Creative Care Malibu Malibu California
Creative Care, established in 1989, distinguishes itself as one of the pioneering residential rehabilitation centers that integrated treatment for both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Located in Malibu, California, this facility continues its commitment to providing dual diagnosis care within a secure and structured environment. Their treatment programs are built upon the 12-step philosophy, enhanced by a comprehensive suite of both traditional and experiential therapies. These are complemented by psychiatric and psychological services aimed at identifying and addressing the core issues that contribute to addiction and can impede long-term recovery if not properly treated.
About Creative Care – Malibu
Situated amidst opulent residences overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Creative Care in Malibu delivers residential substance abuse treatment for adult men and women. Founded in 1989, this upscale facility operates two locations in California, specifically focusing on treating co-occurring mental health disorders that often underlie and perpetuate addiction. The center also offers medically monitored detox services and transitional living options.
Treatment & Assessment
Within the first 48 hours of admission, clients at Creative Care undergo a thorough clinical assessment and are introduced to key program staff. Following this, a personalized treatment plan is meticulously crafted for each individual. The staff convenes twice weekly to assess the progress of each client’s treatment and to determine the most effective next steps in their recovery journey.
Creative Care integrates 12-step principles into its recovery education. However, the therapeutic emphasis is predominantly on individual mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. The facility employs evidence-based methodologies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Clients benefit from regular consultations, meeting with both a primary counselor and a consulting psychiatrist up to three times per week. Family therapy sessions are available based on need. Additional services and therapeutic activities offered include neurofeedback, yoga, on-site equine therapy, art therapy, nutrition therapy, and adventure therapies, providing a holistic approach to recovery.
The duration of residential care typically ranges from 30 to 90 days. Upon completion of the formal treatment program, clients have the option to transition into a structured transitional living program. This allows clients to continue accessing clinical services, such as therapy, while also enabling them to engage in work, volunteering, or education, fostering a balanced reintegration into daily life. Transportation services are provided to support this phase.
For clients returning home, aftercare specialists at Creative Care collaborate with them to ensure a seamless transition back into their regular routines and environments, reinforcing their ongoing recovery.
Staff Credentials
The professional team at Creative Care comprises psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, therapists, registered nurses, certified addictions treatment counselors, and a registered dietitian. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive and well-rounded care for each client.
Accommodations & Amenities
Creative Care provides separate living houses for men and women, both offering luxurious accommodations with breathtaking ocean views. Furnished balconies allow clients to further appreciate the scenic surroundings.
Most clients are accommodated in comfortably furnished double-occupancy rooms. Private rooms are available but are assigned at the discretion of the program director. Amenities include an in-house chef preparing nutritious meals and an outdoor pool for relaxation and recreation.
What Alumni Say About Creative Care
Reviews for Creative Care in Malibu are varied, painting a complex picture of the facility. Best-rehabs.com features two alumni reviews that are largely positive. Both alumni gave the facility a 5-star rating for treatment effectiveness, highlighting the program’s personalized approach and strong focus on co-occurring disorders.
On Yelp, Creative Care receives an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 18 reviews. One reviewer, Morgan, described it as “by far the best treatment center I’ve been to,” praising the caring and knowledgeable staff. However, not all feedback is positive. Evanthia, for example, gave a 1-star review, stating “Worst place ever,” indicating a significant range in client experiences.
In contrast, CiteHealth presents a more critical perspective, with alumni feedback averaging 1.7 out of 5 stars across 13 reviews. Anonymous reviewers described medical care as “substandard,” staff as “unprofessional,” and accommodations as “unkempt.” Several reviewers noted a discrepancy between the advertised services and the actual care received. Additional ratings on Creative Care’s Facebook page, which the facility manages, show a more favorable average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25 reviews.
Perspectives from Friends & Family
Feedback from loved ones is also mixed. One review on Best-rehabs.com was negative, with a loved one named Terri reporting a negative experience of her son being discharged prematurely and stating she would not recommend the facility. CiteHealth also includes reports from two anonymous parents who claimed their children were overmedicated during their stay.
Staff Feedback
A staff member, identified as D.C., shared predominantly negative feedback on Best-rehabs.com based on “a considerable amount of time” working at Creative Care. D.C. echoed concerns about overmedication and raised serious questions about staff qualifications, stating, “Some of these staff members are ex hardcore violent criminals and read and write at a 6th grade level. On the other hand, some are good, caring, experienced and licensed.” This review suggests a potential inconsistency in staff quality and professionalism.
Financing Options
Creative Care’s website indicates acceptance of most private insurance plans, including major providers like United Healthcare, Humana One, and Aetna, making it accessible to a broader range of clients seeking dual diagnosis treatment.
Services Provided by Creative Care Malibu
Creative Care Malibu offers a range of services tailored to meet diverse needs in substance abuse and mental health treatment.
Service Settings
- Outpatient
- Residential
- Intensive Outpatient
Types of Care
- Detoxification
- Substance Abuse Treatment
Treatment Approaches
- Anger Management
- Brief Intervention
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Contingency Management/Motivational Incentives
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Relapse Prevention
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Trauma-related Counseling
- 12-step Facilitation
Detoxification Services
- Alcohol Detoxification
- Benzodiazepines Detoxification
- Cocaine Detoxification
- Opioid Detoxification
License, Certification & Accreditation
- State Substance Abuse Agency
- Commission On Accreditation Of Rehabilitation Facilities
Genders Accepted
- Male
- Female
Creative Care Malibu Reviews – What Patients Are Saying
To provide a more nuanced understanding of Creative Care, here are excerpts from patient reviews, showcasing a spectrum of experiences:
Positive Reviews:
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TF: “ive really enjoyed my stay at creative care, all the staff have truly saved my life… i thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the staff as they became part of my family. i’ll forever be grateful for creative care and all it has to offer.”
