Drug Rehab Centers in Novato, California

What an unbelievable miracle Live Oaks Wellness Center has been in our family’s life. From the very beginning, Marcelo Nazarian — the Director of Admissions and Clinical Outreach — went above and beyond to support us. Even before my child entered their care, Marcelo personally spoke with him to offer reassurance and compassion, and a thoughtful, structured plan was already in place. Throughout the past year, Marcelo has continued to stand by our side, showing a level of commitment and care that is truly rare. Jake was equally incredible — always available, always listening, and always willing to connect with any of us in the family. His ability to support not just our son but all of us made a lasting impact. Our son made real progress at Live Oaks, and a full year later, we were able to work with the team to develop a thoughtful transition plan. Even now, long after his time there, Marcelo continues to check in — or picks up the phone when I need someone to talk to. That level of care and ongoing connection is something I’ve never seen before. Addiction that begins in the early teen years is incredibly complex, and the road to recovery is never straightforward. While our roller coaster has not ended, I can honestly say I don’t know where I’d be without Marcelo and Jake Tedesco. Their compassion, consistency, and willingness to show up day after day — even when things were hard — made all the difference. They truly are a safe pair of hands and make you feel a little less alone. There are no words that fully capture our gratitude. Live Oaks gave us hope when we needed it most — and for that, we are forever thankful.

I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible program Live Oaks Wellness offered me… the incredible staff, therapist, and the amazing people I met while I was there has changed my life, FOREVER! Before walking through the doors I had no idea what to expect, this was my first time in treatment. I was scared but was immediately able to completely surrender with the warm welcome by ALL. They made sure I felt at home, but most Importantly made me feel safe and comfortable through the entire program. They not only offer a VERY comfortable detox (which was my biggest worry) but they offer SOOO MUCH MORE… A spacious, clean & cozy house with a swimming pool, basketball court, huge backyard incredible therapy, private chef, outings, private workouts, art therapy, AA/NA meetings, the list goes on! If you are someone who is struggling with addiction and YOU’RE in need of help, don’t hesitate 🙏🏽 Live Oaks Wellness is your first step in your/our journey to becoming FREE again.

TL;DR: Live Oaks Wellness is a life-changing rehab center that supported me through two of the most difficult times in my life. My first stay taught me invaluable lessons, and after a relapse, my second stay solidified my recovery and led to a profound spiritual awakening. The compassionate staff, beautiful location, and evolving programs helped me rediscover purpose and regain control of my life. I owe them everything for helping me become a new person. Live Oaks Wellness is one of the best rehab centers in California. Jack and the team were there for me when my life was hanging by a thread, guiding me through some of the darkest moments of my life. I went twice—once to start my journey and again after a relapse—but not because they didn’t do their job. It took me two stays to confront the deeper issues I wasn’t ready to face. Here’s a detailed account of both visits: First Stay: I was terrified when I first went to rehab. My marriage was on the brink, and I was completely lost. Arriving at Live Oaks Wellness in Novato, California, was a relief. The facility, set on a beautiful private property with serene hills, a peaceful garden, a basketball court, and a swimming pool, felt like a haven. The staff welcomed me with care and compassion. Tim, the head of medical, became a trusted friend, guiding me through detox and beyond. My private room was like a hotel suite—comfortable and equipped with everything I needed to unwind. Once detox was over, I joined the other five residents. With only six people at a time, the experience was intimate. The facility had endless snacks, entertainment, and a huge TV to relax with. The daily schedule was full of therapy, physical activities, and support meetings. Each day started with a check-in and ended with reflection, keeping me grounded. The relationships I formed were unforgettable. The residents are carefully screened, ensuring a positive environment. After 30 days, I felt transformed, and they helped set me up with aftercare to continue my recovery. Second Stay: After 265 days sober, my life fell apart. My wife and I lost our second baby, and hours later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. I relapsed, and the next two months were a nightmare. My wife helped me reconnect with Jack, and I re-entered Live Oaks. The relapse wasn’t the program’s fault but my failure to maintain the practices I learned. Returning was the wake-up call I needed. The second stay was even better than the first. The program had expanded with new therapies and in-person meetings. Frequent outings to the ocean and nature walks helped me reconnect with the world. It was a game-changer after Zoom meetings in my first stay. This time, I experienced a profound spiritual awakening and discovered a higher purpose I never knew existed. I don’t see my relapse as failure but as part of my journey. Live Oaks helped me become a better, stronger version of myself. Live Oaks is more than just rehab. It’s a place where lives are rebuilt, and people rediscover their strength. If you're considering treatment, I can’t recommend them enough.

