Some of the amenities here are volleyball, canoeing, yoga, hiking trails, and meditation trails. They also utilize holistic forms of therapy like equine therapy and art therapy.
What sticks out to me the most is the scenery and location at this facility. They are located on 94 acres in the mesmerizing and beautiful Ocala National Forest. This creates a tranquil, calm and private environment for you to begin your recovery journey. They provide a different approach, seeking to keep treatment thorough but also enjoyable by utilizing holistic therapies outdoors. Hiking and meditation trails help release endorphins and boost dopamine levels.
Equine therapy is both calming and enjoyable because you have the opportunity to spend time with horses. Horses are known to be highly intelligent animals and this helps you develop trust, boost self confidence, reduce anxiety and manage your emotions. Equine therapy consists of horseback riding, brushing, feeding, and help with grooming.
PTSD treatment is also available here and they use a variety of different psychotherapies to help you process and eventually identify the root cause of triggers, negative beliefs and behaviors as well as feelings. You will work with a therapist who will provide you with coping skills and techniques that can help you with problem solving and help you build back your confidence.
Our Methodology
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.
Outpatient rehabs encompass multiple levels of care to facilitate clients' progress through their recovery journey. Clients who are stepping down from inpatient treatment may require intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment, which involves more frequent and substantive therapeutic interventions than does standard outpatient care. Outpatient centers typically provide extensive addiction counseling, including individual, group, and family therapy. Medication assisted treatment programs (MAT) and recovery-focused life skills training are also common in outpatient care.
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.
12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).
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.
24-hour clinical care in Florida is an essential part of treatment, particularly with medical detox. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and supervised detox provides around the clock access to medical professionals who can adminsiter proper medications and treatment to address these symptoms and step in should an emergency occur. This intensive clinical care will help curb the withdrawal effects, minimize substance dependence, and prepare you for the next step of treatment.
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.
A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.
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.
Recovery is most successful when clients feel accepted and validated by their peers and treatment providers. Facilities that offer LGBTQ-inclusive programming are committed to creating a safe space where everyone can grow and recover without fear of judgment or discrimination. They will have dedicated policies in place to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters free expression.
Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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.
Equine therapy, aka equine-assisted therapy (EAT), is a form of experiential therapy that involves interactions and activities with horses. It does not necessarily involve riding horses, but all activities related to horses, such as feeding, grooming, haltering and leading them. A mental health professional frequently oversees the activities (often in conjunction with a horse professional), and helps patients process their thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns during and/or after the interaction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recreational therapy helps you recover from addiction by giving you structured activities that promote your physical health and mental well being. These activities could range from sports and fitness to creative arts and provide a constructive outlet for your emotions and stress.
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.
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Risk Management Director
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
Accreditation Number: 236042
The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) is a professional association that represents organizations in the field of addiction services. Founded in 1978, NAATP's mission is to advance addiction services and ensure that high-quality addiction treatment is available and accessible.
NAATP Member: Yes
Member ID: 582
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.
SAMHSA Listed: Yes
Rehab.com regularly reviews this listing for accuracy but changes may occur between updates. For the most up-to-date information, please contact The Refuge, A Healing Place.
14835 SE 85th Street
Ocklawaha, FL 32179
Sponsored Helpline
âť— Medical Negligence and Unsafe Practices Our son entered The Refuge for addiction, anger, and an eating disorder. He had two long-term prescriptions, one being Methylphenidate, a controlled substance. Within a a few days, The Refuge stopped administering his medication ...
