An overall very positive experience. At first I hated it - of course - I was being forced to conform and live with a group of damaged people and staff who are mostly recovering so also a bit off. But as I got used to the structure I began to really learn about my addiction ...
About Serenity Knolls Treatment Center
Serenity Knolls Treatment Center is located in Forest Knolls, California, about 30 miles from San Francisco. They offer a CARF accredited, inpatient substance use treatment program as well as treatment for co-occurring disorders. They treat men and women 18 and older. Most major insurance is accepted, including Kaiser (if you have a referral), and VA funding. They don’t accept Medi-Cal.
You’ll see a physician within 24 hours of arriving at the center. They’ll assess your situation and determine whether you need medical detox. If you do, doctors may give you medication to assist in the detox process. Detox is included in the initial 30 day program for those who need it. You’ll also have a counselor monitoring your mental health as you go through detox. Programs run from 30 to 90 days depending on your needs.
The residential program uses both regular staff and contracted providers, some of whom are in recovery too. Where appropriate, you’ll work with drug and alcohol counselors, registered nurses, doctors and marriage and family therapists. The foundation of the substance use treatment program is the 12 Step model of recovery.
They also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and client centered education through customized plans. Although everyone has a different treatment plan, common elements include individual therapy, individual counseling with a drug and alcohol counselor and group therapy.
You’ll have support for any co-occurring (dual diagnosis) disorders. Common co-occurring disorders to substance use are anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and trauma related disorders.
There are many group sessions during the week including process groups, educational groups and gender specific process groups. Your family can also come to couples and family counseling sessions. There’s a weekend family program for current residents. Alumni can also come as well as family members.
You’ll leave the inpatient program with a detailed discharge plan. Included in the plan will be the community based resources you’ll need to continue your recovery from home. As a program alumni, you’ll have lifetime access to aftercare programs hosted in Marin County and San Francisco.
Former clients were grateful for the beautiful setting, compassionate care, and good food.
Latest Reviews
Serenity Knolls saved my daughter's life! First program in 10 years that. Accually helped her heal. Wonderful people work there and the director Nancy Lambert is amazing! I am so grateful that my daughter finally got professional help! I had to beg Kiaser to pay for it but they finally did. Can't say enough about the quality of the therapist there. Also is gorgeous property.
Response from the owner1 month ago
We are so grateful to you for taking the time to share this feedback! At Serenity Knolls, the heart of our work lies in our ability to inspire hope by providing clinically excellent and compassionate care.
Great place to recover. The food is on point
Response from the owner9 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind words! Our goal is to be a place of true solace, offering an environment of comfort and hope.
Saved my life in more ways than one.
Response from the owner4 days ago
Thank you so much for your kind words! Our goal is to be a place of true solace, offering an environment of comfort and hope. 
Rehab Score
Our Methodology
Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full Methodology
9.7 / 10
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Location
Accepted Insurance
Other Forms of Payment
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.
Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.
Addiction Treatments
Levels of Care
Inpatient Serenity Knolls offers a unique extended residential care program build around the 12-Step social model of alcohol & drug addiction recovery. 85% of their staff are in recovery and bring their experiences to help their residents rebuild their foundation. As part of our philosophy that realizes the strength of community, they feature a free aftercare program for life. When you start your journey to lasting sobriety at Serenity Knolls, you will never again walk alone.
Aftercare Support Rehab aftercare programs offer clients in addiction recovery a robust continuum of care after clients have completed active treatment. These services address recovery as a life-long process and are designed to evolve with clients' changing needs. Clients may partner with their case managers and/or addiction recovery team to identify the rehab aftercare services that are right for them. They may receive career counseling, housing assistance, peer coaching, 12 step program induction, among many other services.
12-Step 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).
Treatments
Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Substance rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction (both illegal and prescription drugs). They often include the opportunity to engage in both individual as well as group therapy.
Programs
Adult Program
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.
LGBTQ Program
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.
Military Program
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).
Young Adult Program
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.
Clinical Services
Cognitive behavioral therapy in California is a method that therapists often use for the effective treatment of substance use disorders. It is based on the principle that substance abuse stems from unhelpful ways of thinking and patterns of behavior, which can be changed by helping the individual learn better ways of coping.
For clients who are struggling with ambivalence toward change, motivational interviewing in California can help strengthen their commitment to change. Using a conversational method, the therapist helps you explore your motivations and empowers you to make the changes you desire.
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.
Amenities
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Residential Setting -
Private Rooms
Accreditations
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: 241991
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: 18699
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
State Licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow rehab organizations to conduct business legally within a certain geographical area. Typically, the kind of program a rehab facility offers, along with its physical location, determines which licenses are required to operate legally.
State License: California
License Number: 210011AP
Contact Information
(415) 488-8180 
145 Tamal Road
Forest Knolls, CA 94933
Get Help Now - 415-941-4204
Who Answers?
Who Answers?
Fact checked and written by:
Susan Bertram, BA
Edited by:
Kerry Nenn, BSW
