Frequently Asked Questions

Serenity Knolls is located in West Marin, forty minutes (30 miles) northwest of San Francisco.  We are 14 miles west of highway 101 via the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard exit.

The primary problem we address at Serenity Knolls is addiction to alcohol and drugs. However, it is very common for an individual to suffer from an emotional disorder as well as addiction, called dual diagnosis. In our Initial Psychological Evaluation, our clinical staff is assessing for underlying and unaddressed psychological issues. Many include anxiety, depression, ADHD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder. We work closely with psychiatrists who specialize in addiction to treat these disorders and will offer referrals to those doctors. At Serenity Knolls, residents are offered weekly therapy sessions with the clinical staff to address these issues as well. We offer a group focusing on the difficulties treating a dual diagnosis and to offer skills to do so.

Residents meet with one of two consulting physicians within 24 hours of their arrival to assess their level and need for detox.  If appropriate, we offer a medical detox.

We are not contracted with any insurance company so we do not take insurance as a form of payment.  Some insurance companies will reimburse the individual depending on your plan.  We are happy to make contact with your insurance provider on your behalf while you are a resident to help you get a reimbursement. Prior to entering our program, we recommend that individuals contact their insurance provider and ask if they reimburse for out of network rehabilitation at a social-model residential program.

Every individual is different and it is based on your insurance plan with your provider.

The minimum length of treatment is 30 days, although many individuals choose to stay for 60-90 days of treatment.

As a part of our social model of treatment, everyone has a roommate and we do not offer private rooms.

We believe that the 12-step social model of treatment is the most effective and provides for the highest level of long-term sobriety.

We believe that addiction is a family disease and highly encourage family members to participate in the recovery process. Two weekends a month we have Family Program via zoom for family members and loved ones.  There are also opportunities for family therapy sessions should this be indicated.

When a resident stays at Serenity Knolls for 30 days, they are able to receive free aftercare services for life.

Before residents leave treatment, they create an aftercare plan with the counselors to have a consistent schedule after they leave treatment.  We also hold an Aftercare meeting each week (Tuesday nights in Marin and Wednesday nights in San Francisco) for Serenity Knolls alumni.  The last Tuesday and Wednesday of each month is chip night and alumni are allowed to invite family and friends.

We do not allow the use of computers, cell phones or cameras. Our Admissions team will provide you with a detailed welcome package that includes a packing list.

We do not offer sober living; however we offer referrals to sober living houses and help arrange viewings of those locations prior to leaving Serenity Knolls.

All residents are required to attend all meetings and meals. We also require residents to take part in daily chores.

Exercise is not a priority but we do encourage a healthy lifestyle.  We have gym equipment, a walking trail, volleyball court, basketball court, and swimming pool.  Activities can be done during free time.

We do not offer a nutrition plan, but we do provide healthy buffet-style meals and try to accommodate to individual needs as needed.

We accept individuals age 18 and over who want to treat their alcohol and/or drug addiction.  We help identify other mental health issues although the primary diagnosis has to be substance dependence.

No. However, residents are not allowed to leave the property unless on a scheduled pass.