Bayside Marin is an excellent treatment center. At first, I didn't want to go here, mainly because of negative reviews and hearsay from an acquaintance, and corporate ownership. But I quickly changed my mind. I came here devestated by a very traumatic year of my life, in as much of a mental health crisis as I was in a substance one. Throughout the length of my stay, I was treated with understanding, patience and compassion. The bulk of their program is cookie cutter evidence based, but high quality. The employees at Bayside really care about their work, and their clients, and because of this it didn't have a corporate feel, even though they're owned by Acadia. What made this stay extra special for me was the therapy and one on one conversations I had with staff. I had the honor and privilege of working with the best therapist I've ever seen. When there's a true match with therapy it can be magical, spiritual. I have transformed into a better version of myself because of the one on one work with my therapist, whose intelligence, wit, patience, and compassion helped me to rise above and shine, despite facing some extremely challenging triggers in residential this time. When you can't fully care about yourself, sometimes you can borrow someone else's faith in you until you're able to care about yourself a little more. By the end of my stay, I felt more confident and centered than I had in a long time. I also wanted to say, the tech supervisor helped guide me psychologically and spiritually as I faced various challenges at Bayside, and helped revive my interest in spirituality, meditation and awakening. I had the best spiritual and psychological support I could have asked for, which I thought would be impossible after being at Olympia House in 2022. (Both are good rehabs with their unique strengths and weaknesses. I learned a lot at both, but they're not directly comparable, OH is a little more unique in terms of approach and programming. Bayside was extra meaningful because of the particular therapist I worked with, the behavioral technician supervisor I mentioned and the particular clients I bonded with. They actually listen to client feedback and I watched them make numerous improvements over the three months I was there. With that said, there is room for further improvement. Clients are shuffled over to the main campus from detox with very little explanation of where to go and when, which leaves freshly detoxed clients confused, angry, and feeling disrespected. I've been told they're working on fixing this problem. Scheduling glitches do happen, but that's true of any medium or large rehab. They do their best. And also, sometimes communication can be a little complicated between departments. No place is perfect. Gorgeous campus. Food was great. I was told this was a rehab for rich people who valued aesthetics over content, but that's not what I found here. They have some incredible talent working for them and client socioeconomic backgrounds are mixed. Last. I would encourage people, strongly, to ask to change their therapist if the initial assignment isn't a match. I did, and it made all the difference in my stay.

This facility saved my life in 2017! They treated me as an individual while helping me process my trauma and grief. I was able to create new habits, build self esteem and stop self medicating through life. My children & I are forever grateful to Bayside for showing me a new way to live!

great staff, they treated me respectfully

This is my first experience with residential treatment and by far the best experience. Top notch staff, facility, and food service. This place really opened my eyes to a better life and I’m so very grateful for them. Shot out to Mark B., Luaralie, Casey, Oscar, and Carolyn for be so amazing during my stay!

Serenity Knolls saved my daughter's life! First program in 10 years that. Accually helped her heal. Wonderful people work there and the director Nancy Lambert is amazing! I am so grateful that my daughter finally got professional help! I had to beg Kiaser to pay for it but they finally did. Can't say enough about the quality of the therapist there. Also is gorgeous property.

Great place to recover. The food is on point