Dual diagnosis, the co-occurrence of substance abuse and mental health disorders, presents complex challenges requiring specialized treatment approaches. Creative Care, an inpatient rehabilitation center located near Calabasas, California, specializes in dual diagnosis cases, offering a program that has garnered attention, partly due to its association with Dr. Phil McGraw. This article delves into Creative Care’s dual diagnosis addiction treatment program, drawing from an investigative report to provide a comprehensive overview for those seeking information and reviews.
Creative Care has been a fixture in the Malibu “Rehab Riviera” for three decades, initially alongside Promises. The facility temporarily relocated to Woodland Hills after the Woolsey Fire in 2018 destroyed its 40-acre property near Broad Beach. Despite past and present challenges, including a license suspension in December following client deaths, Creative Care has remained a notable name in addiction treatment, particularly for individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions.
A significant aspect of Creative Care’s program is its integration of methods championed by Dr. Frank Lawlis, a long-time friend and chief content advisor to Dr. Phil McGraw. Lawlis, whose Texas-based Lawlis Peavey PsychoNeuroPlasticity Center assesses and screens individuals, also serves as a consultant for Creative Care. This connection has led to a substantial portion of Creative Care’s admissions originating from referrals through the Dr. Phil show.
Frank Lawlis and the Neuroplasticity Transformation Program
Dr. Lawlis’s “Neuroplasticity Transformation Program” is a cornerstone of Creative Care’s approach. This program incorporates several unconventional techniques, most notably the use of a sensory deprivation chamber and the Bio-Acoustical Utilization Device (BAUD).
The sensory deprivation chamber, a heated waterbed in a darkened space, is designed to facilitate therapy sessions and music listening in a unique environment. According to Dr. Farrah Khaleghi, Creative Care’s clinical director and daughter of the facility’s co-founders, the chamber is a key component of Lawlis’s methods implemented at the center.
The BAUD, a medical instrument developed by Lawlis and his son, emits calibrated sounds intended to influence brain function. While the FDA granted permission for its use in relaxation training and muscle reeducation, Lawlis promotes it as a broader panacea for various health issues, including PTSD and addiction. Approximately half of Creative Care’s clients utilize the BAUD as an “extra layer of support,” particularly beneficial for individuals with acute mental health and addiction issues.
Dr. Khaleghi suggests that Lawlis’s techniques, particularly neuroplasticity methods, have been instrumental in client retention during the critical initial weeks of inpatient rehab. By helping to regulate nervous system agitation, these methods aim to reduce impulsivity and the likelihood of clients prematurely leaving treatment. Clients often find these methods appealing due to their non-invasive and “organic” nature, contrasting with traditional prescription-based treatments.
Dual Diagnosis Focus and Treatment Modalities
Creative Care positions itself as a specialist in dual diagnosis, acknowledging the intricate link between addiction and mental health. The program is designed to address co-occurring disorders comprehensively, though specific details of their therapeutic approaches beyond Lawlis’s methods are less elaborated in the available report.
The facility treats a significant number of clients annually, with a portion referred directly from the Dr. Phil show. These guests often undergo initial assessments at Lawlis’s Texas clinic before arriving at Creative Care for inpatient treatment, suggesting a coordinated approach involving assessment, neuroplasticity-based interventions, and likely other conventional therapeutic modalities for addiction and mental health.
However, it is important to note that the specific therapies, counseling approaches, and medical protocols employed at Creative Care beyond the described neuroplasticity program are not detailed in the provided source. Individuals seeking reviews and information on Creative Care’s program should inquire directly about the full spectrum of treatment services offered, including evidence-based therapies for both addiction and mental health disorders.
Considerations and Caveats
While Creative Care benefits from its association with Dr. Phil and incorporates Dr. Lawlis’s innovative techniques, potential clients should be aware of certain considerations highlighted in the investigative report.
License Suspension and Past Issues: The most critical concern is the reported license suspension by California’s Department of Health Care Services following two client deaths in 2019. This serious regulatory action raises questions about safety and oversight at the facility. The “Rogue Rehabs” report from 2012 also cited Creative Care as a key case study, noting past issues with offering medical care contrary to state law.
Controversial Methods: Dr. Lawlis’s methods, while presented as innovative, are considered controversial by the mainstream medical community. The efficacy of the BAUD device and sensory deprivation chambers for treating addiction and mental health disorders lacks robust scientific validation through peer-reviewed studies. Lawlis himself acknowledges that his research on the BAUD has not been accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, citing conflict-of-interest concerns, though this is disputed by medical experts who suggest inadequate research methodology as a more likely reason.
Dr. Phil Association – Disassociation: It’s crucial to note that Dr. Phil and Dr. Lawlis have reportedly severed ties with Creative Care, and the facility has removed Dr. Phil references from its website at his request. This disassociation, prompted by the license suspension, may indicate a shift in endorsement and raises further questions about the facility’s current standing and practices.
Need for Further Inquiry: The provided article offers a valuable overview, but it is not a substitute for thorough due diligence. Individuals considering Creative Care for dual diagnosis addiction treatment should:
- Independently verify the current licensing status of Creative Care with the California Department of Health Care Services.
- Inquire directly with Creative Care about their current treatment program, specific therapeutic modalities used for both addiction and mental health disorders, staff qualifications, safety protocols, and aftercare services.
- Seek independent reviews and testimonials from former clients and their families, if possible, to gain a broader perspective on the program experience.
- Consult with healthcare professionals to discuss the suitability of Creative Care’s program, particularly the neuroplasticity-based approaches, in the context of individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Creative Care’s dual diagnosis addiction treatment program presents a unique approach, integrating Dr. Lawlis’s neuroplasticity methods within an inpatient rehabilitation setting. The facility’s long history in the “Rehab Riviera” and association with Dr. Phil have contributed to its visibility. However, potential clients must carefully consider the reported license suspension, past regulatory issues, the controversial nature of some treatment methods, and the recent disassociation from Dr. Phil and Dr. Lawlis. Thorough research and direct inquiry are essential to making an informed decision about whether Creative Care is the right choice for dual diagnosis addiction treatment.
For individuals seeking reviews of “creative care dual diagnosis addiction treatment program calabasas,” this overview provides a starting point, highlighting key aspects of the program as reported in an investigative journalistic piece. However, direct engagement with the facility and independent verification of its current status are crucial steps in the decision-making process.
