My experience at Zen Recovery Path was life changing. It provided an environment and infrastructure that allowed me to shed my addictions and learn to trust myself. The staff is gentle and compassionate, the daily activities range from Qi Gong, music therapy, lessons in eastern medicine, art therapy and art processing, mens group/women's group, meditation and more. On top of that, you get private therapy, weekly massages (I highly recommend these as they are optional) and you can request EMDR therapy which helped me heal a whole range of traumas I had collected over a lifetime. I enjoyed Reiki sessions, occasional field trips to buddhist temples, art museums, and nature hikes, and enjoyed jamming in the barn on the piano (there are drums and guitars as well). They set you up in sober living as well, which is a great environment to make friends and get used to life without substance. It took a while for me to find the bliss, the first month was rough, as I was so anxious and stressed out without substances to escape reality. But as I learned to cope, I began to flourish. I have great respect for the staff, especially Mat, the CEO and founder, who is present daily and leads many great classes on a range of subjects. Some of my favorites were a review of "Game's People Play" and an in-depth look at Transactional Analysis, as well as exploring the "Hero's Journey". I was hesitant to go at first but after seeing my friend flourishing from his experience, I decided to give it a try. I planned on staying for 30 days but ended up enjoying a 4 month stay at Zen. I would recommend this place to friends, family, and anyone who wants to heal themselves from the self harm that comes with substance use. If you decide to go, be patient with yourself and the program for the first few days. It's very difficult to enter sobriety and to enter a new environment with strangers. Eventually you will begin to get to know people and you will get accustomed to how the program operates. Zen gives you breathing room, it can be laissez-faire at times, allowing you to keep your phone and offering freedom to explore the area. You are given consistent substance tests which keep you accountable. I hope anyone considering Zen will give it a try. I also suggest going the extra mile and taking advantage of the various extra services they offer. Good luck! read more

My experience at barnlife has been optimal to my healing experience. Matt's program offers a holistic approach to mental health. This program is about giving a safe community to practice functional living and social integration. Carl is the case manager and has always assisted me in keeping the I's dotted and T's crossed. Hannah has given me the necessary push to look in to both my mental, spiritual, and physical health. Joe and Maan are solid therapist I've had the pleasure of working with. Kristen and Matt's groups are enlightening and engaging. Darren's soundbaths and yoga are great. Thank you Barnlife for giving me what I need to participate in my own recovery. read more

As an addendum to my previous review, I have now been receiving ongoing treatments of red light therapy, as well as scraping treatments, from Hannah, to treat my inflammation as well as throat issues. I am continuing to feel progressively better. Hannah is a highly trained professional who is knowledgeable, intuitive, as well as compassionate. I'm so grateful to her for the highly healing work she's been doing. Highly recommended, and thanks to Barn Life for this wonderful opportunity to be a client of Hannah's! read more

Mental health treatment centers abound in Orange County. Barn Life Recovery has evolved in a very special way. Located in a Mecca of twelve-step programs, addiction treatment centers, and mental health treatment programs, Barn Life's philosophy is entirely holistic, paying respectful homage to both ancient wisdom and modern modalities. They acknowledge - and practice - integration of body/mind/spiritual as it has been understood in Eastern philosophy for millennia, and intertwine it with current, up-to-date approaches to mental health management. Their clinical staff is well-versed in neurodiversity, in the examination and understanding of the deepest layers of internal family systems, and in how the multitude of variables within each individual's experience (trauma, addiction, OCD, autism, sexual orientation/expression, family of origin, etc.) might affect these variables. The center lacks in polish-and-marble sterility, but it succeeds because it rejects these qualities as "necessary" for better mental health. Rather, its eclectic, colorful, organic, seemingly-haphazardly-thrown-together ambiance lends itself to honesty, vulnerability and authenticity. It is not for those who desire cold, distanced, workbook-driven therapy groups. It IS for those who need somewhere to meditate amongst knowledgable, caring, concerned providers about the darkest, most frightening elements of their interiority to face them bravely, to gain naked insight, resilience and - eventually - calm. There is no place quite like it, and it is saving lives with its unassuming, humble, sage sensibility. read more

