Boca Recovery Center

Who is this facility a good fit for?

• Best fit if: Seeking a trauma-informed program; requiring focused care for co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions; needing to balance treatment with professional or academic obligations; looking for an inclusive environment with long-term alumni connection; using private insurance.
• Not a fit if: Requiring acute hospital-level medical stabilization; seeking a low-intensity approach without daily clinical structure; entering treatment without a personal commitment to the process; needing Medicaid or state-funded coverage.

What to expect

Developing your care plan

• First 72 hours: In the beginning, focus is on medical stabilization. Assessments are taken, including blood work, nutritional reviews, and medical vitals, to make sure that clients are healing safely during detox.
• Assigned team members: Each person is assigned a therapist and a case manager to work with and supervise their stay. Clients have a say in the creation of their treatment plan.
• Active adaptation: The facility’s core team meets every morning to discuss clients — who might have had a tough night, who isn’t eating, and who needs an intervention to adapt their care plan.
• Balancing real life: Boca works with people on external obligations. If a client needs 30 minutes to check work emails or attend an online class, they can coordinate with case managers to get specific requests approved.

“This is not like going to the supermarket, getting everything you need, and then you’re good for the next week. This is a foundational piece... we are the tool that we use to deliver this work.” — Dr. Alison Tarlow, Psy.D, Chief Clinical Officer

Who you will meet with

• Primary therapist: A licensed therapist facilitates deep clinical work, runs individual therapy, and corresponds with family members when the client desires.
• Case manager: The person who handles the “non-clinical” work — FMLA paperwork, legal matters, banking, housing, and more.
• 24/7 medical team: Doctors and nurses work together to manage medications and take care of physical and mental health needs..
• Alumni and client care coordinators: These dedicated staff members are there to stay connected with people after they leave treatment.

“You have this personalized relationship with your caseload therapist who you really get to know, and they get to know you. In addition to having groups with that therapist, you're also having groups with the other therapists and group facilitators — so you're getting a nice, well-rounded experience, while also working hand in hand with a case manager.” — Dr. Alison Tarlow, Psy.D, Chief Clinical Officer

Typical schedule

• Mornings: Wake-up time is between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Once people are awake, it’s medication time (for those who need it) and then breakfast.
• Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: This time is allotted for intensive clinical work: individual therapy, specialty groups, and meeting with medical providers.
• On-site 12-step groups: The center holds HMI (Hospital and Institutional) groups, where members of the local AA/NA community come in to talk to clients.
• Evening downtime: After therapy hours, clients can relax, spend time with others, or watch TV in their rooms if they prefer.
• Visitation and phone calls: Usually, visitors are not allowed. Instead, loved ones can participate in family therapy if the client wishes. When they want to call home, people can use the landline. With case management approval, people can check in with work and other pressing responsibilities using their personal devices.

Living experiences and amenities

• Private living arrangements: Clients stay in private rooms in a modern facility with plenty of outdoor space.
• Sports and fitness: Recreation options include daily access to an on-site gym and outdoor basketball courts.
• Professional haircuts: A barber visits the facility regularly to give clients haircuts.
• Meals: An in-house executive chef prepares daily meals. These can be made to accommodate medical dietary restrictions.
• Movie theater: People can get together to watch evening films in the movie theater room.

Aftercare

• Care transitions: The facility helps clients transition to the next level of care. They can step down to outpatient directly after residential care. If clients must return home immediately, Boca Recovery Center can find local providers in their zip code.
• Alumni groups: The facility hosts weekly Zoom alumni groups and maintains private social media pages. This gives former clients a way to support one another long-term.

Medical Leadership Interview

Interview conducted with Boca Recovery Center Chief Clinical Officer on February 17, 2026 by Start Your Recovery Director of Content, Molly McSweyn.

We interviewed Dr. Alison Tarlow, Psy.D, Chief Clinical Officer at Boca Recovery Center, to better understand how care is structured and who the program is a best fit for. Dr. Tarlow was direct and clear about the compassionate nature of the program, emphasizing that care is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

“The opposite of addiction is connection. We are building a bridge between the person you were and the person you are becoming.” — Dr. Alison Tarlow, Psy.D, Chief Clinical Officer

Dr. Tarlow was transparent about the program’s strong clinical oversight, focus on aftercare planning, and the importance of interpersonal connections during care.

Pre-Admissions Experience

We conducted a series of pre-admissions calls, the most recent on March 30, 2026 to evaluate response time, transparency, and patient experience.

When we reached out to Boca Recovery Center, the admissions team was helpful and responsive. They walked through daily schedules, a variety of activities, and the center’s policies. The conversation felt transparent and supportive, with clear explanations around insurance and program rules.

Client Reviews

Clients consistently describe Boca Recovery Center as compassionate, structured, and life-improving. Many highlight the supportive staff and strong sense of community.

• Staff & Care Experience (95% positive): Reviewers overwhelmingly praise staff for being kind, relatable, and professional. Many mention that techs and clinicians go above and beyond to provide support. "The staff made me feel welcomed, safe, and understood."
• Treatment Quality & Outcomes (90% positive): Dozens of clients say Boca helped them reclaim their lives, often after multiple failed attempts elsewhere. Alumni programs and trauma therapy are often cited as especially impactful. "Boca recovery center had saved my life twice now."
• Facility & Environment (85% positive): Guests describe the center as clean, comfortable, and “resort-like,” with amenities such as gyms, game rooms, and well-kept accommodations. Some note that meals were excellent, though a few said food could be inconsistent. "Spotless, very comfy beds, lots of activities to keep you busy."
• Support & Community (90% positive): The alumni network, group sessions, and peer-led support are frequently mentioned as vital to long-term recovery. Several clients shared that staff and peers helped them stay on track. "They keep in constant touch after recovery and have a Zoom meeting Wednesdays."
• Access & Process: Many reviewers note how quickly admissions and transportation were arranged, sometimes within hours, which made starting treatment less overwhelming. "They sent a Lyft to me and brought me to their facility."

Facility Transparency

• Verified by Start Your Recovery: On April 19, 2026, our research team conducted a comprehensive review of this facility's advertising claims, registrations from public health departments, national accrediting bodies, and SAMHSA.

• Medical Leadership Interview: Conducted February 17, 2026 with Dr. Alison Tarlow, Psy.D, Chief Clinical Officer at Boca Recovery Center.

• Pre-Admissions Experience Evaluation: Most recent call conducted on March 30, 2026.