Drug and Alcohol Residential Treatment with Equine Therapy in California

California Behavioral Health is one of the drug rehabilitation centers with equine therapy in Palm Desert, California. Our inpatient rehab for addiction provides integrated residential treatment plans to treat your drug and alcohol addiction. We even offer residential mental health care in the form of dual diagnosis treatment if you are struggling with a co-occurring disorder.

California Behavioral Health Provides Free Substance Addiction Assessments

Are you wondering how horse therapy for mental health and addiction recovery can be beneficial? Discover answers to this and more. Our compassionate team works hard to provide you with complimentary assessment, verification of your insurance coverage, and same-day admissions. On this page, you will learn how drug and alcohol rehab centers utilize equine therapy, the cost of inpatient treatment centers that offer equestrian therapy programs, and how to get into behavioral health residential centers with equine therapy in California.

California Behavioral Health
37066 Bankside Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234

What Is Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy, commonly called equine-assisted therapy, is a form of holistic therapy with horses to help individuals in the rehabilitation and recovery process. Patients interact with horses by caring for them, working around them, and riding them. In equine therapy, you work alongside a licensed therapist who monitors your interactions to help you stay safe and learn vital information to help you recover as they guide you through therapeutic activities. Equine therapy is also known as horse-assisted therapy or equine-assisted therapy.

Equestrian therapy programs promote mental, physical, and emotional health because you can connect emotionally with horses. Equine therapy can address many different challenges. It has uses and benefits beyond addiction and can help build confidence, learn essential life skills, and overcome mental health barriers in all areas of life.

Some types of equine-assisted therapy include the following:

  1. Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)

This horse-assisted therapy focuses on the relationship you build with the horse. As a result, you develop greater self-awareness and focus on concentration, communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

  1. Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EAP)

This form concentrates on psychological and emotional healing with horses under the supervision of an equine specialist and a mental health professional. This includes equine therapy programs for trauma, mindfulness with horses, addiction recovery with horses, equine therapy for PTSD, and horse-assisted mental health treatment.

  1. Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is assisted horseback riding. Instead of completely controlling the horse, a trained professional leads the horse as you ride. You work alongside an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. The therapist controls the horse’s behavior to challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and try something new in a safe and guided environment.

This technique also benefits occupational, physical, or speech issues. It benefits people with neurological conditions, physical disabilities, or developmental disorders. 

  1. Therapeutic Horse Riding

This form of therapy allows you to ride the horses and learn control. It benefits your physical health, improves your coordination, and helps you develop confidence. You also learn teamwork and control, which can aid in overcoming substance use disorder. Horseback riding improves posture, muscle tone, and confidence. It is used as a holistic residential treatment.

Horse therapy has many benefits, including increased confidence, emotional regulation, and stress reduction. It also has physical benefits, such as enhancing mobility, strengthening muscles, and improving coordination. It can also improve communication skills.

Equine Therapy for Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Equine therapy has surfaced as an effective and innovative way to treat alcohol addiction. Horse therapy for addiction recovery is one piece of a more extensive treatment plan for your residential addiction recovery, which includes medical detoxification, counseling services, group therapy, and medication when necessary.

It plays a vital role in your recovery because it provides a non-judgmental environment where you can delve into the emotional issues that are contributing to your addiction. California Behavioral is one of the residential treatment centers with inpatient equine therapy for alcohol addiction rehabilitation. To learn more about our personalized residential care plans, contact us today to speak with one of our admissions counselors.

Equine Therapy for Drug Addiction Treatment

Equine therapy drug rehabilitation has demonstrated encouraging outcomes as a supplementary treatment for drug addiction recovery. Even though it’s not a standalone treatment, it works wonders when paired with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Several therapeutic residential programs offer equine therapy.

We are one of the residential treatment centers with equine therapy for drug rehab. Our live-in rehabilitation centers provide structured residential care and various inpatient recovery programs. If you would like more information, you can always contact us at CA Behavioral to learn more about equine-assisted counseling within our residential substance abuse therapy.

