CA 90265
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About Access Malibu (Cliffside Malibu)

Cliffside Malibu – Access Malibu is a luxury residential drug and alcohol rehab program in Malibu, California. This location, which is part of Cliffside Malibu, offers Joint Commission accredited detox and inpatient treatment services to adults. Individualized treatment plans combine traditional evidence-based methods with experiential therapies.

Withdrawing from drugs and alcohol on your own can be dangerous. Medically managed detox programs are the safest way to undergo detox and start substance abuse treatment. Staff at Access Malibu help clients manage their withdrawal symptoms as they prepare for the next phase of treatment, all in a private and comfortable setting.

Inpatient treatment is a high level of care designed for clients with severe symptoms. At Access Malibu, treatment occurs in a highly structured environment with luxury amenities and a beachfront view. Treatment is highly personalized and can include one-on-one therapy, group sessions, massage therapy, reiki healing, interpersonal neurobiology, relapse prevention training, acupuncture, yoga, exercise, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), family systems therapy, and motivational interviewing.

This location accepts most major insurance plans, including Beacon, TRIMARK, United Healthcare, Wellmark, and Cigna, among others. Clients should confirm coverage before enrolling, as out of network benefits may vary.

Latest Reviews

Sandy Fagan
3 months ago on Google
1
Stay away!!! Very unethical and unprofessional. Vandictive staff they have been known to call the police on clients for leaving because they were not satisfied with the quality of care!!!
jen J
3 months ago on Google
5
My adult son had been in two prior outpatient rehabs. When insurance covered his treatment at Cliffside, I was initially skeptical of such a luxury experience with weekly massages, sound baths, acupuncture, cleaning and laundry service, fresh, organic cooked meals, outings, yoga, trips to the gym and spectacular views. It seemed more like a vacation I thought. But, it turned out to be just what my son needed. With these experiences and the small ratio of clients:providers, he was able to finally open up and start addressing the pain he had been numbing with substances. Tanya, his case manager, helped him with his needs and setting him up with outpatient care. Roxan, his therapist, was a tremendous help to him. Family sessions are available and the nurses and tech staff also offered great support. Patients have to option to be taken to AA, Smart Start, and NA meetings as well. My son didn't want to leave! My only suggestion would be to have online family meetings available in the evenings/after work hours. I am very grateful for the care my son received.
Matthew Joslin
4 months ago on Google
5
Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to Cliffside Malibu for Saving and Changing my life forever. They have/had so much more to offer than other places and programs that I have gone to. This time it has really stuck for me. My life is free and reset. The houses make you feel like your at home. The staff is great! Most are in active recovery themselves and some were actually prior clients themselves. That stood out alot to me and gave me comfort and hope. That feeling that someone who I didn't know, really cared about me. Everything was clean, worry free and the good was excellent. I am so glad I STARTED my recovery from addiction's at Cliffside Malibu Ca.. Matt J. from Kansas City, Mo.
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Rehab Score

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Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full MethodologyCaret icon
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7.6 / 10

Other Forms of Payment

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

inpatient iconInpatient

Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.

partial-hospitalization iconPartial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.

medically-assisted-detox iconMedically Assisted Detox

Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal. The length of stay at the detoxification program is determined according to the specific needs of the patient.

Treatments

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

Drug rehab in California teaches participants constructive ways to stay clean and sober. Treatment revolves around helping individuals stop using the substance they are addicted to and learn healthy habits to avoid relapse.

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Mental health rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Mental health professionals at these facilities are trained to understand and treat mental health issues, both in individual and group settings.

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Substance rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction (both illegal and prescription drugs). They often include the opportunity to engage in both individual as well as group therapy.

Programs

adult-program thumbnail image

Adult Program

Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.
young-adult-program thumbnail image

Young Adult Program

Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.

Clinical Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person's life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

Creativity is inherently healing, and can help those in recovery express thoughts or feelings they might not otherwise be able to. Creative arts therapy can include music, poetry/writing, painting, sculpting, dance, theater, sandplay, and more. Unlike traditional art, the final product matters far less than the experience of creation and expression itself.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.

Eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and dysfunctional eating patterns. Many psychologists and other mental health professionals consider eating disorders to be food addictions, meaning food is being used in an addictive way (similar to drug or alcohol addiction). Certain substance abuse treatment programs will have treatment for eating disorders as one of the services offered. An eating disorder may also present as a co-occuring disorder or dual diagnosis alongside drug and alcohol addiction.

EMDR is a therapeutic modality originally developed to help process trauma. In an EMDR session, a patient is prompted to undergo eye movements that mimic those of REM sleep. This is accomplished by watching a therapist's finger move back and forth across, or following a bar of light. The goal is repetitive sets of eye movements that help the brain reprocess memory, which can significantly reduce the intensity of remembered traumatic incidents. Associated memories can heal simultaneously, leaving patients significantly calmer, more stable, and more emotionally relaxed.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Fitness therapy blends exercise with psychotherapy for a fun, inspiring, and effective way of treating addiction and other issues. By incorporating movement into counseling sessions, clients become more empowered, motivated, and goal-oriented, all while strengthening their bodies and becoming more flexible. Fitness Therapy is usually used to complement a course of treatment (inpatient or outpatient) to make it even more successful. Increasing the connection between a patient’s mind and body helps both with healing as well as in creating new, healthy habits.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical approach to helping people with substance abuse issues and other conditions shift behavior in positive ways. It is more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy, as MI counselors directly attempt to get clients to consider making behavioral change (rather than wait for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its primary purpose is to resolve ambivalence and help clients become able to make healthy choices freely.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. It uses products that supply low doses of nicotine to help people stop smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), is a way of treating physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to positively affect their physical and mental health.

