Founded in
- 1978
The Oaks is a private wellness and behavioral health retreat located on approximately 240 acres in the hills outside of San Diego, California. Designed to promote healing, personal growth, and meaningful connection, the campus offers immersive therapeutic experiences in a peaceful setting away from everyday distractions.
Rather than traditional weekly counseling sessions, The Oaks specializes in intensive workshop-based programs that allow individuals, couples, families, and professionals to spend several consecutive days focusing on emotional wellness, relationship challenges, and personal development. Programs are designed to encourage deeper self-reflection while providing practical tools that participants can apply long after completing treatment.
The center offers several specialized experiences, including multi-day intensive workshops, relationship-focused programs, personal rediscovery experiences, and leadership development courses that emphasize emotional intelligence. Each participant receives an individualized experience based on their personal goals and therapeutic needs.
The natural surroundings at The Oaks are an important part of the recovery experience. Guests stay in comfortable accommodations designed to create a relaxing atmosphere while enjoying open outdoor spaces that encourage reflection and renewal. The campus combines modern amenities with a tranquil environment to support emotional and mental well-being.
In addition to structured therapeutic programming, participants may have access to wellness-focused activities such as yoga, fitness, horseback riding, walking trails, and chef-prepared meals that promote a healthy lifestyle throughout their stay.
Over the years, The Oaks has helped thousands of individuals, couples, and families work through emotional challenges and strengthen personal relationships. Its intensive workshop model has gained national recognition and has been featured by several major media outlets, contributing to its reputation as a well-known destination for experiential and relationship-focused treatment.
Individuals considering The Oaks should review available programs, treatment philosophy, and admission requirements to determine whether its intensive workshop model aligns with their personal recovery or wellness goals.
The Oaks's treatment focuses on substance use disorders, with particular emphasis on opioid and alcohol dependency alongside co-occurring mental health conditions.
Anxiety
Burnout
Codependency
Depression
Grief and Loss
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Trauma
The Oaks accepts adults of any gender, with therapy groups at the facility typically mixed rather than gender-separated.
Men
Women
Men and Women
Executives
Clients at The Oaks can move between levels of care as needed starting in residential or day treatment and stepping down to IOP or outpatient without leaving the facility.
Retreat
The Oaks's clinical team combines evidence-based therapy with trauma-informed and holistic practices, tailoring treatment plans to each client's history and needs.
Holistic
Experiential
Non 12-Step
Evidence-Based
Recovery support at The Oaks continues after program completion through an active alumni network, including regular reunions and social get-togethers.
1-on-1 Counseling
Group Therapy
Family Therapy
Adventure Therapy
Couples Counseling
Experiential Therapy
Eye Movement Therapy (EMDR)
Life Skills
Somatic Experiencing
Recovery support at The Oaks continues after program completion through an active alumni network, including regular reunions and social get-togethers.
Online Aftercare
The Oaks's campus includes indoor and outdoor spaces designed for both structure and downtime, from a fitness center and pool to walking trails and private bedroom options.
Access to Nature
Air-Conditioned Rooms
Desk
Gourmet Dining
Luxury
Outdoor Lounge
Chef-prepared Meals
Private Rooms
Daily life at The Oaks includes a mix of peer support and physical activity, with clients regularly attending AA/NA meetings alongside yoga, fitness, and swimming.
Yoga
Adventure Outings
Horseback Riding
The Oaks's facility is wheelchair accessible, supporting clients with mobility needs throughout treatment.
Center Pets
What people are saying
Last reviewed: July 2026