Equine Therapy for Mental Health Treatment

Equine therapy is an incredibly beneficial form of mental health treatment. It involves feeding, grooming, leading, and riding horses. The benefits of horse-assisted mental health treatment include stress reduction, enhanced communication skills, emotional awareness, regulation, trauma processing, improvement in discipline and focus, and building self-esteem and confidence.

Residential equine therapy centers could offer service to you if you’re suffering from depression, anxiety, addiction recovery, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), behavioral issues, relationship challenges, eating disorders, and autism spectrum disorder (AUD). CA Behavioral Health is a residential rehab program offering equine therapy in California. If you’re looking for residential treatment centers with equine therapy near me, contact our admission specialists today.

How Is Equine Therapy Used?

While equine therapy does not replace medically monitored treatment facilities, it can help someone on the road to recovery. You can also use it to prevent future relapses by learning the necessary cognitive functions for resisting triggers and overcoming underlying challenges contributing to substance use. This therapy can also help treat side effects that are a direct result of substance use disorder.

You add equine therapy to your current therapeutic or rehabilitation programs to complement what you are already learning and achieving.

Some of the issues that equine therapy can help you address include:

  • Behavioral issues
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Grief
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Relationship problems
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Inattention and hyperactivity (ADHD)
  • Autism
  • Asperger’s
  • Learning difficulties
  • Eating and food issues
  • Bipolar

Have questions such as, “how does equine therapy work?” or “does equine therapy work?”, call us today. Our admissions counselors are here to help. 

Equine Therapy Benefits

Through equine therapy, you learn a variety of skills and can see several benefits, including:

Trust building
Communication skills
Avoiding isolation and building social skills
Learning impulse control
Learning how to set and respect boundaries
These benefits help you in your treatment as well as preventing a relapse

Equine Therapy Risks

Because the horses you interact with during equine therapy are highly trained, there are minimal risks when participating in equine therapy. However, there are still a few potential risks you should be aware of when deciding if it is right for you.

Because horses are larger animals, there is a risk of falls or other injuries related to riding and interacting with heavy animals. However, since trained professionals are present, they can prevent most injuries and put precautions in place to ensure you have a safe and rewarding session.

Some forms of equine therapy might not suit some patients with certain physical limitations, like spina bifida or scoliosis. You might risk worsening physical challenges by riding horses, so talk with your therapist before starting therapy.

If you suffer from allergies, including hay or animal allergies, being around horses can worsen your symptoms. While you might be able to manage your allergies with medication, speak with your trainer about your allergies before using equine therapy in your treatment.

History of Equine Therapy

Equine therapy is not a new concept. It dates to the ancient Greeks.  They used the term hippotherapy, which comes from the prefix hippo, which means “horse.” They wrote about therapeutic riding and its benefits for physical and mental health concerns.

The practice was more widely recognized in the mid-1900s when psychotherapists started using riding to treat several health and mental issues. Since then, it has become a popular therapy for many conditions beyond physical challenges.

California Behavioral Health

An addiction is lonely, scary, and difficult. A recovery partner can help you take back control of your life and find the path to sobriety. Call or message us now to start your recovery journey today.

37066 Bankside Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234

Admissions Inquiry Form

Fill out our online form to find out about our treatment programs, check your insurance or to request a callback.

    Who Is Equine Therapy For?

    Equine therapy can benefit anyone with cognitive or physical challenges. However, it is beneficial for those who currently struggle with substance use disorders or have in the past and want to help promote long-term recovery. Before deciding if equine therapy is right for you, speak with a licensed therapist to discuss your options.

    Signs of Substance Use Disorder

    Are you unsure if you have a substance use disorder? Use this list of signs and symptoms. If you have more than two of the following symptoms, please seek out medical help.

    • Using a larger amount of a substance or for longer than intended
    • Not able to cut back on your usage
    • Spending a significant amount of time obtaining or recovering from a substance
    • Unable to keep other commitments because of using a substance
    • Continuing to use a substance despite problems occurring as a direct result of your usage
    • Giving up activities because of using a substance
    • Using a substance even when it puts you in danger
    • Using a substance even though you see worsening physical or psychological issues
    • Increased tolerance to the substance
    • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms

    How Does Equine Therapy Work?