The best treatment center out there, hands down. Barn life has been a safe haven and a healing space for me for my entire adult life. If you are struggling in life, this is the perfect place to reset, get the help you need, and become part of a community that will support you and love you during your treatment and after. read more

I believe Matt had all of the right intentions when he founded BarnLife but this is not a good place for people dealing with alcohol/addiction issues. The "program" was designed/created by Kevin (who isn't listed on any of their promotional materials). He's a Ben Shapiro type misogynist who shows up twice a week to lecture you on what he thinks about random things; mostly dreams. It's entirely nonsense and if you try to question him he'll do his best to make you feel like an idiot in front of everyone else. He also really likes to talk about how he has control of his wife which was extremely uncomfortable. You don't know when you'll meet with your therapist. It's up to them. They just come in during group sessions and call your name which was also unnerving. The best parts were the yoga/meditation practices but the staff can be quite aggressive and force you into poses which isn't great if you're dealing with any medical condition. You will be yelled at for not participating. Matt is incredibly focused on himself and not his clients. He'll come in to watch you get acupuncture and take notes while Dr. Chen stabs you in a nerve. I wanted to love this place so much but it's a horribly run nightmare. read more

Might have been great. But they falsely claim to accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPOs. They are out of network. When you speak to Andrew, he will tell you they do accept it but they charge it out of network, which is not what accepting my insurance means. They should say that "we work with that insurance" maybe, but no, you will have to pay a deductible if you have an anthem Blue Cross PPO, as they ARE NOT in network. read more

my experience here was AMAZING. I came to barn life straight out of a residential care facility and was able to focus on my mental health for two months with a staff that truly cares. What's even more rare, was the owners cared and were there on a daily basis! never have I seen that. they were able to cater towards my holistic practices like yoga and acupuncture. they taught me to work through my trauma and taught me the tool to deal with stress and triggers in my future. I am now a year sober leaving this review, and I can thank this place more than I can thank the rehab I was at before hand. If you give it your best, you will achieve so much read more

This is not a place for those who work with the public. my lowest point was when I was under their program. the therapists were not helpful but hurtful with my me. please do not go here if you are a first responder/ teacher/ nurse. no one on staff have experience in these field. read more

I joined yelp just so I could rave about Barn Life Recovery. This program changed the life of a close family member. Everyone was so kind, welcoming and capable. The environment is warm and inviting, their holistic loving approach is different from any other programs we had found. It truly worked for my loved one. Forever grateful. read more

This place changed my life - I came here with a 20 year addiction and no family relationship to a sober individual who has strong family ties now. It is a one of kind place that everyone who struggles with mental illness or addiction should experience. Mathew and team care so much for each individual and they go above and beyond for their clients. Carl is an awesome and dedicated case worker Ariel is amazing and insightful therapist. Hanna and Kristen are dynamite at what they do- how much they care is just priceless. If u are lucky enough to be able to attend Barn Life, take full advantage of the gift you have been given. If u seeking a unique approach to addiction and mental illness- I would strongly advise you take shelter here because there is no place like Barn Life. read more

I want to thank the staff of Barn Life for an inspirational experience. I came to ease my mind, and instead had my entire being renewed. The program is extremely beneficial to anyone suffering from addictions to mental health issues. If you're experiencing any of the aforementioned problems, I highly recommend visiting Barn Life to begin a positive transformation into a happier and more fulfilled you. - FC read more

