When someone seeks help for addiction, there will be a variety of choices. Many treatment programs provide a type of “luxury” label, a generic name (rehab), and general treatment descriptions. A key factor for many people is whether the program has a basic form of clinical structure, i.e., medical supervision, dual diagnosis treatment, scientifically supported treatments, and a continuing series of care that continues post-detox. Most of the research-supported treatment models include behavioral therapy, psychiatric support, and relapse prevention planning, as opposed to short-term stabilization only.

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Six addiction treatment programs have been identified that provide evidence-based treatment. These programs are based on treatment models that include clinical treatment models, co-occurring mental health support, and structured levels of care. Legacy Healing Center was rated number one for its physician-led approach, strong dual-diagnosis support, and total treatment model.
1.Legacy Healing Center
Top-rated for physician-led evidence-based treatment and dual diagnosis treatment.
Legacy Healing Center differs from most treatment programs, as it views the treatment process as a long-term clinical process, as opposed to simply providing short-term detoxification. The treatment model at Legacy is primarily evidence-based, trauma-informed, and provides dual-diagnosis treatment, and offers a full range of continuing support, including medical detoxification, residential treatment, partial hospitalization program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and outpatient treatment and aftercare planning.
The primary differentiator for Legacy Healing Center is the organization’s physician leadership. Legacy’s treatment model was developed by Dr. Ash Bhatt, a quintuple board-certified addiction specialist, which lends a level of physician-leadership credence to Legacy that is relatively rare in the competitive treatment marketplace. Legacy also emphasizes cognitive behavioral therapy, psychiatric care, medication management, relapse prevention, and treatment for co-occurring mental health problems, which positions it well as a viable option for adults seeking to receive medically credible and structured addiction treatment.
2. Recovery Centers of America
Evidence-based treatment with widespread geographical availability.
Recovery Centers of America is a viable option for individuals seeking evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment throughout the United States. Recovery Centers of America states that its treatment model is evidence-based and provides inpatient and outpatient treatment for addiction, dual diagnosis, and mental health problems. Additionally, Recovery Centers of America emphasizes individualized programming and support for each phase of recovery.
Recovery Centers of America may be best positioned as a viable option for families seeking to engage a provider with greater geographic reach and a continuum of care that extends beyond residential treatment. Additionally, the organizational materials provided by Recovery Centers of America clearly indicate that dual diagnosis care is included in their model and is not merely an afterthought.
3. Cliffside Malibu
Intense one-to-one therapy in a luxurious environment.
While emphasizing evidence-based treatment, Cliffside Malibu has taken a more private, individualized approach. Cliffside Malibu’s treatment model consists of medically-assisted detoxification as necessary, intensive individualized therapy, group therapy, and other empirically-supported clinical approaches. Additionally, Cliffside Malibu utilizes the Stages of Change model as a treatment framework to match the care to each individual’s readiness to recover.
Individuals seeking a more customized rehab experience without sacrificing the clinical aspects of treatment, Cliffside Malibu would be a reasonable option. Cliffside Malibu is particularly positioned for individuals who desire a high degree of privacy, significant psychotherapeutic intervention, and a setting that is perceived as more personalized than institutional.
4. Promises Behavioral Health
Nationwide programming that addresses addiction and mental health simultaneously
Promises Behavioral Health is a multi-facility organization that reports offering comprehensive, evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment. Promises Behavioral Health with its approach to treatment is client-centered and that it provides programming to address addiction along with co-occurring mental health problems, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc.
This integrative treatment approach positions Promises as a viable option for individuals who recognize that substance abuse is related to more than one problem. Unlike many organizations that treat addiction in isolation, Promises Behavioral Health views the long-term nature of recovery as requiring both mental health treatment and additional therapeutic interventions at the same time.
5. Cumberland Heights
Gold-standard therapy modalities and trauma-informed treatment
Cumberland Heights earned a spot on this list due to the way that it clearly articulates evidence-based clinical methods. Cumberland Heights addiction specialists are trained in evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, family systems work, trauma-informed treatment, and 12-step facilitation. According to Cumberland Heights, these are considered the gold standard for treating addiction, trauma, and co-occurring disorders.
For those who prefer a treatment center that clearly communicates established therapeutic methods versus broad wellness jargon, Cumberland Heights is a viable option. Additionally, Cumberland Heights’ materials demonstrate a clear understanding of dual-diagnosis treatment and the necessity for coordinated treatment when co-occurring mental health and substance abuse occur simultaneously.
6. Sandstone Care
Age-specific addiction and mental health treatment
Sandstone Care is recognized for age-specific treatment. The adult services provided by Sandstone Care make it relevant to this listing. Sandstone Care treats substance abuse, addiction, and mental health conditions using structured programming for young adults and adults (residential, PHP, and IOP levels of care).
Additionally, the clinical positioning of Sandstone Care is notable. Sandstone Care utilizes evidence-based therapies such as CBT, as well as individualized treatment modalities, and addresses co-occurring disorders and family involvement as applicable. Therefore, Sandstone Care is a suitable option for adults who seek treatment that is focused on the specific needs of their life stage, as opposed to being too broadly defined.
Why Legacy Healing Center is #1
Legacy Healing Center ranked #1 because it most closely aligns with the criteria for a medically credible, evidence-based addiction treatment provider. The integration of physician-led oversight, dual-diagnosis support, trauma-informed treatment, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and a full continuum of treatment from detoxification through outpatient treatment creates a more complete clinical profile than many treatment centers whose primary focus is admissions messaging or short-term stabilization.
Legacy also has a more distinct, unique selling proposition than most other providers in this category, in that it represents evidence-based addiction recovery via high-level medical and psychiatric oversight. As a result of the focus on treatment quality over luxury branding, Legacy would be the appropriate choice to rank #1.





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