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William: “Staff at Creative Care were very helpful in guiding me in the direction I needed to go. Conversations with my assigned counselor, clinical director, and therapist were very constructive. This is the place to seek help.”
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A: “Creative Care is a serene and tranquil place to come get sober and work on yourself… But what is truly incredible is the clinical program… Creative Care has truly changed my life, I’ll forever be grateful!”
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Ruthy: “Creative Care has great therapy, great food, and great views. All the staff actually care. They all have great advice and really take the time to listen. My therapist was literally the best therapist I have ever had.”
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Camila: “I am so thankful for Creative Care for not only saving my life, but also helping me believe in myself again and creating a new life that I never thought was possible… Creative Care never gave up on me. The staff were so patient and loving towards me.”
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Chris: “Creative Care offers an excellent dual diagnosis recovery program based in Malibu, CA. The facility is amazing with superior views of the Pacific Ocean and amazing views of the sunrise and sunset offering a very tranquil and serine environment. The staff is second to none compared to other facilities and the fact that individual therapy is offered three times a week…”
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rc (Parent): “My son went to Creative Care and received excellent care. They are truly a dual diagnosis treatment center and their clinical staff have many years of experience in this field… I can recommend it wholeheartedly!”
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trenda (Parent): “THIS IS THE BEST OF THE BEST!!!! DR. WAS WONDERFUL AND COMPASSIONATE, ALSO STERN. WAS SO HELPFUL ALSO THE STAFF ARE ALWAYS THERE TO HELP. ADDICTION IS NEVER EASY BUT GETTING TO THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HELPS AND THAT WHAT THIS FACILITY DID. I BELIEVE IT SAVED MY SONS LIFE.”
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Dan (Parent): “We wish every treatment program in the world would treat each person like Creative Care! This family is very grateful to have found this level of care as we continue our family recovery! We got our son back!!!!”
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Lauren: “The shining beacon of hope that Creative Care has been in my life lies in the premiere quality of the therapy, both individual and group… I’m dual diagnosis, both bi-polar and and alcoholic/addict, and I found Creative Care to be a good fit because that is what they specialize in. It is a safe place in which to heal.”
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BLS: “I really felt that Creative Care understood how to deal with dual diagnosis. Other facilities have claimed that they deal with dual diagnosis clients and have individualized programs, but they do not. Creative Care was able to help me deal with my depression, anxiety, and trauma, as well as my opiate and alcohol addiction. I have been sober for over 7 years now. I owe my life to the amazing work that these people do!”
Negative Reviews and Concerns:
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Shaun: “This place has no concern for clients and staff completely out off line when coming to boundaries with clients” – This review is brief but points to potential issues with client care and staff boundaries.
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RHB (Contract Worker): “Much the staff were dedicated helping professionals, however there were some staff members who exhibited fearful controlling behavior, including some well-trained professionals, which resulted in poor clinical decisions detrimental to positive experience and outcomes for the patients. There are superior treatment facilities available.” – This review from someone working within the facility raises concerns about staff behavior and clinical decision-making.
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DC (Former Staff): “Creative Care is a facility which suffers from fundamental problems which are, unfortunately not exclusive to them. That said, their practices have many moral and ethical deficiencies… They claim that their staff are licensed, In terms of their Resident Aide staff, Most are RRW’s meaning, a Registered Recovery Worker… Some of these staff members are ex hardcore violent criminals and read and write at a 6th grade level. On the other hand, some are good, caring, experienced and licensed… clients who are over-medicated and sometimes barely able to complete a sentence, let alone get into high quality, effective therapy.” – This detailed negative review from former staff alleges serious ethical issues, questions staff qualifications, and suggests over-medication of clients.
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Andrew: “Ive been to 7 rehabs and unfortunately, this was definitely one of my worst experiences. My first night there my room was dirty, the shower didnt work (no hot water for 10 minutes) and they had nobody on staff that could give me any medication… The groups were mostly run by techs and there was almost no “addiction recovery knowledge”… I was easily dismissed. Its easy to fly under the radar there as they have what I consider to be way too many clients for their capabilities (it got up as high as 35 clients). Just a meat factory.” – This alumni review highlights issues with facilities, staff qualifications, and program management, describing the facility as a “meat factory.”
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Terri (Parent): “I am calling our insurance company to complain as they made my son leave in middle of drug therapy.” – This parent’s comment indicates abrupt discharge and potential issues with treatment continuity.
Conclusion
Creative Care in Malibu presents itself as a leading dual diagnosis treatment center, offering a serene setting and comprehensive programs. Reviews from alumni and families reveal a spectrum of experiences. While many patients praise the effective therapy, caring staff, and focus on dual diagnosis, significant concerns are also raised. Negative reviews point to issues with staff qualifications, ethical practices, client care standards, and inconsistent quality of services.
Prospective clients and their families should carefully weigh these mixed reviews, consider the specific needs of the individual seeking treatment, and possibly seek further information or alternative facilities to ensure the best possible care and recovery outcome. Visiting the facility, speaking directly with current or former patients if possible, and verifying staff credentials and treatment methodologies could be valuable steps in making an informed decision about Creative Care Malibu.
