New York Rehabs: Find Calm in the City or Escape Upstate

New Yorkers’ lifestyles are as varied as the rich tapestry of people that define the state—and luxury rehabs here build their programs around this. You’ll find programs with flexible lengths of stay, amenities for busy professionals, and specialized treatments for specific client groups. 

Whether you prefer the convenience of an urban setting, the quaintness of a mountain town, or the peacefulness of the seaside, New York rehabs have something for everyone and high-level care to boot.  

Serenity in the City

If you live in New York City and don’t want to travel for treatment, several rehabs in the city provide ways to find calm while staying close to home.

Urban Recovery 

Urban Recovery offers medically supervised detox followed by an intensive treatment program that includes 35 clinical hours per week. Their 5-story building on the waterfront in Red Hook boasts views of the New York Bay from the rooftop lounge. Residential treatment here can be short- or long-term, with detox programs lasting 5-10 days, residential stays up to 30 days, and intensive outpatient programs up to 90 days. Clients attend yoga and pilates classes with professional instructors and enjoy facilities like the fitness room, music studio, and art room while they heal.

Urban Recovery is decorated with plush, private bedrooms and luxury amenities, including a rooftop lounge overlooking the iconic New York Bay.

Ascendant NY 

Housed in a Manhattan brownstone, Ascendant NY offers a private space with a focus on confidentiality. Programming here prioritizes the detox process, providing nutritious meals, yoga, and fitness to ease the effects of withdrawals.

Hazelden Betty Ford New York 

Conveniently located on Manhattan’s West Side and backed by Betty Ford’s long-standing reputation, Hazelden Betty Ford New York offers a range of addiction treatment programs tailored to various needs. These include outpatient programs, virtual therapy, lower-intensity options, and recovery management. 

Bear Betty Ford animal therapy
Meet Bear, the resident certified therapy dog helping clients feel extra comfortable and calm at Hazelden Betty Ford New York.

Clients here also get to meet the center’s resident labradoodle and certified therapy dog, Bear, who rides the subway to work each day to provide residents with a dose of nonjudgmental comfort. 

See our list of luxury rehabs in New York City for information on additional programs. 

Upstate Escapes

If you’re looking to connect with nature as you heal, rehabs upstate offer even more quietude. Not far from the city are the winding rivers, staggering mountain peaks, and seemingly endless seas of trees that make Upstate New York feel like a world away.

Mountainside Retreats 

New York State’s 4-seasons climate means its countryside is bright green in the summer, but transitions to vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows in the fall. Snow blankets the state in the winter, while blossoms burst with color in the spring.

Mountainside Chappaqua, for example, is only an hour away. But the complete change of scenery might lead you to believe otherwise. Chappaqua is a hamlet (tiny village) of just under 3,000 people. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature’s sanctuary on meditative hikes near the property.

You’ll find Saint Jude Retreats in the small town of Amsterdam. This secluded property rests on acres of forests and meadows. You can walk their private trails or fish for bass in the pond—and in the winter, the water freezes, setting the stage for outdoor ice skating. 

Activities in the natural world don’t end on their own property, though. Every other week, clients visit the Adirondack Mountains for outdoor excursions like hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

Coastal Refuge

If the sounds of ocean waves are calling you, The Dunes of East Hampton is just under 2 hours from NYC. Located inside a private gate and secluded woodland, this facility is only steps from the seaside. You can walk to the beach for picturesque views of Long Island coastal bluffs and rolling fields. Staff here also take clients on outdoor excursions like sailing, nature walks, and biking along scenic pathways.

the dunes of east hampton slide 3
Located right by the beach, clients at The Dunes of East Hampton have plenty of access to outdoor activities including scenic walks, swimming, and more.

Spending time outside is more than just a fun pastime—it’s also good for your mental health and well-being. One study found that spending just 2 hours per week in nature positively affects your health. According to psychological scientist Amanda L. Mahaffey, “A vast body of research shows us that, above all, humans flourish in nature. Pretty much everything about nature has a positive effect on us in some form.” And this includes your recovery journey.

