Gentle Path at the Meadows

Men-Only Residential Care for Sex Addiction and Co-Occurring Needs

Gentle Path at The Meadows is a confidential residential program in Wickenburg, Arizona, built specifically for adult men seeking help for sex addiction and related concerns like pornography or internet sex addiction. The program also supports men working through trauma and co-occurring disorders, including substance use and mental health concerns, in a structured, peer-based setting.

A Program Built Around Deep Assessment

Care begins with comprehensive screening and assessment, including medical and mental health evaluation and a detailed trauma history. Gentle Path also uses a range of specialized assessments to better understand symptoms, patterns, and underlying drivers, so treatment can focus on more than behavior change alone. This early clarity helps shape a plan that stays relevant as clients move through the program’s week-by-week structure.

Therapy That Blends Evidence-Based and Experiential Work

Treatment draws from the Meadows Model and a structured approach to sex addiction recovery, alongside therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR, relapse prevention, and 12-step facilitation. The program also includes experiential and wellness options — such as expressive arts, equine therapy, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, somatic approaches, and neurofeedback — aimed at helping clients build healthier coping skills and emotional regulation that can hold up after discharge.

A Desert Campus Designed for Focus and Privacy

The 35-acre Sonoran Desert campus offers a home-like, non-clinical environment with shared bedrooms and bathrooms, with some private room availability. Outdoor and wellness amenities include walking paths and courtyards, a pool, labyrinth, Serenity Orchard, and spaces for activities like volleyball, basketball, ping-pong, and climbing.

Planning for Life After Treatment

Discharge planning and continuing care are part of the transition, including aftercare coordination and recovery support. Alumni can also stay connected through MBH Onward, which offers options like recovery coaching, a dedicated alumni app, newsletters, virtual groups, and events designed to help men maintain momentum and community once they return home.

Client Reviews

Across reviews, people often describe Gentle Path at the Meadows as a place that feels safe and can be life-improving. Some partners say communication and family involvement can feel limited, and a few reviewers raise concerns about cost.

• Facility & Environment (60% positive): Several reviewers describe the setting as safe and restorative, with an environment that supports reflection and accountability. A smaller number mention cost in a way that shapes how they experience the overall value. "Words cannot explain how much I needed this place."
• Support & Community: Many clients highlight the peer community and ongoing recovery connection as a meaningful part of the experience, including encouragement to stay engaged in meetings after leaving. Some partners describe feeling sidelined during the process. "I am working on that by getting to meetings on a regular basis."
• Treatment Quality & Outcomes: Reviews frequently point to personal growth and progress in recovery, with some describing the program as a turning point. A couple of reviews suggest important “puzzle pieces” (especially for families) may need to be found elsewhere. "Thank you for listening, responding, and helping my recovery process."
• Staff & Care Experience: Positive feedback mentions staff listening and responsiveness as helpful to recovery. A few partner-focused reviews describe interactions as frustrating or stressful, especially around expectations-setting and support for loved ones.
• Access & Process: A recurring concern from partners is strict communication rules and inconsistent updates, with multiple mentions of missed expectations around family programming or guided sessions. Some reviewers suggest clarifying policies early to avoid surprises.