Cliffside Malibu

I did my research for a friend of mine. Called a bunch of treatment centers in the area and Cliffside seemed to be the perfect fit. I’ve visited her a couple of times and every experience I’ve had with each person from the person i spoke to over the phone to the therapist to the staff have been very pleasant. They understand what we as friends/​family are going through and made themselves available to answer any questions I/​we had. The place itself is gorgeous. i guess they have a few different houses. I visited the main house. Very clean and well taken care of. We were also able to stay for dinner (made by their own chefs) and that was absolutely fantastic. The food was delicious. (that in itself should get its separate Unilocal review). My friend has been having such a great experience thus far. I have also been in close contact with her mom and the family therapy program they have is wonderful. Those of you who know someone who is struggling with addiction know what a relief it is to actually see hope. Im very happy to have found Cliffside.

We all have people in our lives who struggle with substance abuse. For some of us, we’re that person. When it’s a friend, it might even be more difficult, because it’s hard to know how to help them, how do get through to them. They fall and we just have to watch and try to be there for them.
I have someone like that in my life. A writer who has never been able to find peace while they work. They’d gotten help last year, and I thought they were on a good path. But they relapsed and fell again. It’s hard not to witness that and put myself in their shoes, wondering if it were happening to me, if I’d find the help I needed.
I’m obviously writing this, about my friend and about Cliffside Malibu, because they did find that help. I wasn’t there, but when we talked after he had completed treatment, he told me about how they he felt like he was listened to, how he was understood. The talk therapy, how comfortable the detox process was, all of it. Knowing a facility, rather, knowing people are going the extra mile for you must make all the difference.
My friend is out now and he’s working with their aftercare program. Best yet, he’s writing again, but this time he’s doing well. I can see that peace in his eyes when we talk. It wasn’t quite there before, but it is now.

«You’re an arrogant, bull**** speaking ****sucker!» –Andy Bick, Director of Admissions to all of Cliffside Malibu speaking a terrified gay client.
I’ll start off to say I’m not to to do reviews. Especially in recovery. Recovery should be a healing process and not one of stewing on old resentments but this message needs to get out. No LGBT client, or perhaps any client at all should have to go through the process of dealing with the higher ups of Cliffside. This conversation was a one on one between I (the gay male) and Andy. It happened because I wanted to stay longer in residential care instead of moving to a lower level of care because I am a «chronic relapser.» They had once before «accidentally moved me» so this time they brought in the executive director. He said he didn’t give a shit about me, just my cash. He also brought up something else I was concerned about. Some «lab work» he called it (I have a malignant tumor on my spine). I explained this and that I was terrified that they had gone weeks without following up with an MRI and he followed up with the quote at the top of this review. I couldn’t even move. I couldn’t react. So within 48 hours, without even knowing what was going on, I was cursed at, degraded further, and the entire staff was instructed to generally ignore me. Someone in the staff found out I did in fact record him calling me a pejorative term and they kicked me out at the top of the hill that’s impossible to get down from with no way down. I’m getting legal advice about the recording but PLEASE don’t go hear and PLEASE don’t send you’re loved one here. Love, compassion, empathy, and all other tenants of recovery have left the building. Oh yeah, and they’ll have you or your loved one signing so many forms that they’ll swindle you out of every dime you have. I wish you the absolute best on you’re recovery journey. Feel free to contact me for any more details

When your friend relapses, it’s a pretty scary thing to witness.
My cousin’s boyfriend used to work for Cliffside and I had heard good things about it as an alcohol and drug abuse rehab, so it was one of a few places I looked in to to get my girlfriend to when it happened a few months back. Well, good barely describes it…
I brought her in for the Primary Care program and was so touched by not only the professionalism of the staff, but their empathy too. Checking in was easy and fairly painless, considering the circumstances. And the facilities — I mean, I sorta wanted to check in myself. Ok, bad joke… but seriously, in addition to all different types of psychological help that is necessary for an alcoholic relapse, there’s yoga and acupuncture, meditation and horse therapy. It just seemed like the support system there was really top-​notch. And my friend has been out for a month or so now, and I see a marked difference.
Thank you, Cliffside!

