Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who will I be working with at Avalon Malibu?
Every client is cared for by our Team of Six: an executive director, clinical director, psychiatrist, medical doctor, primary therapist, and concierge. This team meets daily to coordinate your care, so you’re never “handed off” or treated like a number.

2. What’s the difference between the two Avalon Malibu houses?
• The Grand House is our Primary Mental Health Residence, supporting mood, trauma, and thought disorders.
• The Villa is our Dual Diagnosis/Primary Substance Use Residence, licensed for detox (IMS) and recovery work.
Each house has six private suites, ocean views, gardens, and 24/7 nursing. 

3. Do you accept insurance, or is Avalon Malibu private pay only?
We work with most premium PPO plans, including NYSHIP/Empire Plan, GEHA, Horizon BCBS, and Meritain, which often cover 80–100% of costs after deductible. Private pay is also welcome. Your payment method never changes the quality of care you receive. 

4. What conditions does Avalon Malibu treat?
We specialize in complex cases that many facilities turn away:
• Mood disorders (depression, bipolar, anxiety)
• Trauma and PTSD
• Substance use and dual diagnosis
• Psychosis, mania, and delusions
• Treatment-resistant depression
• Complex medication management
• Direct transfers from psychiatric hospitals

5. How long is the typical stay?
Most clients stay 30–90 days, reviewed in 30-day increments.
Healing is a marathon, not a sprint. We will help determine the right length of stay based on your progress and goals.

6. How are families included?
You choose your level of involvement:
• Weekly family coaching calls.
• Integrated family therapy.

7. What makes Avalon Malibu different from other Malibu programs?
• Consistency: Same leadership for over a decade.
• Personalization: Only 6 clients in each house at a time. Every client has a private suite.
• Integration: We collaborate with outside providers and families from day one.
• Environment: We frame our oceanfront setting as a healing resource, not just a luxury perk.
• Admissions: Our admissions team answers every call personally: guidance first, admission second.

8. What if I’m not sure residential treatment is right?
That’s normal. Many people we speak with don’t admit to Avalon. Our admissions team will help you sort through all options—outpatient, IOP, local therapists, or residential—so you can make the right decision for your family. Even if Avalon isn’t the fit, we’ll guide you to what is.

9. How private and confidential is treatment?
We are fully HIPAA compliant and honor strict confidentiality. Privacy is protected regardless of whether you’re a public figure, professional, or using insurance.

10. How do I get started?
Call us directly 7 days a week. You will speak directly with our admissions team, not a call center. We will listen, answer questions, review insurance, and walk you through next steps. The first call costs nothing – no obligation, no judgment, just guidance.

If you should have additional recovery questions or would like to get started immediately, please call us anytime.

CALL 888-958-7511