My life vastly improved after I left Barn Life against the clinical advice of their staff. I conferred with my independent psychiatrist/psychologist who validated that the environment was more anxiety-provoking than necessary. This program may be a good fit for someone with a drug addiction or dual diagnosis, but if someone suffers simply from mental illness or relational issues, I actually believe this environment could be a hindrance to one's recovery. Unfortunately, one major contributor to drama at Barn Life is that clients conduct romantic and sexual relationships without staff intervention despite the contracts we all sign. The same thing happened with the abuse of banned substances. In some cases this would disrupt or detract from other people's treatment. In addition, COVID safety precautions were marginal with frequent outbreaks and a substantial minority ill during my time. Another warning: staff sexual misconduct also occurred, so Barn Life may be unsafe for women. I was subject to interpersonal violence during group therapy sessions where my trauma was invalidated by other clients. These aggressive judgments reinforced condemnation I went through as a child attempting to advocate for myself in an abusive situation. Also, another client committed property destruction against my vehicle that I only discovered after leaving, but apparently I am liable because I let her into my vehicle. I struggle with boundary issues and I believe many people with mental health issues do too. I felt I was not given specific, actionable instructions on how to implement appropriate boundaries despite spending almost a month at Barn Life. Sadly, many clients here have serious problems and exploit trusting people. I felt ignored and victim-blamed when I reported this to staff. I understand if I am financially responsible, but I was not even offered an apology, which would have sufficed. Everyone I reached out to on staff ignored me besides one person who made me feel like it was my fault sans sympathy. If the staff cannot handle property destruction appropriately, there should be a general rule that going off-site during program is not allowed. Some people have vehicles while others do not, and it promotes a culture of pressure. Some people take advantage and furthermore damage others' property due to their own personality issues. Enrichment activities were a mixed bag in that they were indeed helpful, but it would likely be more affordable and just as effective if someone sought out similar services in their community on the basis of their preferences. Unless there's a threat to your life due to drug addiction, leaning heavily into an alternative support system and seeing independent clinicians as often as possible may be more helpful than exposing yourself to client behavior at this PHP program. Client behavior often goes unchecked here because highly irresponsible clients are given an easily abused amount of leeway for misconduct. I ultimately came to the conclusion that Barn Life's staff did not want me to remain out of compassion or sound therapeutic reasoning, but simply due to profit motive as I could barely function at a certain point due to issues like harassment and fraught social dynamics in the program. Also, if you have had issues like alcohol/drug-addicted parents where codependency is an issue, the groups are overwhelmingly composed of drug addicts and deal with their issues, but not necessarily the special issues of non-addicted Adult Children. It can be triggering to be in this environment because non-addicted survivors are re-victimized by the foregrounding of addicts' issues. Issues with things like codependency, love addiction, and unhealthy relational patterns are precipitated and compounded by the unenforced rules against inter-client intimacy. If you have these issues, this co-ed facility is not for you. Finally, women who have survived sexual trauma do not have the choice whether they are paired with a male or female therapist even if they indicate preference during intake. I wanted to switch therapists and it was so bureaucratic and difficult it was easier to leave. When it became clear that the program was an active harm in my life, I think the ethical action was to support my decision to leave or offer a referral to a facility that was a better fit instead of the attempts to persuade me to stay. Simply investing in healthy friendships and passions while organizing my care has made me much better than exhausting Barn Life days less fitted to my needs. If you're not in dire need, sometimes the people in programs like this can actually drag you down. Therefore, I recommend doing everything you can before you check yourself in and reserve Barn Life as a place of last resort. It's fine for that, but as soon as I was not acutely ill, re-engaging in real life with zest was more revitalizing than being trapped with a bunch of strangers with nothing in common except bad habits and sadness. read more

I was not the least bit impressed with what I saw in person. The facility is very small, didn't feel warm, caring or nurturing for my healing. They also did not accept my I insurance when I got there... read more

This is an amazing place. This is unconventional, and empowering, this place. There are fountains, hammocks, meditation spots, bamboo wind chimes blowing in the breeze and art made from various recycled items all over the place. There is a lovely outdoor lounge that catches a sweet breeze and a huge, gorgeous former barn that "feels" just excellent when inside...what's not to love? There is counseling - both group and one-on-one and a lot of laughter. Martial arts, yoga and Reiki are some of the things that fill in the less conventional approach. VERY holistic. It's a place where one can take a nice, deep breath, and feel safe and supported getting healthy again. Oh, and music! Bring your guitar, your flute, your sitar, your chimes...you'll fit right in. If conventional recovery hasn't felt quite right for you, this may well be your place. If you need help and support to find your best self - this place is worth a call, a tour. Every person I met there was all about the individual and creating wholeness. Namaste! read more

