Elements Behavioral Health
📍 20786 Cooloak Wy, Malibu, CA 90265
📞 8448746483 Full profile & reviews Claim this listing
Reviewers frequently criticized the facility for perceived disorganization, unprofessional staff behavior, and issues with insurance verification and billing. Some expressed dissatisfaction with the program's structure, limited therapeutic activities, and the quality of counseling. Conversely, others praised the facility for its unique environment, personal attention from staff, and effective therapy that helped them address mental health challenges.
AI-generated summary of 7 reviews collected on rehabs.com and recovery.org through 2023. Not a review or medical advice. Review policy
| Treatment types | Substance Abuse Treatment, Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) |
| Program types | Residential Treatment, Inpatient |
| Services | Residential Treatment, Behavioral Disorder Treatment, Dual-Diagnosis Treatment |
| Setting | Private/Secluded, Oceanfront, Beach Community, Mountains, Ultra-Luxury |
| Gender | Women Only |
| Age ranges | Adult Age |
| Insurance accepted | Private Insurance, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana |
<p><strong>ABOUT MALIBU VISTA</strong></p> <p>Located in beautiful Malibu, Calif., Malibu Vista is one of four facilities operated by Promises Treatment Centers, a well-known network of luxury treatment facilities. Malibu Vista provides <strong>upscale, gender-specific residential treatment for women struggling with primary mental health disorders</strong>. However, the facility does accept clients struggling with secondary diagnosis of substance abuse disorders. Malibu Vista does not provide on-site detoxification services.</p> <p><strong>TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT</strong></p> <p>Before beginning treatment, clients participate in a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to <strong>identify the individual’s psychiatric condition and any co-occurring concerns</strong>. The client then coordinates with the treatment team to develop a <a href="https://www.recovery.org/pro/articles/finding-your-own-voice-in-recovery/" target="_blank">personalized treatment program</a>. According to Malibu Vista’s website, the goals of residential treatment include <strong>acquiring social skills that encourage empathy</strong> and foster healthy relationships, managing psychiatric symptoms, learning the <strong>value of healthy lifestyle choices</strong>, and helping clients to advocate for themselves with appropriate assertiveness.</p> <p>To treat its residents, Malibu Vista’s programming blends evidence-based treatment approaches with <strong>alternative and holistic treatment methods</strong>. Utilizing a number of traditional modalities, such as <strong>cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)</strong>, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), clients process the emotional and psychological issues that may contribute to mental illness through <strong>group and individual counseling sessions</strong>. Family counseling may also be encouraged. </p> <p>According to the facility’s website, Malibu Vista offers over <strong>30 treatment approaches</strong>, and the facility holds specialized groups on a range of topics relevant to the individual’s unique situation. These specialized groups address substance abuse, women’s empowerment, <strong>social skills and coping skills training</strong>, grief and bereavement, and stress management. Clients with trauma-related issues may also participate in <strong>eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR)</strong> and somatic experiencing therapy sessions. Residents also receive <strong>ongoing medication management</strong>.</p> <p>Along with traditional methods, Malibu Vista incorporates a number of holistic treatments, which include <strong>mindfulness meditation</strong>, art therapy, acupuncture, equine therapy, therapeutic massages, yoga, and <a href="https://www.recovery.org/pro/articles/how-breathing-can-heal-your-relationship-with-your-body/" target="_blank">breath work</a>. Clients also participate in <strong>nutritional counseling and fitness programs</strong>, as well as enjoy regular outings to the beach, hiking trails, the movies, and other cultural events. Before discharge, clinicians help to form <strong>comprehensive aftercare plans</strong>, which may include scheduling appointments with community-based mental health professionals, as well as locating supportive housing and support groups in the client’s local area. </p> <p><strong>STAFF CREDENTIALS</strong></p> <p>Malibu Vista’s treatment staff includes clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, a physician, master’s level therapists, and an acupuncturist. </p> <p><strong>ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES</strong></p> <p>Set atop the hills of Malibu, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Malibu Vista is comprised of <strong>two upscale living facilities</strong>, the Cool Oak House and Webster House, which are both located within walking distance of the main treatment center. Able to accommodate up to 12 residents, both houses offer <strong>private or semi-private bedrooms</strong>, ocean views, modern furnishings, and manicured outdoor spaces. Webster House also features a large outdoor pool. Residents also enjoy gourmet meals and access to a nearby gym. </p> <p><strong>WHAT ALUMNI SAY</strong></p> <p>The seven alumni polled by Rehabs.com at the time of this writing offered <strong>polarized opinions of the facility</strong>. Although two alumni praised the facility, including its staff and accommodations, four alumni were overall critical of the facility, citing poor structure, a lack of personalized attention, and billing issues as facility weaknesses. “The program was extremely unstructured,” alum L.P. wrote. Alum S.W. supported this opinion and added: “Very unorganized and unprofessional staff.” However, L.M. starkly disagreed. “Exceptional care and personal attention,” the alum wrote. Alum P.J. added: “I cannot thank this program and the staff enough for giving me my life back.”</p> <p>On Malibu Vista’s Facebook page, which the facility can manage, <strong>seven individuals gave the facility an average rating of 3.3 out of five stars</strong>. <small class="footnote"><a target="_blank" href="#footnote-1"><sup>[1]</sup></a></small> Reviewers also gave the facility very polarized opinions. While some questioned the facility’s financial-driven motives, others reported a very positive experience. “I would recommend this magical place to anyone,” Sarah, a representative reviewer, wrote. However, the three reviewers gave the facility a low one out of five-star rating.</p> <p>On Yelp, three reviews also revealed mix opinions. <small class="footnote"><a target="_blank" href="#footnote-2"><sup>[2]</sup></a></small> Alum Terri gave the facility a perfect five-star rating, praising the facility’s staff and programming. “Everything about it was first class first-rate and truly individualized…,” she wrote. However, two reviewers gave the facility a one-star rating. While reviewer reported insurance and billing issues, alum Jessica felt the program was disorganized, supporting some other alumni’s opinions. “It's chaotic, I saw people who had been there for months and clearly had made no progress,” reviewer Jessica wrote. </p> <p><strong>FINANCING</strong></p> <p>According to its website, Malibu Vista accepts numerous private insurance policies, including plans from Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Humana.</p> <p><small class="footnote"><a target="_blank" href="#footnote-1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MalibuVista/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/MalibuVista/</a></small><br /> <small class="footnote"><a target="_blank" href="#footnote-2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/malibu-vista-malibu" target="_blank">https://www.yelp.com/biz/malibu-vista-malibu</a></small></p>
— Matthew Berry · 2017-12-13 14:46:03 CST
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