Programs for Executives and High-Profile Clients 

Clients under extra pressure to perform face unique challenges in recovery.  In fact, some people believe that risk factors associated with these lifestyles mean people in high-powered positions may be more prone to addiction

K.L., a client at The Dunes of East Hampton, describes his struggle with substance abuse despite his polished image

“I am a professional with a high level of education, although I had been struggling with alcoholism and addiction for over 20 years. I was a patient at over 10 facilities in the past 10 years, with no improvement. Everyone in my life had given up on me, including myself. People who knew me thought, ‘He is highly educated and professional, why can’t he just stop?!’”

K.L. determined the causes of his addiction with the help of a team of specialists. For him, that included a past trauma, a family history of alcoholism, and underlying mental health issues. In recovery, K.L. worked through those issues, and began to heal from the inside out.

Fortunately, some rehabs have specific programs for professionals like K.L. who need more flexibility in their care. 

How NY Rehabs Cater to High-Profile Clients

Some people aren’t able to step away from their job for the duration of residential rehab. And that’s understandable—most programs are at least 28 days, and if you have people depending on you, it’s hard to stop work entirely. Or, you might be a celebrity seeking solitude and anonymity. Whatever your background, some luxury rehab centers make an extra effort to accommodate executives, celebrities, and other high-profile clientele. 

These might include special resources for professionals, like those at The Dunes of East Hampton:

  • flexible technology policies that allow clients to use their cell phones and laptops for work
  • separate meeting rooms to give clients privacy while they work for enhanced focus
  • the ability to create your own schedule so you can go to therapy around work meetings
  • a sober companion who can accompany you to work-related events and activities, during and after rehab
  • private living quarters and secluded facilities that shield you from the outside world
  • comforts like massage, gourmet meals, swimming pools, and more

These services help clients have the most comfortable rehab experience possible—while keeping an eye on their responsibilities.

Treatment for Eating Disorders and Other Dual Diagnoses

Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder (BED). While the symptoms in each condition differ, the core is the same: an unhealthy relationship with food

Eating disorders often occur along with substance use disorders,1 especially in adolescence. Women make up 90% of eating disorder patients, and 50% also misuse substances. There’s a good chance that another co-occurring condition is present too, like anxiety, major depressive disorder, or PTSD.

Because this is so common, some rehabs specialize in treating eating disorders, addictions, and other mental health conditions all at once. Clementine Briarcliff Manor treats girls ages 12-17. (Adolescent girls are more likely to develop an eating disorder.) Treatment includes exposure therapy alongside traditional talk therapy. In exposure therapy, clients work through uncomfortable situations in a safe, supportive environment. In this context, clients might practice food shopping or creating a nutritious recipe. Sometimes these exercises involve family members. They might even include exposure to activities at home or school to prepare you for situations you may encounter in real life.

Clementine Briarcliff
Clementine Briarcliff Manor specializes in treating eating disorders from their tranquil, boutique-style facility in Westchester County, New York.

Although more common in women, eating disorders—like substance abuse—can affect anyone. Other rehabs cater to specific groups, like Center for Discovery Hamptons for adolescents of all genders, and Monte Nido River Towns for adults.

Recovery Coaches

Mountainside Chelsea has a unique program in which each client is assigned a recovery coach. According to their team, “Mountainside Recovery Coaches are certified professionals that act as partners, allies, mentors, and advocates for clients in early recovery.” These coaches can help clients apply for jobs, find housing, and build support networks. They can help you complete goal-setting exercises, create a sustainable routine, and discover new hobbies. Recovery coaches are available to take calls 24/7, whether you’re having a hard day or want to share good news. Many of these coaches are in recovery themselves, and can directly relate to your ups and downs.

A recovery coach at Mountainside Chelsea describes his goal this way:

“Our job as a coach is to help clients get comfortable with being uncomfortable, so they can later do those things on their own.”

Weaving Culture Into Care

In addition to this special program, Mountainside Chelsea immerses clients in the thriving culture of New York City. Clients can go to museums, shows, amusement parks, cooking classes, and more. Remember that recovery can be fun—and in fact, parts of it should be. It’s important to balance out the emotionally exhausting parts of this work with rewarding activities. Having fun is crucial to a self-care routine, and can even prevent relapse. And in New York, this means exploring the life-affirming experiences that the city has to offer.