    Equine Therapy

    Horses are intelligent and responsive animals with greater emotional maturity than many other animals, making them ideal therapy partners for providing patients with a safe and healing space.

    Here are four ways equine therapy improves your quality of life and helps you overcome physical and mental barriers.

    Horses and Emotional Healing

    Horses act like human mirrors, reflecting the emotions of the person interacting with them. This connection helps patients build relationships with their equine partners and become self-aware of their emotions.

    Because horses have a greater emotional connection to humans, they can respond to non-verbal cues. However, their gentleness makes them a safe place to work through emotional challenges without judgment.

    As patients interact with horses, these interactions reflect relationships in the patient’s real life. You can make yourself vulnerable and work through challenges with your horse in real-life relationships and experiences. This freeing experience helps you develop emotional maturity to address those same challenges with the people in your life.

    Horses and Confidence Building

    Horses are powerful animals. While therapies are available with smaller animals like cats and dogs, they don’t offer the same experience as working with horses. Because of the size and strength of horses, working with them helps you build confidence as a person and in your life.

    Learning to work with and control the horses reflects challenges in your life. For example, the horse can represent your addiction, depression, or fears holding you back. As you gain control over the horse, you also learn to control those other areas in your life to regain power and confidence.

    Horses and Skill Development

    Equine therapy teaches you skills like horse riding, caring for horses, and performing other equine-related activities. These tasks teach you self-discipline and responsibility. They also instill a sense of purpose and control in your life.

    As you learn equine-related skills, you also build skills that will help you manage other areas of your life and aid you on your road to recovery.

    Horses and Physical Therapy

    Equine therapy can also aid physical recovery or control tics related to substance use or underlying conditions. For example, you can use equine therapy for:

    • Motor control issues
    • Balance issues
    • Cerebral palsy
    • Posture correction
    • Coordination

    Residential Treatment Center with Equine Therapy in California

    California Behavioral Health is an intensive residential treatment center that provides inpatient rehab for addiction, including equine therapy, in California. Our experienced team is here to help you obtain the care you require. We even offer payment options if you don’t have insurance. For more information about our 24-hour care treatment plans, call us at (888) 355-1676 today.

    Our rehabilitation center in Cathedral City is committed to addressing your drug and alcohol addiction, as well as co-occurring disorders. Our long-term treatment facilities are supportive, sober living environments, free from distractions and triggers. Furthermore, we prioritize relapse prevention and aftercare planning to ensure ongoing support for a lasting recovery.

    • 37066 Bankside Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234

    How to Find Equine Therapy for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Near Me

    California Behavioral Health is a drug and alcohol addiction facility that offers equine therapy drug rehabilitation in Palm Desert, California. We’ve created a step-by-step guide for you to discover a program tailored to your needs. Finding an equine therapy facility in your area involves a few essential steps:

    • Online Search: Use search engines to find equine therapy treatment centers nearby. Use specific keywords like “horse rehabilitation,” “equine therapy addiction treatment,” or “substance abuse residential treatment center near me” to refine your results.
    • Consult Local Rehabilitation Centers: Numerous rehab facilities integrate equine therapy into their programs. For example, you can contact us at CA Behavioral Health to discuss your requirements.
    • Verify Credentials and Accreditation: Ensure reputable organizations, such as The Joint Commission accredit the facilities you are considering. This accreditation signifies that they meet high care standards.
    • Assess Program Suitability: Contact the facilities to inquire about their specific equine therapy offerings and treatment methodologies, ensuring they align with your recovery needs.
    • Review Insurance Coverage: To avoid unforeseen costs, confirm with the treatment center and your insurance provider that equine therapy services are included in your plan.
    • Seek Testimonials and Reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials from previous patients to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of the available equine therapy programs.
    California Behavioral Health
    37066 Bankside Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234, United States

    Does Health Insurance Cover Equine Therapy in California?

