Frequently Asked Questions

Our addiction treatment center is located less than 30 miles northwest of San Francisco in picturesque Forest Knolls, California. Here, clients will find a tranquil and supportive environment where they can begin their unique path to recovery.

We provide care for adults age 18 and older who are struggling with substance use disorders. We can also help clients who have co-occurring mental health concerns, although they must have a primary diagnosis of a substance use disorder to receive treatment with us. Because of our location and reputation as an expert addiction treatment center, many of our clients come to us from the greater San Francisco Bay area and the North Bay region.

The length of stay at our California addiction treatment center varies, depending on each client’s unique needs and goals. Many of our clients choose to stay for 30-90 days of treatment.

Our services range from detox to long-term treatment. Medical detox services are available for clients who are entering our 30-day residential program. The length of detox will vary, depending on each client’s needs. Clients can participate in therapy while they are in detox and may receive medication to help with their withdrawal symptoms on an as-needed basis.

Located in the San Geronimo Valley in Marin County, California, our facility provides incredible views, including gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. This peaceful, scenic setting allows clients to relax and focus solely on their healing, away from the stresses and distractions of daily life.

During a typical day at our addiction treatment center, clients can receive care and guidance from our expert staff as well as support from their peers. While in our care, clients can choose to receive daily counseling and have the opportunity to participate in individual and group therapy several times a week. Clients also have weekly access to holistic offerings such as art therapy.

We will work closely with you to address your financial circumstances and benefits. Our Admissions team is available to answer your questions about treatment for drug addiction, alcoholism, and co-occurring disorders and get you the help you need.

We accept:

• Aetna
• Anthem BC
• Cigna
• Kaiser (with referral)
• Optum
• VA funding

Clients should bring their driver’s license or other form of identification, health insurance and pharmacy cards, and a copy of their TB test results if they are dated within the past three months. Clients may also bring a variety of approved personal items, including:

• Clothing: Clients should bring two weeks’ worth of casual clothing, including items that can be layered and comfortable walking shoes.
• Toiletries: Clients should plan to bring any toiletries they need, including toothpaste, deodorant, makeup, and hair products.
• Medications and supplements: Clients should bring any current prescriptions in their original containers. Clients can also bring vitamins, herbs, and over-the-counter medications, but they may only be used at the discretion of the program physician.
• Electronics: Clients may bring their cellphones, iPads, smartwatches, and computers, though these items may not be used during certain times, such as group therapy sessions. These items may be checked out at 12:45 p.m. and must be checked back in by 9 p.m.
• Musical instruments: Clients may bring musical instruments, such as guitars and keyboards. If possible, they should also bring headphones that can be connected to the instrument.

At Serenity Knolls, we know that addiction impacts the entire family, and we highly encourage family members to participate in the recovery process. We offer family therapy and couples therapy as part of our residential program. We also have a weekend Family Program designed for clients’ family members and loved ones. Programming is facilitated by members of our clinical team and takes place twice per month, on Saturdays and Sundays. The Family Program is provided as a free lifetime benefit for all alumni and their families.

At Serenity Knolls, we believe in whole-person care, and our comprehensive services are designed to address the mind, body, and spirit. While in our care, clients have access to an on-site gym, a walking trail, volleyball and basketball courts, and a swimming pool. We also offer holistic services, including somatic therapy, yoga, art therapy, music therapy, and equine therapy.

We begin working on clients’ discharge plans at admission, including identifying what aftercare options might best support them on their path to long-term recovery. As part of discharge planning, we can recommend outpatient treatment or sober/transitional living options for clients who would benefit from additional structure and support after they have completed treatment. We also have an Alumni Aftercare Program that meets virtually on Tuesdays three times per month and in person one Tuesday per month. The Alumni Aftercare Program is provided as a free lifetime benefit for all alumni.

No, our addiction treatment center does not offer sober living options. However, we can provide clients with referrals for sober or transitional living options as part of their detailed aftercare planning.