The people working at Olalla are completely underqualified for the job they offer, I needed to quit the program after only 5 weeks of treatment. Wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.
About Olalla Recovery Centers – Gig Harbor Counseling Center
As part of Olalla Recovery Centers, Gig Harbor Counseling in Gig Harbor, Washington, provides outpatient treatment for adults and young people struggling with alcohol and substance use issues. Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredited, Olalla has been in operation since 1969. They’re a Medicaid provider, and they offer limited in house financing to those without insurance. Assessments are available 24/7.
Teen and Young Adult Counseling in Gig Harbor
Based on the Matrix Model, their teen and young adult program is for those 13 and older. Phase one focuses on education and modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and the 12 Step model. Peer support and recreational activities are included, and family counseling is also available. Phase two of the program focuses on relapse prevention. Random urinalysis testing is provided.
Intervention Counseling and DUI Services
Believing that families are an integral part of recovery, they offer family and couples counseling. Intervention counseling is also an option. They’re certified to provide DUI/Deferred Prosecution services, and their customized programs comply with state requirements. They also have an Alcohol/Drug Information School, which is an educational class designed to help with decision making skills.
Individual Attention in a Group Setting
Clients say that the classes are extremely helpful, and the groups are good at giving each participant full attention. They describe the staff as caring and supportive, and say that they helped make them feel human again. They talk about being given tools for recovery and a new way of thinking. They say they are forever thankful.
If your symptoms are acute, they can refer you to their inpatient facility, the Olalla Guest Lodge. They have special tracks for women and Native Americans.
Latest Reviews
I came out of my last relapse broken and in so much pain I thought I would stay broken. I decided to finally reach out and get help that I found out I so desperately needed. I did an intake with the staff at Olalla in Gig Harbor and they got me into intensive outpatient very quickly. That with another program, I began to heal. I can not say thank you enough to everyone there for the help and love they showed me in the time I was with them. In about a week I will celebrate a year sober. Truly sober for the first time in my life. All I had to do was follow a little direction, be openminded, and completely honest and willing to do what is needed to do to work on myself.Thank you so much for starting me in the direction of my new life. I can not express the gratitude and love I have for all the counselors I had who guided me on the start of this amazing journey. You were truly there when I needed you.
Response from the owner7 months ago
Congratulations Joshua! We are so happy we could be here for you!
I had a terrible experience at Olalla recovery center pretty much start to finish! They are clearly not there to help everyone. If they don t like a person they won t go out of their way to help you. I absolutely do not recommend this place!! A couple classes were okay but I ended up getting really sick and wasn t able to attend all the classes and they told me if I missed one more class I would be discharged. There are multiple people skipping classes just because they didn t want to go to them and the staff did nothing about that. But I was still really sick when they informed me I couldn t miss anymore classes. So I left still really sick after 2 weeks. Also, on my last day there I had inhaled some food and I was choking, there was staff all around me but no one did anything or even offered to help. One kitchen lady look really discusted that I was choking. Everyone just went about their business like nothing was happening. They totally play favorites and help people who are like their pets. I really went in with high hopes and looking forward to getting help but it turned out to be the worst 2 weeks! Time and money totally wasted! To say I m disappointed with Olalla is an understatement! I do not recommend this place at all!!!
Response from the owner2 months ago
Hi JoAnna, We are truly sorry for your experience in our program. We are bound by many regulatory entities that require patient participation in services. If patients are too ill to participate in treatment, they may need to be discharged to a higher level of care and/or allowed to return to care when their additional medical needs have stabilized as we are not a hospital. Our staff are CPR/First Aid certified and trained to respond to medical emergencies. If you would like to discuss your experience with our Director of Clinical Services, please call our office. We are always looking for ways to improve our services and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your concerns directly.
Thank you to Jessica for listening to my situation and helping me on my journey to recovery. She was very supportive and attentive to my needs and circumstances
Response from the owner1 year ago
Melissa, Thank you for your 5-star review. We strive to offer the finest counseling possible. Wishing you success on your recovery journey. 
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7.3 / 10
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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.
Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.
Medicaid is a state based program that helps lower-income individuals and families pay for healthcare. Medicaid covers addiction treatment so those enrolled can use their coverage to pay for rehab. When a program accepts Medicaid the client often pays very little or nothing out of their own pocket.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Outpatient Outpatient programs are for those seeking mental rehab or drug rehab, but who also stay at home every night. Gig Harbor Counseling, the outpatient program provides confidential, thorough comprehensive assessments to evaluate an individual’s progression with addiction. High quality treatment services are conducted in a small, private, family oriented setting.