Mountainside Chelsea
Mountainside Chelsea provides addiction treatment and recovery coaching in the heart of New York City.

A Fresh Start Is a Phone Call Away 

New York has plenty of quality care options for those living in the state and traveling from elsewhere. Whether you’re looking for treatment in the heart of the city or the spaciousness of the countryside, New York may just have an option for you.

Search our collection of luxury rehabs in New York to see photos, take virtual tours, read reviews, and more.

Understanding the Role of Sober Coaches in Addiction Recovery 

The transition from an addiction treatment program to daily life is a fundamental step in the recovery journey. Many people can feel overwhelmed and isolated during this time. These feelings are normal—you’re navigating new territory and adjusting to a new lifestyle.

To make the adjustment period more manageable, some luxury treatment centers will set you up with a support system as part of their continuing care program. Another way to bolster your support network is with a sober coach, also known as a recovery coach. Many sober coaches are affiliated with rehab centers or hospitals. However, some work with free-standing organizations, or as private practitioners. 

Sober coaches can help you feel less isolated, hold you accountable and offer advice and guidance to ensure sustainable recovery as you return to life outside treatment. 

A sober coach may be a good option if you want a more hands-on relationship with a non-clinical professional who can guide you through this particularly sensitive stage. Keep in mind that a sober coach is not a replacement for other parts of your continuing care program. Rather, they supplement aspects of continuing care and offer support that some people may need for long-term recovery. 

Since sober coaching is a relatively new position in addiction treatment, we explore how their role is defined and ways in which they can support your recovery. 

What Is a Sober Coach?

The recovery journey doesn’t stop when a rehab program ends. In more recent years, we’ve seen a rise in new peer-based recovery support services1 that has stemmed from the need to provide people with extra support as they transition from a formal treatment program into their natural environment. A growing number of peer-based recovery support services and new roles have been designed to assist people during that transition period and help them maintain long-term sobriety. One of those roles is a sober coach.

Sober coaches can have many different titles, including recovery coach, recovery manager, recovery mentor, recovery guide and more. Their role remains the same: to provide someone with “non-clinical assistance to support long-term recovery from substance use disorders.2

Unlike clinical professionals, sober coaches don’t need to have formally acquired credentials. Instead, sober coaches draw on experiential knowledge and expertise3 to help clients achieve and maintain lasting sobriety. Their knowledge generally comes from their own addiction recovery experiences or from helping others recover. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a sober coach offers supportive assistance, rather than directives.4 They can help with a number of recovery-related issues: 

  • Setting recovery goals
  • Developing recovery action plans 
  • Finding new peers
  • Improving job skills
  • Exploring new hobbies and things to do in your spare time 
  • Finding sober housing 
villa paradiso sober coaching
Villa Paradiso Rehab in Marbella, Spain offers aftercare recovery coaching.

Generally, a sober or recovery coach offers the four following types of support: 

Emotional Support

Emotional support includes anything that addresses your emotional concerns. This could range from inspirational coaching to empathetic listening and encouragement. 

Informational Support

Sober coaches can connect you with resources and information that benefit your recovery, like learning a new life skill or developing new coping strategies for dealing with challenges. 

Instrumental Support

This includes assistance with concrete, practical tasks like finding housing and employment.

Affiliational Support

A sober coach can help you connect with  others who can bolster your recovery journey. This might take place through events,activities, or online or in-person communities. 

The Difference Between Sober Coaches and Sober Companions

There are several roles that involve helping people maintain long-term recovery beyond inpatient rehab. It’s important to clarify the distinction between them, to ensure you look for the right type of guidance. 

A common misunderstanding is that sober coaches are like sober companions. However, their roles are markedly distinct. 

Sober Coaches (or Recovery Coaches)

A sober coach is a hired, non-clinical professional who supports your long-term recovery from substance use disorders. Most have been through recovery themselves and are trained on how to help others through the journey. Sessions with your recovery coach occur on a regular basis and are held via phone, online or even onsite at your treatment center. 