I don't even know where to begin to express the true gratitude I have for Zen Recovery. First off a little backstory: I found this place while I was living in Chicago, and in a very dark place in my life. My mother had been diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer and I was drinking heavily. When I moved back to California I knew I had to do something about the way I drank, so I finally agreed to come to Zen. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. When I initially met Matt (Sifu) his warmth and compassion for what he does radiated through him, and I knew I was in the right place. His staff is equally amazing; Ryan, Erin, Alyssa and Jessica will always hold a place in my heart. A month into coming to Zen, my mother passed away, and I remember it like it was yesterday. Matt sat me down, said he wanted to talk, made a few jokes in typical Matt style, and eventually told me the horrible news. I remember that I cried, but I also knew in my heart that I was going to be ok, and I remained calm. Zen Recovery was there for me during a pivotal point in my life, and for that I am eternally thankful. The daily things we did, whether it be tai chi, morning meditation, arts and crafts, a massage!, reiki therapy, or even regular one-on-one therapy, kept me centered, and gained love for myself that I hadn't had in a while. I looked forward to going everyday. Since leaving Zen, I try to practice the things I've learned in everyday life, and especially in my daily meditation. If I'm ever in town I always make it a point to stop by and say hi to some pretty important people to me, especially Kane (the best dog ever). This place will change your life for the better! read more

This place literally changed my life! Before I found Zen I was at an extremely low point in my life. I was suffering from severe anxiety and depression and felt like I was living in a perpetual state of panic. Sifu Mathew and his entire staff were so welcoming, caring and nurturing that even though I was brought there kicking and screaming (lol) I knew I was finally in a safe place. Through individual and group therapy, daily meditation, tai chi, yoga, reiki, martial arts, and art therapy Zen provided me with all of the tools I needed to become centered, grounded, and truly In tune with myself, giving me the capacity for happiness that I had seemed to have lost. I could not recommend this place more! read more

When I arrived at Zen I was broken inside and out. I had battled years of depression, anxiety, self doubt, addiction and countless amounts of chaos. What I was unable to acknowledge in the beginning was that, ONLY I had created my circumstances. Through the ZRP program, I was able to find my way out of a viscous cycle and learn essential life skills needed for a healthy and thriving sober lifestyle. Zen showed me how to take ownership of my life and STOP the insanity by looking inward. The treatment team at ZRP provided stellar therapy and motivational support needed for me to progress in recovery. Zen is unlike any other treatment facility. IT IS A WAY OF LIFE. With compassion and understanding, Zen Recovery Path played a vital role in my rebirth. Sifu Mathew Carver and his team of professionals helped me to address my past and use it as my gift. Currently, I am 2 1/2 years sober because of the support from Zen. ZRP helped me to reshape my life and control my destiny. Everyday I awake is now fully embraced. Today I live my life with ownership and great intention. TODAY I AM CREATING THE LIFE I DESERVE. If you are looking for a place to reprogram your mind, body and soul... This is it. Zen's environment creates a safe, comfortable and inviting space for you to become raw and renewed. Coupled with the staff, treatment team and therapy available, Zen is beautifully unique and organic. I highly recommend this place. Zen saved my life. read more

I have commenced from 3 treatments centers. 2 of which where 12 step based . A mentor at my 1st said that it is essential to explore other methods of recovery . I found Zen . I went in with 100% honesty towards myself and an open mind . Zen helped me rebuild my true self to what it was before addiction . And most importantly gave me the tools to grow in my life forward . Through the things they taught me I believe in myself and at 8 months and 8 days I AM the person I always wanted to be and growing forward . Zen catapulted my recovery . Zen can restore your life . Their is no other place or team of therapist in the country that is as good . read more

There is no place out there that I have ever been that is like Zen Recovery. Just the environment itself is healing and positive. The staff is so supportive and loving, they have forever changed my life. I am so thankful for Matt and his staff for being there for me and teaching me how to live life again with a positive outlook and for giving me tools to deal with life on life's terms. If you are looking for a positive change in your life Zen Recovery Path is a great place to get a solid foundation. read more

Amazing place, amazing program, and top notch people! A truly once in a lifetime blessing that I was able to attend this facility and program. They helped me to reconnect with myself and who I am and have since had no prescribed medication for anxiety or depression for 3 years now! Prior to this program I was in and out of the hospital for 6-7 yrs for major depression and anxiety. This program and place was a life changing experience for me as well as my loved ones! If I could move my family to CA I would visit this place often! Unforgettable! Thank you Sifu and all staff at ZRP read more