Inpatient Inpatient rehab enables clients who are exiting detox or who are at an increased risk of relapse to focus on their recovery in a highly structured and supportive environment. Inpatient rehabs provide intensive clinical supervision and high-level treatment. Clients remain at the facility through the length of their program and typically receive multiple addiction counseling and education sessions per day. Holistic therapies, such as yoga, message, and meditation, may be used to relieve stress and ease discomfort.
Intensive Outpatient They provide intensive outpatient counseling, relapse prevention, substance abuse, education groups, aftercare groups, etc. They tailor treatment programs to address a variety of issues related to family dynamics, meet any legal or employer issues, including DUI/DOL requirements, divorce, child custody, school or educational issues for Washington State as well as other jurisdictions.
Aftercare Support Rehab aftercare programs support clients as they focus on maintaining their sobriety after intensive (often inpatient) treatment. These programs adhere to a model of life-long recovery, addressing addiction disease as a chronic, relapsing condition. Rehab aftercare services vary widely based on the specific and evolving needs of the client, but often include peer coaching, relapse prevention support, and 12 step program induction. Clients, case managers, and care teams typically collaborate on long-term care plans.
12-Step 12 step programs support participants' psychological, spiritual, and emotional development as integral to sustained recovery. Though 12 step recovery programs are based on the belief in a non-denominational higher power, religious affiliation is not required. Group meetings are paper-led, anonymous, free, and available daily, including on holidays, in most communities. Peer sponsors selected by the participants provide one-on-one coaching and support. Specialized formats are widely available, including programming for youth, seniors, and families.
Intervention Services Interventions are approaches to help chemically dependent individuals recognize the consequences of their use while becoming willing to accept treatment and enter successful recovery. Interventions require committed family members, friends and colleagues to address the history, behaviors and feelings associated with the chemically dependent person’s use. Their interventionist will welcome any call, and explain types of interventions, provide with literature related to interventionists, and with resources in the community. The original and most successful model of intervention is the Johnson Model, which involves meeting with family, friends and colleagues and their interventionist.
Medically 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.
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.
Effective drug rehab in Washington integrates care for the whole person, offering comprehensive solutions to addiction. Treatment methods address mental, physical, and relational aspects of substance abuse.
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.
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
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
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 highly structured form of therapy that teaches skills to help participants change negative thoughts and behaviors. Applying a philosophy of acceptance and change, you'll learn and practice these skills to break unhealthy patterns and establish healthy ones.
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.
Patients meet routinely with their primary counselor to identify barriers to recovery, develop specific treatment plans, relapse issues, sober support guidance, etc. – all to help the patient maintain sobriety as they continue to face day-to-day life challenges while in treatment.
Clinicians who apply motivational interviewing techniques engage with their clients as equal partners. This method avoids warnings and confrontation and instead allows clients to analyze their situation and explore their options. This technique is often used when the client feels unsure about their ability or desire to change.
The goal of trauma therapy is to help you heal from the aftereffects of a traumatic experience. Your therapist will provide you with a safe and supportive space to process these trauma memories and develop better coping strategies that enhance your emotional resilience.
As with their family program offerings, patients sometimes have issues with their partner in recovery. They are here to help. Sessions will focus on the issues (helping the partner seek resources for their own education of the disease, support for them, etc.) and to determine if outside assistance from a specialist may be necessary (such as a marriage counselor).
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.
Both locations see the importance of family within the disease of addiction. The patient is not the only one experiencing the issues and problems of addiction – the entire family is in need of assistance. This is why we encourage families to participate in our Family Program at either location. Families are an integral part of the recovery process for patients and healing for everyone involved is vital. Family services are included in our program offerings.
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.
Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.
Amenities
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Residential Setting -
Private Rooms
Staff & Accreditations
Staff
Derek Murphy, M-RAS, SUDP, SAP, CSC
Director of Clinical Services
Julie Beach, MA, SUDPT
Family Program Facilitator
Buddy Bassett, AA, SUDP
Inpatient Counselor / IT Specialist
Christine Lynch
Executive Director
Kevin Merrick
BOD
Marc Hutchinson
BOD
C. Nelson Berry
BOD
Terri Roper
BOD
Accreditations
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is a non-profit organization that specifically accredits rehab organizations. Founded in 1966, CARF's, mission is to help service providers like rehab facilities maintain high standards of care.
CARF Accreditation: Yes
LegitScript has reviewed Olalla Recovery Centers – Gig Harbor Counseling Center as part of their certification program, and has determined that it meets the LegitScript standards for legality, safety and transparency.
LegitScript verified in
State Licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow rehab organizations to conduct business legally within a certain geographical area. Typically, the kind of program a rehab facility offers, along with its physical location, determines which licenses are required to operate legally.
State License: Washington
Contact Information
(253) 851-2552 
5122 Olympic Drive Nw
Suite A-105
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Get Help Now - 206-809-2983
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Edited by:
Peter Lee, PhD
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