Sober Companions

A sober companion is generally more involved in your daily life than a sober coach. They will accompany you throughout your day as necessary, to ensure you have the support and accountability you may need to prevent a relapse.

noosa confidential sober coaching
Noosa Confidential in Queensland, Australia offers sober coaching as part of the aftercare portion of their programming.

Who Are Sober Coaches a Good Fit For? 

Sober coaches offer support through various stages of the recovery journey.

A sober coach could be a good fit for you if you don’t have a strong support network, live in an environment with many triggers, or need additional help with daily life. Some people can benefit from having a sober coach in more than one stage of their recovery journey. 

The Pre-Decision Stage

Before you make a decision to enter residential treatment, a sober coach can help you take this big step. They can ensure you feel less isolated through the process and assist with finding a rehab that suits your needs. Once you’ve found a program, they can guide you through the entry process. 

During Treatment

A sober coach who supports you during a rehab program takes on a slightly different role. They are an advocate and will help you foster life skills for lasting sobriety. For example, Hope Rehab Center in Thailand has a treatment model that includes exposure therapy, wherein clients are taken on excursions to experience the outside world. Their on-site sober coach supports you during these encounters to help you handle real emotions that may come up during life after rehab. 

Aftercare

A number of luxury addiction treatment centers across the globe offer sober coaching as part of their aftercare program. Oftentimes, sober coaches that work with rehab centers reflect the same level of care, support and privacy your addiction treatment program offers. 

In Europe, both Villa Paradiso Rehab in Marbella, Spain and Tabula Rasa Retreat in Portugal have aftercare recovery coaches. 

Australia has a number of treatment programs with sober coaches as part of their aftercare, including Noosa Confidential in Sunshine Coast and The Banyans in Brisbane. 

The United States has plenty of options across the country. For example, Oceanside Malibu in California, JourneyPure in Tennessee, Blue Ridge Mountain in Georgia and The Sanctuary at Sedona in Arizona all offer recovery coaching as part of their aftercare programs. 

It’s important to keep in mind that while sober coaches offer valuable support and life skills for sobriety, they should not replace the care you’ll receive from healthcare professionals and therapists during primary treatment and aftercare. 

The Difference Between Sober Coaches and Other Addiction Treatment Professionals

Sober coaches are relatively new in addiction treatment and can perform many different roles in someone’s recovery,6 which sometimes leads to role ambiguity. 

The public still holds some confusion about the responsibilities of sober coaches compared to other addiction treatment professionals. However, there are established differences as outlined in the Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center’s guidelines for ethical peer-based recovery support.7 It’s important to understand these distinctions to make sure you’re looking for the right professional for your needs. 

Sober coaches are not healthcare professionals. 

Unlike doctors, nurses, or psychiatrists, most recovery coaches don’t have medical degrees. Their role is never to diagnose you or provide you with medical advice or care. 

Instead, a sober coach helps you remove potential roadblocks that might prevent you from seeing a medical professional. For example, they can help you find the right medical professional, or drive you to your appointment. 

Sober coaches are not social workers or addiction counselors. 

Unlike social workers and addiction counselors, sober coaches take on a more informal role and aren’t required to have a degree in social work or formal credentials in counseling. 

Whereas addiction counselors are discouraged from self-disclosure, or using their personal experience to connect with clients, sober coaches are encouraged to share their personal experiences with you. They act as your confidant. 

If you need professional help from a social worker or an addictions counselor, your sober coach will help you get in touch with them.

Sober coaches are not sponsors. 

Unlike with sponsors, you and your sober coach don’t uphold each other’s sobriety.  Some sober coaches haven’t struggled with addiction before, but are there to support you, especially during sensitive transition periods. 

A relationship with a sober coach is more like that of a mentor and a mentee, or a personal trainer with their client.

oceanside malibu sober coaching
Oceanside Malibu in Malibu, California offers recovery coaching as part of their aftercare program.

How to Find the Right Sober Coach for You

Most sober coaches work in affiliation with recovery centers and hospitals. However, some work with free-standing organizations or as private practitioners.  

Since sober coaches don’t need to have formally acquired credentials, it’s important to take extra precautions when searching for one, especially if you plan to look outside of your rehab program. 