Rational Behavior Therapy (RBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy meant to be short-term and comprehensive. It was intended to help clients become more self-sufficent and move forward without the need for expensive, ongoing therapy. It includes an emotional self-help method called “rational self-counseling,” the purpose of which is to give clients all the skills needed to handle future emotional issues by themselves, or with significantly less professional help.

Recreational therapy (aka therapeutic recreation) uses creative and fun activities to help with addiction recovery. Recreational therapists lead patients in entertaining and engaging activities like sports or games; art (drawing, painting, sculpture); drama, music, and dance; and/or community outings (field trips) to improve patients' physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

Amenities

  • private iconPrivate Setting
  • spa2 iconYoga Studio
  • wifi iconWifi
  • car iconPrivate Transportation
  • private-room iconPrivate Rooms

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Kelly Stephenson

CEO

Dane Fisher

COO

Matthew Ruble, MD

Chief Medical Officer

Karen Rubenstein

Chief Clinical Officer

Mathew Malloy

Director of Operations

Accreditations

The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.

Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes

LegitScript has reviewed Access Malibu (Cliffside Malibu) as part of their certification program, and has determined that it meets the LegitScript standards for legality, safety and transparency.

LegitScript verified in July 2020

Contact Information

Building icon

5243 Horizon Dr
Malibu, CA 90265

Fact checked and written by:
Terri Beth Miller, PhD
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Reviews of Access Malibu (Cliffside Malibu)

4/5 (189 reviews)
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Reviews

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

jen J
2 months ago
5

My adult son had been in two prior outpatient rehabs. When insurance covered his treatment at Cliffside, I was initially skeptical of such a luxury experience with weekly massages, sound baths, acupuncture, cleaning and laundry service, fresh, organic cooked meals, outings, yoga, trips to the gym and spectacular views. It seemed more like a vacation I thought. But, it turned out to be just what my son needed. With these experiences and the small ratio of clients:providers, he was able to finally open up and start addressing the pain he had been numbing with substances. Tanya, his case manager, helped him with his needs and setting him up with outpatient care. Roxan, his therapist, was a tremendous help to him. Family sessions are available and the nurses and tech staff also offered great support. Patients have to option to be taken to AA, Smart Start, and NA meetings as well. My son didn't want to leave! My only suggestion would be to have online family meetings available in the evenings/after work hours. I am very grateful for the care my son received.

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
Thanks for sharing your experience with us! We are glad to hear that your son found the care he needed at Cliffside Malibu.
jen J
3 months ago
5

My adult son had been in two prior outpatient rehabs. When insurance covered his treatment at Cliffside, I was initially skeptical of such a luxury experience with weekly massages, sound baths, acupuncture, cleaning and laundry service, fresh, organic cooked meals, outings, yoga, trips to the gym and spectacular views. It seemed more like a vacation I thought. But, it turned out to be just what my son needed. With these experiences and the small ratio of clients:providers, he was able to finally open up and start addressing the pain he had been numbing with substances. Tanya, his case manager, helped him with his needs and setting him up with outpatient care. Roxan, his therapist, was a tremendous help to him. Family sessions are available and the nurses and tech staff also offered great support. Patients have to option to be taken to AA, Smart Start, and NA meetings as well. My son didn't want to leave! My only suggestion would be to have online family meetings available in the evenings/after work hours. I am very grateful for the care my son received.

Sandy Fagan
3 months ago
1

Stay away!!! Very unethical and unprofessional. Vandictive staff they have been known to call the police on clients for leaving because they were not satisfied with the quality of care!!!

Matthew Joslin
4 months ago
5

Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to Cliffside Malibu for Saving and Changing my life forever. They have/had so much more to offer than other places and programs that I have gone to. This time it has really stuck for me. My life is free and reset. The houses make you feel like your at home. The staff is great! Most are in active recovery themselves and some were actually prior clients themselves. That stood out alot to me and gave me comfort and hope. That feeling that someone who I didn't know, really cared about me. Everything was clean, worry free and the good was excellent. I am so glad I STARTED my recovery from addiction's at Cliffside Malibu Ca.. Matt J. from Kansas City, Mo.

A Google User
4 months ago
5

Professional and caring staff

Kelly
5 months ago
3

Good staff but really bad management. The food is terrible and we get the same food over and over. None of it is fresh. They don’t care about your mile markers you have achieved. You’re in house all the time and do not have fun outings to get you into the world. A lot of excuses made by management. I am understanding it used to be a good rehab but not anymore. They seem to only care about the money coming in.

Sandra Sellani
6 months ago
5

Exceptional care and outcomes.