POOR discharge planning!!! I was told to pickup my son or «he would be dropped off at my home in a taxi cab».
This facility dropped the bomb when it came to preparing an adequate transfer plan that would keep my son safe. Would never recommend this facility based on our experience!
He was only there 4 days and every day I called to check on him he was «doing great». The morning I got a positive summary of his day, a few hours later there was a dire emergency call for me to pick him up. When I expressed my concerns about my own safety in picking him up, all of a sudden the owner and the executive director stated there was no danger, he was «fine». Yet Cliffside was unwilling to keep him an additional night while I tried to find a
Transfer facility for him ON MY OWN.
I have made greater than five attempts to collect medical records with a consent for release signed and still have yet to obtain these documents. Perhaps these records don’t even exist or something is trying to be hidden from our family?
The left hand did not appear to be speaking to the right hand.
Initial staff members who did his intake had completely flat affects and no personalities. They seemed as if they needed treatment themselves. This should’ve been my red flag not to admit him. Perhaps this place could work as a sober living home but definitely NOT as a rehab!!!

For those who know me, they know that I have had a history with drinking. My mother is a recovering alcoholic, my grandfather was a drunk, and the older ancestors had their love of the sauce as well. It was all very fun and I loved being the life of the party. Then one day I woke up, and realized I had a problem. I had spent over a decade rationalizing my alcohol dependency any way I could.
I had tried detoxing solo. Giving up drinking for Lent was something I made an annual tradition of. I always came back after 40 days, though. I am a very proud person, so it’s difficult for me to seek help when I need it. The idea that I would need to go to rehab seemed so surreal. But I came to realize that if I really wanted to get sober and STAY sober, I would need the best treatment available.
I needed help, and Cliffside Malibu delivered.
Some family members had success with 12 Step Programs, but they seemed too preachy. One of the great things about Cliffside is that the 12 Step Program is optional. I appreciate that people have success from them, but they’re not for me. The great thing about my experience at Cliffside was the treatment I received was based in real science. I had a team of people focused on me and my recovery. Even better, once I was sober I found myself being more willing and open to trying new experiences, due to the teams’ hands on approach.
The facility itself is like a luxury resort. The pool is beautiful. I found myself relaxing on the big cushiony lounge chairs overlooking the Pacific WAY more than once. The beds were like sleeping on a cloud. A cloud with 1000 thread count sheets. I also took advantage of the fitness center, which was also VERY nice.
I can proudly say that as of now I’ve been sober for 4 months. I’ve lost weight and my energy level is much higher. I have grown so much in such a short amount of time from that person that walked in the door of Cliffside, and I am looking forward to a fuller life free of addiction.

Founder of cliffside seems like a very real and honest person. Someone who actually cares about his clients in a sea of corrupt Malibu rehab facilities is hard to find.

I was suggested this particular rehab from a friend who I’m pretty sure led the rehab-​world-​tour ’08 and when I started looking into this place I realized why. From CNN to the New York Times, they probably got more coverage than your conventional 3 step detox because of how private and exclusive the place is (the photos don’t do it justice, this place is 100% luxury).
Medically supervised detox, met with a number of individuals, from a doctor, to a shrink, to a «life coach», which in retrospect gave me a fighting chance from every direction. A plan that covered everything from managing my withdrawal symptoms to focusing on where my destructive behavior came from. Although their horse back riding and yoga kinda stuff wasn’t my style, I really benefited from the one on one check ins and was surprised that the holistic treatments helped me so much.
I won’t say the place was cheap, but I was fortunate enough that they worked with me to get almost all of the costs covered by the insurance program I was under. I thought I was good after 30 days since I wasn’t in too deep before checking in but I decided to stay for a full 60 days as a sort of invest-​in-​myself kinda thing and most people I interacted with also chose to stay 60 – 90 days. It was really different to be in a place where people were looking to get better instead of half the patients being court mandated. It’s been a few years now that I’ve only taken pills for two severe injuries, funny to not finish a prescription bottle when I used to jump through hoops to get my hands on them. I won’t say there hasn’t been a night where I haven’t slipped and drank too much, but I can say that the personal growth I took away at the end of my visit has definitely stayed with me and kept me in check for a few years now, and for that I can’t say I’m not grateful.

I feel that Cliffside truly saved my friends life. It’s kind of personal for a Unilocal review, but I’ll just say that after his most recent relapse he ended up in a hospital and almost died. I was really worried for him until I got a call from him during his 3 months there. He just sounded like a different person– healthy. I think his one on one therapy has made a huge difference with his depression, which has been going on for so long. His therapist was truly wonderful. And I think the fact that he was in a beautiful, upscale, facility in a beautiful part of the world took a lot of the pressure off so he could cope and heal. Now that my friend has been home, he’s dedicated to being clean and sober. I think it’s great that they have something where he can still call them for help staying on track. The personal attention at this place was great! I am truly grateful to have my friend alive an finally on a good path.

Recently a very close girlfriend since childhood had a relapse of her addiction. Not knowing where to turn after previous treatment at another facility failed, her parents turned to Cliffside Malibu.
When I went to visit her I was amazed by the safe, beautiful, private location on the California coast. Spending time with her there, I was able to see the original side of my friend I knew and loved so well and had deeply missed. She seemed to flourish again very quickly. The staff was very conscientious to her needs and we were surrounded by supportive, respectful people. It felt very individualized and she was getting a treatment made just for her and her issues. I felt very comfortable knowing someone I love was in such good hands.
It has been three months and she is doing so much better. It’s like the girl I love and have known so long is finally back. She has an interest in all kinds of activities again, many outdoors from being in this beautiful environment. Being in such a caring location with the perfect staff has made all the difference in the world.
The success of this facility is well documented but I have seen first hand what it can do to help someone I care so much about.

It’s really hard to see a close friend battle addiction but it’s even harder to watch them relapse less than a year later in a worse way. Since the first round of rehab at a different center didn’t work out, I suggested he try a new place to kick his habit once and for all. After helping him do a Google search looking for a facility local to the LA area and perusing the website, it was clear that Cliffside Malibu was the right place.
When we got there to check him in, I was so taken in by the beautiful setting — a collection of modern little beach houses perched on the Pacific. I’ve stayed in boutique hotels that weren’t as nice as this! Inside there were Occitane bath products waiting for him in his spotless surroundings. Quite candidly I was sort of thinking that becoming an addict might not be so bad if you wind up in a place like this… I left him there hoping he would find the peace he needed to live a more fulfilling life and crossing my fingers this round of rehab would do the trick.
Fast forward to three weeks later, I went to pick up an entirely different person. He was glowing with health and optimism. Cliffside really lifted his spirits and grounded him in a reality where substance abuse is far less appealing than healthy eating and living a good life. It’s been six months since the whole treatment and we go to yoga weekly. I can’t say enough good things about what Cliffside did for my buddy!
While I don’t recommend drugs/​alcohol/​pills for anyone, if you do choose to go that route, I highly suggest Cliffside to bring you back to sobriety.

I’ve been touched with complete awe over Cliffside Malibu that I feel the need to write a review about their treatment center. While my experience with them has been tied to that of my friend’s stay, I’ve nonetheless been along for most of that ride. My intent was to visit every so often, but my first visit changed all that. And, now? Well, I must remark on the efficacy of their rehabilitation methods. A real good friend of mine checked in as one person, and checked out of there as a whole ‘nother one.
it took a while for my friend to get to a point in his life where he realized his insatiability for social libations equated to a drinking problem. With some prodding from his sister, brother, and some of his friends (including myself), we were able to get my friend to seek help for his addiction. We came to a collective conclusion that — due to the proximity of their location, their holistic approach to treatment, and development of individualized programs — Cliffside seemed like a perfect destination. I can’t attest to the quality of care and treatment that other places provide, as this was the first time someone close to me has been in a position of need; what I do know, however, is Cliffside was able to turn things around for my friend.
Their facility is located along the Malibu hills (an actual cliffside), in a scenic setting befitting of an upscale B&B. Aside from the pleasant stay my friend had, it certainly made my routine visits enjoyable. As a matter of fact, I took to the place as if it were a little reprieve from my own day-​to-​day routines. When visiting my friend — who seemed to really buy into the program the more I checked in for visits — I was told of some of the alternative approaches to treatment, including acupuncture, meditation, and massage therapy. They even had hyperbaric chambers. And, um, do *I* need to have an addiction to sign up for all of that? It seems like it could work as an overall wellness center, as well.
I’ve encouraged my friend to write a review of the place, but he doesn’t have a Unilocal account, nor is he the type to take initiative to do so. But the difference in his behavior was remarkable enough that I felt inclined to do it on his behalf. With that said, I can’t help but to think of how my friend was like pre-​treatment, and compare it to how he is now. It seems like Cliffside Malibu made all the difference. And, well, I’m just glad to have my friend back.
— Will

Anyone who has seen me around the ‘ol block here knows I typically reserve my Unilocal-​pinions for that of the retail and restaurant variety. However, on occasion, I’ll delve into medical professionals and therapy based services when I feel it may serve our community as a whole. In this case, it most certainly does.
A close friend of mine completed addiction therapy at Cliffside and was returned so changed, positive and healthy, that giving my gratitude via Unilocal hardly seems enough.
Over the years I know she had tried other avenues which were never quite a fit– feeling more like hospital than home, it just wasn’t the safe haven she craved. She said the key to success this time around was having the benefit of individualized therapy in an environment that felt more conducive to being open to the program. She told me amazing stories of equine therapy, weekly massages and a stunning home overlooking the beaches of Malibu. It has been several months since her time there now and she is still thriving and healthy.
If this environment doesn’t breed success and resiliency, I don’t know what will. I can’t thank Cliffside enough for giving her a second chance. For anyone suffering with the disease of addiction, Cliffside comes with my highest recommendations.

My daughter went there because it was the best insurance could pay for. I knew it was a bad place when I watched their video & they claimed 1 time guaranteed. Trust me I’m not new to rehab, first off they give them their cell phones back after only 72 hours. Second, they give you drugs to get off of drugs. But they would not issue her her bi-​polar meds. The counselors seemed to let the patients dictate how to rehab for example, she conned them into letting her leave after 10 days to «take care of personal business».Guess who she called, her junkie boyfriend to pick her up. When I asked the therapist all she said was“she’s an adult & we can’t control what they do”.What do you think is gonna happen when you give a detoxing addict a phone? duh…
At $ 60,000.00+ a month, YES you heard right, you would think they would think they had a good program. I smell something on that cliff other than the ocean.

While the other posted review wasn’t written by a client, I was a client of Cliffside from 5−15−14 for 11 days. Why only 11 days you might well ask? After being admitted for detox off pain killers (a three day kick). I was put on 7 – 8 antidepressants as part of their «treatment protocol», which they commonly refer to as «mind reprogramming». These drugs were given W/​0 consulting my GP or administering a blood test. I saw a MD once and a Psychiatrist once (on second day). They prescribed the meds that turned me manic. During this time at C.S. I was constantly reffered to as a nervous person by staff. I am not. Last 6 days I slept 2 hrs a night and then up for 48 hrs… I have hep C… so I very much needed a dr. Asked for 5 days… never saw one On my last night, night 6 of little or no sleep, after 2 hrs sleep I fell in their «detox» room on a 5″ spindle back chair, missing my iris by less that a ML. I saw only white, I thought I lost my eye. That was 12 am. I did not see dr «urgent care» until 9:45 am. Dr. Was concerned I damaged cornea (I paid for that urgent care visit. GO FIGURE!!). As well as other Dr. Visits re. Eye. When I returned to cliffside was I met by caring staff? NO… they had packed my bags and ordered me to leave. and then tried to charge my husband and I another $ 1500.00 for admin. Fees for exit!!! Very traumatizing ! Because we refused to sign exit contracts… they kept my meds… which meant I spent 5 days kicking those antidepressants!!! Not advisable. again, caring? If so it was utterly lost on me. The worst kick ever… Believe me! They are not about caring, they are about money!!! Lots of money. Average $ 80.000. Per month. and if you ever complete their requirements for «guarantee». 3 phases”? Very close to a cool million,!!! Do the math Ask about what drugs they use, I did, they danced!!! Salespeople!!! High end!!! SALESPEOPLE!!! Oh, btw the other resident who was kicked out was packed up for mentioning how much she paid. ever hear «we are as sick as our secrets? «AA saying. I’ve been part of AA since 1986! Very dangerous place, playing with life’s, as they do. Oh and they are still trying to bill my insurance… the WHOLE amount! Caring, compassionate, NOT. Stay away… if nothing else CHECK reviews of people who HAVE BEEN THERE! IN FACT ONLY IF YOUVE BEEN THERE WOULD YOU KNOW. Candise

Cliffside Malibu helped save my life. I couldn’t get off heroin and suboxone. As soon as I arrived at Cliffside I recognized that it wasn’t an ordinary rehab. The accommodations, food, and amenities were amazing. I immediately felt comfortable and happy with the staff. I made friends easily with the other clients. I had an attentive and experienced doctor who helped ease my withdrawal. Mostly, however, I was helped by the groups. The counselors and therapists who ran the daily groups were by far the most intuitive, knowledgeable and caring clinical staff members I have experienced in a residential setting (and I have been in A LOT of rehabs).
I have nineteen months clean and sober and am so grateful that I was able to create a sound and healthy foundation at Cliffside.