I am a long time member of Alcoholics Anonymous. I have worked the 12 steps as a means of recovery and I have recovered. I cannot speak directly to the content of the program offered here because I did not go through the program here, however, I can absolutely speak about the owner and operator of this facility. Mathew is a warm, caring and truly enlightened being. He is compassionate and extremely dedicated. He is certainly one who I would want on my side when it comes to fighting any battle. For a holistic approach to an affliction, I believe there is no one more equipped than him. There is no one more educated, insightful and intuitive than him. He will work tirelessly, long and wearily, to help you find what you need. There's no doubt in my mind that you will receive and be fed in this facility. read more

Zen Recovery Path focuses on the overall recovery of the body, mind, and spirit. Sifu, Mathew is an exceptional teacher and mentor for those seeking recovery. His knowledgeable and caring approach provides a warm and welcoming environment, conducive to personal growth and change. If you're willing to do the work and follow Sifu's direction, Zen Recovery Path will provide you with all the tools you need to live a happy, healthy, and sober life. I strongly recommend Zen Recovery Path to anyone who has struggled with recovery and is looking for an overall holistic approach to a positive, rewarding life. read more

this place rocks. mellow atmosphere, sweet vibe. nothing is crammed down your throat. nobody really talks about their using here except in group. the director is a martial arts master so he can teach you tai chi if you want. theres also yoga classes if thats your thing. weve got a music setup in the barn where we also have our groups. theres an electric guitar, electric bass, a few cigar box ukuleles (handmade!) and a lot of acoustic guitars one of them is a 12 string. theres a drumset, assorted latin percussion, some handmade drums i dont know what theyre called, theres a keyboard, just lots of music shit. AND its a chill jam spot. its always nice and cool in there and you can crack the door for a nice breeze. lots of art supplies too. we do a lot of art at zen. we just get into it. read more

Words cannot express how grateful I am for the amazing staff at Zen. I was a shell of a person when I arrived, stuck in a deep depression, terrible anxiety, an attempted suicide, and using alcohol in an poor attempt to cope. I was drowning quickly. Zen saved my life. I was given the tools needed to triumph over my traumas, find peace within, and live the kind of life I'd only dreamed about. What I love most about this amazing place is their Buddhist philosophy, including yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, combined with art therapy, music therapy, lectures, etc. These tools enabled me to find my long-lost spirituality as well as inner strength, peace, coping skills, and self care. I wouldn't be here with thethe amazing staff and programs offered at Zen. read more

There are not enough words to describe how wonderful and life changing Zen Recovery Path is! My son attended Zen after many attempts at traditional 12 step programs failed him. Many programs claimed to have a dual-diagnosis treatment program but always failed to treat our son's depression alongside his drug addiction. Zen Recovery's holistic approach to treatment and focus on dual diagnosis saved my son's life. Matthew and Ryan are genuinely committed to the well being of all their clients and went above and beyond their call of duty or pay. Their devotion is unparalleled!! They provided us with family counseling and gave me back my son. It was the first time my son was sad to leave a rehab facility. Zen Recovery Path was the answer to our prayers! I can't recommend it enough! read more

Best IOP program I've ever been fortunate enough to come into contact with; truly head and shoulders above the rest The staff at Zen genuinely care about each clients success and well-being. The structure of the program is such that clients are in control of their progress and success. The format of the education is not prescriptive but instead is completely individualized. And the comradery amongst clients and staff is unparalleled in this industry. Legitimately a place where one can learn, grow and recover. I spent 3 amazing months there and have absolutely nothing but good things to say. This place changed and saved my life. CHECK IT OUT!!! read more

I had the pleasure of working with Mathew's program and have been now sober for coming up on 6 years. The gentle, kind, and loving approach he takes made all of the difference for me. I had been in and out of treatment centers before coming to Zen for 4 years. He believed in me when nobody else did and gave me a sense of empowerment and self-love that I hadn't found anywhere else. This time it actually stuck! Thank you!! read more