    California’s insurance coverage for equine therapy will depend on the insurance provider, therapist’s credentials, diagnosis, and medical necessity. For the most part, private health insurance doesn’t cover equine therapy unless listed in your coverage benefits. Some might provide coverage if your care is categorized under mental health treatment or prescribed by a licensed medical professional.

    Health plans are more apt to cover equine therapy if it is deemed medically necessary for a condition such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  Equine therapy programs also function independently of the conventional healthcare system and necessitate private payment. Understanding the extent of your coverage before your treatment is crucial.

    How Much Does Equine Therapy Cost Without Health Insurance Coverage?

    The cost of equine therapy without health insurance coverage will vary depending on the location, the type of treatment provided, the qualifications of the therapist involved, and the facility. Individual sessions typically cost between $50 and $150 per hour. Group sessions are more affordable, costing between $25 and $75 per person for one hour.

    Our committed team is here to help you overcome your addiction or mental health challenges. We recognize that financial factors are essential when making treatment choices. If you or someone you care about wants to learn more about the costs of our equine therapy residential treatment programs, please contact us today to speak with one of our admissions specialists.

    How Does Equine Therapy Cost with Health Insurance?

    With health insurance support, the cost of your equine therapy will be contingent on the type of therapy, insurance coverage, and the facility where you’ll receive your treatment. Sessions usually cost $50 to $150 per hour if you do not have insurance.

    If your insurance partially covers the treatment, you may only need to pay some of the total cost. You might encounter copayments, deductibles, premiums, and other out-of-pocket expenses. It’s essential to grasp your coverage benefits thoroughly; otherwise, you may face an unexpectedly large medical bill in your mailbox.

    How to Get into Residential Treatment with Equine Therapy

    Residential treatment incorporating equine therapy presents a distinctive and alternative pathway to healing. It can assist you with your mental health challenges, trauma, and behavioral concerns. This therapeutic approach merges traditional treatments with horses’ unique healing qualities, promoting emotional development, enhanced communication, and resilience. If you or someone you care about could benefit from this life-changing experience, initiating the process is simpler than you might think.

    Our admissions procedure is designed to ensure your recovery is straightforward and encouraging. Begin by reaching out to our team. We will listen attentively to your needs and help assess whether our equine therapy program suits you. We’ll then assist you through an initial evaluation, discuss your objectives, and formulate a customized plan to suit your needs best. We will then handle the logistics, ensuring a smooth transition into our caring residential setting.

    Searching for treatment can be daunting, but you are not alone. By opting for equine therapy, you choose a validated method that fosters personal growth within a tranquil and nurturing environment. Contact us today to discover how we can support you or your loved one in taking the initial steps toward a brighter, healthier future. Contact us now to start the admissions process.

    Office in California Behavioral Health

    Equine Therapy Statistics and Information in Southern California

    • A Military Medicine journal article shared that the use of equine-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of PTSD for veterans is growing. According to the California Department of Veteran Affairs, California boasts the largest veteran population in the United States, totaling over 1.8 million individuals; this could make a massive impact in this state.
    • Kay Trotter, PhD, is a licensed professional counselor, author, and founder of Equine Partners in Counseling (EPIC) Enterprises. She was among the pioneers in researching the effectiveness of equine-assisted psychotherapy. Her findings revealed that incorporating horses into therapy significantly enhanced positive and diminished negative behaviors.
    • Approximately 5,500 horses currently participate in therapeutic riding programs across the United States. These remarkable animals come from various sources and have diverse backgrounds.
    • The National Library of Medicine published a study that focused on the pervasiveness of hippotherapy in Southern California. A total of one hundred fifty-two rehabilitation centers across Southern California, including the counties of Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern, were identified and surveyed to determine the availability of hippotherapy. Of these, only seven centers reported that they offer hippotherapy as a therapeutic option.
    • ZipRecruiter shared that in California, the salary for equine therapy professionals at the 25th percentile is $47,400, while those at the 90th percentile earn $81,913.

     

    Licensed and Accredited Provider throughout California: