Gratitude Lodge - Long Beach

Who is this facility a good fit for?

• Best fit if: Adults who want medically supervised detox and residential treatment in a very small, structured program; need support for both substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns; value privacy, individualized attention, and a non-institutional setting; are open to a blend of evidence-based care, 12-step recovery work, and experiential activities; and have private insurance, TRICARE, or can self-pay.

• Not a fit if: People who need Medicaid- or Medicare-covered treatment; want outpatient-only care without a residential stay; prefer a larger peer community; or do not want a highly structured program with frequent group therapy and close staff involvement.

What to expect

Typical schedule

• Structured full days: Residential care follows a busy, highly structured weekly schedule with 43 hours of group therapy per week, plus one to two individual therapy sessions and one to two case management sessions.
• Daily programming: A typical day begins with Daily Reflections from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by morning groups, lunch, afternoon therapy groups, recovery homework, dinner, leisure time, a Steps to Sobriety session, an evening reflection group, and lights out at 11:00 p.m.
• Group topics: Sessions may include creative reflection, inner healing, self-reflection, recovery skills, acceptance, emotional wellness, relapse prevention, living in recovery, and other practical recovery themes. Weekend programming includes team building, keys to recovery, waves of wellness, pillars of recovery, and serenity steps.
• Recreational activities: The program builds in outings, walks, and gym visits so clients can practice sober living in ways that feel active rather than isolated or overly clinical.

Developing your care plan

• Collaborative admissions process: Admissions starts with sharing personal background, challenges, and goals, followed by a pre-screening and review of treatment needs and insurance coverage.
• Individualized treatment planning: Staff emphasize that treatment is built around the specific client, and clients are actively involved in both developing and reassessing their plan throughout care.
• Family involvement: If a client signs a release of information, their family can be included as part of the facility’s “takes a village” approach.
• Small-scale benefits: The facility caps inpatient census at six clients so staff can provide more focused attention.

Who you will meet with

• Medical and psychiatric staff: Clients work with physicians and psychiatrists, especially during detox and for medication-related support.
• Therapists and case managers: The treatment team includes therapists, licensed marriage and family therapists, case managers, and support staff.
• Behavioral health staff: Daily programming also involves behavioral health technicians, overseen by a program director and clinical director.

Living experiences and amenities

• Home-like setting: Clients stay in a warm, welcoming residential environment designed to feel comfortable rather than hospital-like, with private or shared rooms, and cozy lounges.
• Coastal lifestyle: The facility emphasizes access to outdoor recovery activities, with nearby beaches, walking trails, hikes, and other off-site wellness activities tied into the overall experience.
• Meals and shared spaces: Clients can expect catered meals, nightly meals together, and common areas meant to support connection and routine.
• Pet-friendly treatment: Clients may be able to bring a pet as part of creating comfort and emotional support during treatment.
• Technology and visitation: Electronics may be brought, but staff supervise their use, and family contact is allowed, but there is usually a one-week blackout period at the start of treatment. Once a client is stabilized, visits are coordinated through the case management team.

Aftercare

• Step-down planning: After the typical 30-day residential stay, clients receive a comprehensive aftercare plan that can include outpatient treatment and supportive sober living.
• Alumni support: Ongoing support includes alumni events such as beach days, barbeques, luncheons, volunteer opportunities, and hikes that help clients maintain community after discharge.

Pre-Admissions Experience

We conducted a series of pre-admissions calls, the most recent on April 1, 2026 to evaluate response time, transparency, and patient experience.

When we reached out to Gratitude Lodge, the admissions team clearly explained how treatment plans are built, how clients stay involved in reassessment, and how families can participate with the client’s permission. They were also transparent about the program’s structure, including the six-client census, the 43 hours of weekly group therapy, and the use of outings and activities to show that sobriety can still feel active and engaging. The conversation felt informed, transparent, and focused on whether the program would actually be the right fit.

Client Reviews

Most reviewers describe a supportive, comfortable environment with strong staff relationships and meaningful recovery progress. A smaller number raise concerns about medical oversight and admissions or discharge practices.

• Staff & Care Experience (95% positive): Clients frequently highlight compassionate, attentive staff who create a welcoming, supportive atmosphere and build trust during treatment. "Staff were friendly and I met a good bunch of people"
• Treatment Quality & Outcomes (90% positive): Many report life-changing experiences, sustained sobriety, and practical tools for recovery, though a few question consistency in clinical care. "The overall experience was absolutely life changing"
• Facility & Environment (95% positive): Reviews note a clean, comfortable, home-like setting with quality meals and amenities that help clients feel at ease. "Facilities are clean, the chefs cook awesome food!"
• Support & Community (95% positive): Strong peer connections and a sense of community are common themes, with clients valuing friendships and ongoing support networks. "I made life times friends here that I still keep in touch with"
• Access & Process: While many describe smooth admissions and supportive transitions, some clients report concerns around communication, insurance handling, and pressure related to length of stay.

Facility Transparency

• Verified by Start Your Recovery: On April 18, 2026, our research team conducted a comprehensive review of this facility's advertising claims, registrations from public health departments, national accrediting bodies, and SAMHSA.

• Pre-Admissions Experience Evaluation: Most recent call conducted on April 1, 2026.