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Cliffside Malibu Outpatient Services

29160 Heather Road, Suite 100-101
Malibu, CA 90265
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Cliffside Malibu Outpatient Services CA 90265

About Cliffside Malibu Outpatient Services

The Stages Of Change Model was created based on a continuum of stages of drug rehabilitation. The therapy addresses your needs at the stage in which you seek substance use treatment. The individualized treatment plan is based on your comprehensive evaluation and includes evidence based treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. They also offer experiential and holistic therapies such as yoga, acupuncture and massage. The relapse prevention program helps you learn how to recognize the warning signs of relapse and take steps before returning to your addictive behaviors. The causes of addiction vary from one person to another, so the focus of your treatment begins with discovering your triggers so you can be freed from the pain and destruction of addiction.

Their outpatient treatment center can help you receive the care you need during the day but still be able to return home in the evening. This enables you to maintain some of your family, work, and academic responsibilities. This flexibility is recommended for people who have a new or mild addiction and have a supportive home environment. Outpatient treatment programs also provide varying levels of intensity, which supports long term treatment as your customized program becomes less intense over time.

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Fact checked and written by:
Gayle Morris, BSN, MSN
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW

Facility Overview

Dollar icon $790
Avg Cost per Day

Latest Reviews

Stevie S
1 week ago on Google
1
Review deleted
Debra Smith
3 weeks ago on Google
5
I recently completed treatment at Cliffside Malibu, and I can say without hesitation that it is one of the most clinically sophisticated and compassionate programs in the country. When I first called, Admissions told me they were ranked #1 in the state — and after experiencing the quality of care firsthand, I understand exactly why. The program not only met those expectations, it surpassed them. From day one, the clinical team demonstrated a level of expertise, structure, and individualized attention that I’ve never seen anywhere else. Every therapist, every group, every touchpoint felt intentional and grounded in evidence-based care. You can feel how much time and thought goes into their curriculum and how deeply the staff understands trauma, addiction, and whole-person recovery. What stood out the most was how aligned the entire team is — admissions, nursing, therapists, case management, and operations all move in the same direction. There’s a sense of steadiness and professionalism in everything they do. I never felt like “just another client.” They knew my history, tracked my progress, and actively worked with me to rebuild structure, tools, and long-term stability. Cliffside creates an environment where safety, dignity, and real clinical work can happen. It’s not just beautiful — it’s purpose-built for healing. If you’re looking for a program with depth, integrity, and proven outcomes, Cliffside Malibu absolutely lives up to its reputation. I’m grateful for the care I received, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who truly wants to change their life.
Response from the owner1 week ago
We are thrilled to hear about your transformative experience with our clinically sophisticated and compassionate program. Your feedback validates our commitment to evidence-based care.
Kelli Vargo
1 month ago on Google
5
After 11 wonderful years at Cliffside, moving on has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. Cliffside has truly been the best company I’ve had the privilege to work for. The leadership genuinely cares about their staff, and I’ve been fortunate to work alongside an incredible team of dedicated professionals who always put clients first. I’m so grateful for the experiences, friendships, and growth I’ve gained during my time here.
Response from the owner1 week ago
We are honored to hear about your wonderful experience over 11 years. Your dedication and growth mean everything to us.
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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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7.5 / 10

Accepted Insurance

Please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Cliffside Malibu Outpatient Services works with several private insurance providers, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Other Forms of Payment

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.

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.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are for those who want or need a very structured treatment program but who also wish to live at home and continue with certain responsibilities (such as work or school). IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary in duration and intensity, and certain outpatient rehab centers will offer individualized treatment programs.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a modality based on strengthening moral reasoning, that can be used in substance abuse treatment. Originally created to help criminal offenders stop committing crimes, it is a structured approach that includes both group and individual counseling, as well as homework exercises. The MRT workbook is structured around 16 steps (units) focusing on 7 treatment issues, including building a healthy, positive identity; developing a higher frustration tolerance; and forming a strong moral belief structure. Participants meet 1-2 times weekly in groups, and can complete all steps of the MRT program in 3-6 months.

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.

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
  • car iconPrivate Transportation

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 Cliffside Malibu Outpatient Services 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

29160 Heather Road
Suite 100-101
Malibu, CA 90265

Explore Other Centers Near Malibu

Reviews of Cliffside Malibu Outpatient Services

4/5 (189 reviews)
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Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer

Google Reviews

Stevie S
1 week ago
1

Review deleted

Debra Smith
3 weeks ago
5

I recently completed treatment at Cliffside Malibu, and I can say without hesitation that it is one of the most clinically sophisticated and compassionate programs in the country. When I first called, Admissions told me they were ranked #1 in the state — and after experiencing the quality of care firsthand, I understand exactly why. The program not only met those expectations, it surpassed them. From day one, the clinical team demonstrated a level of expertise, structure, and individualized attention that I’ve never seen anywhere else. Every therapist, every group, every touchpoint felt intentional and grounded in evidence-based care. You can feel how much time and thought goes into their curriculum and how deeply the staff understands trauma, addiction, and whole-person recovery. What stood out the most was how aligned the entire team is — admissions, nursing, therapists, case management, and operations all move in the same direction. There’s a sense of steadiness and professionalism in everything they do. I never felt like “just another client.” They knew my history, tracked my progress, and actively worked with me to rebuild structure, tools, and long-term stability. Cliffside creates an environment where safety, dignity, and real clinical work can happen. It’s not just beautiful — it’s purpose-built for healing. If you’re looking for a program with depth, integrity, and proven outcomes, Cliffside Malibu absolutely lives up to its reputation. I’m grateful for the care I received, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who truly wants to change their life.

Response from the owner
We are thrilled to hear about your transformative experience with our clinically sophisticated and compassionate program. Your feedback validates our commitment to evidence-based care.
Kelli Vargo
1 month ago
5

After 11 wonderful years at Cliffside, moving on has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. Cliffside has truly been the best company I’ve had the privilege to work for. The leadership genuinely cares about their staff, and I’ve been fortunate to work alongside an incredible team of dedicated professionals who always put clients first. I’m so grateful for the experiences, friendships, and growth I’ve gained during my time here.

Response from the owner
We are honored to hear about your wonderful experience over 11 years. Your dedication and growth mean everything to us.
Kendall DiNardo
1 month ago
5

Cliffside Malibu provides the best luxury recovery and is in my opinion has the most compassionate and professional staff. What sets Cliffside apart is the dedicated team, from the therapists and clinicians to the supportive techs who are professional, highly knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in your success. If you or a loved one are ready to make a positive, lasting change, I wholeheartedly recommend this facility. It is more than just a rehab facility it is a sanctuary!

Response from the owner
Thank you immensely for calling us a sanctuary and recognizing our dedicated team's compassionate, professional care in your recovery journey.
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