Yesenia Ochoa
6 months ago
5

Best experience I’ve ever had. The people that work there made me feel cared for. I learned a lot in groups, Things that will help me in sobriety after the program. EVERYONE I met there helped me in some way and I will forever be grateful for Cliffside. ♥️🙏🏾

Jon Petcel (JP)
8 months ago
5

The Cliffside Malibu experience encompassed a round about approach to recovery that was tailored to each clients needs and issues. A fully rounded experience that allowed me to grow in my recovery each day through group sessions, multiple individual sessions each week as well as recovery outings, from the beach to museums that allowed me to experience and understand that fun in sobriety is possible. The staff was top notch, the best in each of there professions, from the house keepers, chefs, masseuse, acupuncturist, activity instructors or the highly trained clinical team members. I was happy to have a team of caring physicians and nurses at hand daily with weekly sessions that are constantly monitoring and evaluating, ensuring my health and wellbeing was always in a great state and I was on a successfully medication regimen. I enjoyed the opportunity to attend outside meetings day and night and build a community of friends that supported my recovery. I highly recommend Cliffside Malibu as I have had other treatment experiences that can only come second to the level of care and love given to each client with an individually tailored approach, It doesn't get any better if your looking to truly regain control of your addiction, life, and have lasting change in the comforts of beautiful Malibu with people who come to work and care about you!

Amanda Concha
8 months ago
5

Where do I begin! CliffSIDE MALIBU saved my life to say the least. I came in wanting to do change my life. I was a diamond in the rough . Substance abuse was surface level & Cliffside help bring to light the deeper causes which my co- dependency. I honestly could haven t been on the road to sobriety & clarity without them. My care team & every single staff member from played a crucial part in my recovery. I am forever grateful to the wonderful care & treatment I received. I will always love the amazing family I gained!!! #SUNSET #SOLOPORHOY #SOBERLIFE

Arron Kisha Paine
9 months ago
5

Cliffside Malibu changed my life. The staff and clients were very instrumental in my recovery. I will never forget how my family was treated on family day. On the heels of a tragic family death. Cliffside’s clinical team gave me the proper care to help me understand my grief and addiction. Everyone was so kind and considerate. I can’t wait to celebrate my first year of recovery as a guest speaker on Alumni night 😉 God bless everyone who poured into me. STAY STRONG ONE DAY AT A TIME

Tom Sutherland
10 months ago
5

3 months after leaving Cliffside and I honestly can say the staff and program here saved and changed my life. There are many good days and little bad now. The best thing is knowing how to deal with the bad and appreciating that tomorrow will be good again. Here is something I wrote the day I left, it all still rings true. Thanks Cliffside, I have my life back now and it’s truly amazing. 31 days ago, I walked through the doors of this house, admitting to myself that I needed help beyond what any family member or friend could give. I've always struggled with bouts of depression and anxiety throughout my life, but it’s something that intensified over the past few years. Since I was 16, I hadn’t stopped. I was running at full speed, achieving my goals and dreams, focused mainly on my career, and looking out for everyone around me. The adrenaline was amazing, flying around the world, bouncing from one cool project to another. But the stress levels were rising, and my self-care was diminishing along with my love for life and enjoyment of the people around me and everything I had accomplished. Then, in January this year, something erupted in my personal life. I spiraled, falling at 100 MPH, trying to cling onto everything I possibly could while juggling multiple projects. Everything intensified, and I couldn’t find a way out. Self-care turned into self-medication, and I entered a dark place. No words from friends, therapists, or family could pull me out. Fear turned into isolation. I woke up on May 1st and knew I needed professional help. I called my amazing family, close colleagues, and friends, explaining that the world had become a little too much and I needed some professional help. The spiral was only heading in one direction. Over the past month, the incredible team of doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists at Cliffside Malibu have taken me apart and put me back together. Where there was darkness, I now see bright sunlight. Where there was pain and anxiety, I now see joy and excitement. Giving myself to this process, rediscovering myself, and learning how beautiful life can be with the right tools to navigate and process it has been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever experienced. Brad, Christine, Jared, Elijah, and Angie: Thanks for being on this journey alongside me, opening up, and sharing your stories. Every one of you is a true inspiration, and this is just the start of your incredible futures. To all the staff at Cliffside: thank you for changing my life. Roxan, you are just incredible. Nina, you deserve 100 Michelin Stars. All the counselors, doctors, therapists, trainers, techs, instructors, Gretchen, and the house team: thank you, thank you, thank you. The future is a jog, not a sprint. I’m so excited for what's in store, to get back out there creating, loving every minute life brings, the people around me, and this next chapter. I had heard so many people in the past write something about when they finally decided to get help, but I didn’t believe it and didn’t think that anything would help me. If anyone is suffering, there’s a way out. The future is bright. If I can help share my story, advice, or connect you with people who can help, then please reach out. I’ve been so fortunate to accomplish many things I’m proud of in my life, but this moment right now, the moment I did something for myself, is for sure my proudest.

Response from the ownerInvalid relative date format:
We are absolutely thrilled to hear about the positive impact our program had on your life. Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us.
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