If you’re unsure where to start, you could ask recovery centers during an initial phone call if they have any referrals for reputable sober coaches. If you’re already seeing a therapist, you could ask if they have  any recommendations for you.  

How to Search for Rehab Center-Affiliated Sober Coaches

1. Check the addiction treatment center’s reputation and credibility.
Doing this as the first step gives you a good idea of the level of expertise a rehab center would expect from its employees and affiliates.

Reputation Check

Read through the rehab center’s online review. You can also ask around to see if they’re in good standing with other healthcare providers or treatment facilities.

Accreditation Check

In the U.S., there are two national organizations that accredit treatment providers. These include the Joint Commission and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). While rehabs might showcase accreditation logos on their website, you should check directly with the accrediting body.

2. Ask the addiction treatment center for sober coach options.
After you’ve found a reputable rehab center you trust, ask them for referrals of sober coaches. Usually, you would have gone through an initial phone call with an admissions specialist first. They’ll ask general background questions, including questions about your medical history, substance use history and family history. 

Once they have a better understanding of your situation, they will give recommendations for different sober coaches. You can compare their backgrounds and even go through an initial phone call with them to find a sober coach that best matches your needs. 

How to Search for a Private Sober Coach

If your addiction treatment program doesn’t offer sober coaching, you can hire a private sober coach to help you at any point in your recovery journey. Much like rehab centers, there are certain markers you should look out for to ensure you hire a credible, reputable sober coach who matches your needs. 

1. Ask people you trust.

You can start your search by asking people you trust if they have any recommendations for sober coaches. This could be your therapist, psychiatrist or even your doctor. 

2. Check the sober coach’s reputation, accreditations and affiliations.

Important to note: there’s no professional, independent governing body that offers accreditations to sober coaches.

Many private sober coaches have a website. It’s recommended to look through them and use these indicators to check whether the sober coach is reputable and has the level of expertise you’re looking for:

  • Online reviews—These give you a general idea of a private sober coach’s reputation.
  • Feedback—Reach out to people who have used that sober coach’s service and ask for their feedback. 
  • Relevant qualifications—Some credentials to look out for include psychiatric, medical, or social work accreditations or degrees. Keep in mind that if a sober coach doesn’t have the degrees listed above, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not qualified.
  • Work experience—Check a sober coach’s work background to see how many years they’ve been a practicing coach and if they have experience with others in similar situations as yours. 
  • Affiliation with treatment centers or hospitals—Check the qualifications of the centers they’ve partnered with to give yourself an idea of their credibility and professionalism.   

Sober Coaches Offer the Extra Support Many People Need for Long-Term Recovery

Adjusting to life after rehab can feel like a difficult prospect. As you journey to create a healthy, substance-free lifestyle, there are resources and tools you can turn to that help make the adjustment easier. 

For many people, sober coaches are a pillar to lean on and offer invaluable support they need for long-term recovery. The relationship is often grounded in trust, health and wellness, which is why finding the right person is so important. 

Many established rehabs either have referrals for sober coaches or have sober coaching as part of their program. To get your search started, browse our collection of luxury rehabs that offer sober coaching.


Frequently Asked Questions About Sober Coaches

What is a sober coach?

A sober coach, also known as a recovery coach, provides supportive assistance to people in long-term recovery. They supplement other aspects of continuing care and can help with setting recovery goals, developing action plans, finding new peers, improving job skills, exploring new hobbies, and finding sober housing.

What’s the difference between sober coaches and sober companions?

A sober coach is a non-clinical professional who supports long-term addiction recovery. They provide regular assistance through phone, online, or in-person sessions. A sober companion, on the other hand, is more involved in a client’s daily life, providing support and accountability to prevent relapse and accompanying them throughout the day as needed.

How can I find a sober coach?

To find a sober coach, follow these steps: 1. Check the reputation and credibility of the addiction treatment center you are associated with. 2. Ask the treatment center for referrals of sober coaches. Compare their backgrounds and have an initial phone call with them to find a match. 3. If your treatment program doesn’t offer sober coaching, you can hire a private sober coach. Ask trusted professionals like therapists or doctors for recommendations and check their reputation, qualifications, work experience, and affiliations with treatment centers or hospitals.