Burkwood Treatment Center

Immersive 12-Step Model with MAAEZ Integration

The center offers a structured approach to recovery grounded in the 12 Steps. Clients participate in the Making Alcoholics Anonymous Easier (MAAEZ) model, which focuses on reducing barriers to long-term engagement in mutual support groups. Daily process groups, guided discussions, and experiential sessions help clients apply these principles in a meaningful, real-world context.

Innovative Group Therapy Options

A wide variety of group therapies are incorporated into the treatment program. These include skills development, guided imagery, and creative expression through Gestalt-informed, analogy-based plays. Some sessions are led by Recovery Advocates — individuals in long-term recovery who share lived experience — helping to foster peer connection and perspective.

Year-Round Outdoor and Recreational Activities

Set in a quiet, natural environment near Willow River State Park, the center integrates the outdoors into its therapeutic model. Seasonal activities include group hiking in the summer and recreation at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls’ Knowles Center during the winter. Yoga groups for men and women are offered all year. These activities support physical well-being, community building, and emotional regulation.

Aftercare Planning for Long-Term Support

Continuing care is a core part of the recovery experience. Depending on their individual needs, clients may transition into sober housing, receive intensive outpatient programming (IOP), or continue medication management services with a psychiatrist, if indicated. This structured approach helps individuals maintain recovery momentum and prepares them for reintegration into daily life.

Dedicated Program for Veterans

The center offers a specialized program for military service members and veterans. This track addresses the unique challenges of military culture, trauma, and transition to civilian life. Clients have access to targeted therapies, peer support, and coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure continuity of care beyond treatment.

What Patients Are Saying

For many reviewers, Burkwood was transformative — “life-saving,” “structured,” “supportive,” and even “magical.” Patients praise the staff’s deep care, the community’s energy, and the clarity of the program. However, others describe discomfort with policies or frustration around mental health treatment. Prospective clients may want to clarify fit, particularly if they have co-occurring diagnoses or seek a more flexible or trauma-informed approach.