Getting treatment for PTSD and Trauma is hard to admit to. Going there and being traumatized by outside family members while I was suppose to be healing made the experience even more difficult. My complaints about The Refuge relate to employees clearly not train to care for patients struggling with disorders in mental health. I had a cardiac episode that was barely addressed and if I was lucky, I could see a medical provider once a week even though I understand vitals and voiced for 2 weeks something was wrong. The nurses held an "I know more than you mentality" despite me treating them with patience and respect and having experience in the medical field. The only reason I am giving this place 5 stars is because the therapist themselves and the CEO took my concerns seriously and genuinely cared about healing those who took the program seriously. It kind of seemed like each therapist held a specific personality so clients could learn to both tolerate different personality types, and not let those personalities that they were not compatible with cause them to spiral. Don't get me wrong, there were some therapists and staff members I dreaded dealing with. I quickly realized that if I wanted the program to work and chose to make the sacrifice of prioritizing my healing process. I faced the struggles of being away from my children and having attacks from my closest relatives attempting to sabotage my treatment. The clients there provided support and understanding in a safe environment where I likely would have given up if I wasn't there. I quickly realized that respect towards the staff and accountability to use the tools taught to me was the only way to heal. Sitting around complaining like other clients and expecting to be catered to by complaining about the services would get you no where. I reached a limit with my own therapist but when I started unwrapping buried memories from my childhood, my safe person became Shelley (clinical director) and Stephanie (CEO). You can tell Shelley lives for helping those struggling and Stephanie set the example of leadership that is rare to find these days. Her undercover boss personality to correct the wrongs/complaints about The Refuge often left me wondering when this woman ever went home. The only complaint I submitted pertained to a case manager and Stephanie was immediately on it, as was Shelley. Both made me feel heard when I previously had the habit of shutting down. I left The Refuge feeling like I was worthy of love and being able to love myself. Where I previously protected others, I gained the confidence and tools to protect myself. I never knew trauma was something that could be worked through. I'd always thought it was something I had to carry my whole life and learn to live with. Every business in the world has it's flaws but if you apply yourself while waiting for answers or assistance from therapist and staff members juggling a number of patients, you will progress and leave with something. I left stronger and feeling like a leader. I learned to never judge anyone and even people with a record or past deserve love and grace. People there are seeking help to change and not repeat patterns and I give the utmost respect. Thank you to The Refuge, Stephanie, and Shelley (honorable mention to Jana and Bonnie (who left to chase her dreams)) for restoring my faith in humanity.
Please look elsewhere, this place is understaffed and overcrowded. They put all of the programs together and groups are 80 clients to one thearpist, there are people there with severe mental acuity, pyshosis etc. you do not see your treatment team weekly and sometimes won’t see them at all unless you ask multiple times everyday to see them. Most of the time sessions you do have are canceled and cut short. The eating disorder program specifically offers no support, no eating disorder support groups. While I was there staff regularly didn’t inform me where snacks or meals would be or when they were ready and I missed meals and snacks there were also times where the refused to plate my food or give me food because they figured I wouldn’t eat in anyways. Everyone there was actively in behaviors and not observed. I lost weight and my eating disorder was worse then when it was while I was there. When I finally met my dietian she informed me this was her first time treating eating disorders and as soon as she did the same assent I did over the phone she informed me that my eating disorder was too severe and chronic for them to help or care for and said I could no longer stay at the facility as I was declining rapidly. However the didn’t know of any programs and had me figure out where to go next. On top of that they were suppose to pay for my flight and uber home but case management was too busy to look into it and get it approved that they made me pay for my transportation. Now I have no money and don’t know how i will be able to get to a new facility. I never got my medication while I was there. Never seen my medical team. Never saw my thearpist or a psychiatrist while I was there.
I came to the refuge in March of 2026 and discharged in May. Save yourself the time and money and don’t go here. I made myself think it was an amazing place so I could cope with how bad it really was, until I read my journal out loud to my boyfriend, which I wrote in daily about everything that happened to me while I was there. Reading back on my experience, I realised how screwed up this place is. I was also told by someone close to me that I was “so much worse when I came back than when I went in.” Thank God I found people in my hometown who actually care that have helped me out of this mental spiral. I am still having attacks where my whole body starts twitching, which I did not have before attending the refuge. The “coping mechanism” I was given for the attacks stopped working, and now I’m left with leaning on the people who love me to help me through it.
The Refuge helped save my life. Just being away from stress helped my depression and anxiety. Certain staff members and clients were part of my healing process. I devoted to eating a healthy diet and started lifting weights again. I've lost 60 lbs and still lift, walk/jog and now I'm walking with a 30 lb rucking backpack. I've been more engaged with my 3 kids and web we've done some really tough hikes. I still have to rise from the ashes because I'm dealing with stuff at home. I'm a hundred and thirty one days sober. Thank you to everyone at the Refuge staff am me clients. I really loved all the help!
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