How Holistic and Integrative Practices Fit Into Treatment
Holistic and integrative practices at Villa are adjunctive to evidence-based clinical care, not a replacement for it. The clinical foundation of treatment is therapy (CBT, DBT, EMDR, prolonged exposure, motivational interviewing), medication management when appropriate, and structured programming across the levels of care. Holistic practices add a complementary layer that supports several outcomes the research literature identifies as important to sustained recovery:
Stress regulation and emotion-management skills
Body-based awareness for clients with trauma histories
Practical tools for managing cravings, sleep, and post-acute symptoms
Mind-body integration that supports the cognitive work of therapy
Values-aligned daily practices that build into long-term recovery routines
This framing matters because complementary practices used as a replacement for evidence-based care can delay treatment and worsen outcomes, particularly for severe substance use or psychiatric crisis. Used alongside evidence-based care, the same practices can improve engagement, reduce relapse risk, and support long-term wellbeing.
Practices Integrated at Villa
Mindfulness-based protocols.
Daily mindfulness sessions and structured protocols including Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) for substance use clients and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for clients with depression or anxiety. These are evidence-based protocols, not generic meditation, with research support for relapse prevention and mood stabilization.
Yoga and movement therapy.
Group yoga sessions adapted for clients in early recovery, including trauma-informed yoga for clients with PTSD or significant trauma history. Movement supports nervous system regulation, sleep, and physical recovery from substance use.
Acupuncture and auricular acupuncture (NADA protocol)
Auricular acupuncture using the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol has research support specifically in addiction treatment, particularly during early recovery and detox phases. Available as a complementary practice alongside medical detox.
Expressive arts therapy.
Art, music, and writing-based sessions that support clients in processing experiences that are difficult to access through verbal therapy alone. Particularly useful for trauma processing alongside EMDR or prolonged exposure.
Nutrition counseling and meal planning.
Substance use significantly affects nutrition and metabolic health; nutrition support is an integrated part of recovery. Sessions cover meal planning, blood sugar regulation, and the relationship between nutrition and mood.
Recreational and Outdoor Programming
Structured recreational time, including outdoor activities at Villa’s Woodland Hills facility, supports physical recovery and the routine-building work that protects against relapse.
These practices are integrated into the daily structure of residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and offered as adjuncts to therapy where appropriate.
Conditions and Presentations Supported by Integrative Practices
Holistic and integrative practices are adjuncts across the conditions Villa treats:
Substance use disorders mindfulness-based relapse prevention, yoga, NADA acupuncture, and nutrition support; see drug addiction treatment and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles
Trauma and PTSD trauma-informed yoga, expressive arts therapy, and body-based work alongside EMDR or prolonged exposure; see PTSD treatment
Depression mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, movement therapy, light therapy where indicated; see depression treatment
Anxiety disorders mindfulness, yoga, and breathing protocols alongside CBT and exposure work; see anxiety treatment
Bipolar disorder routine-building practices that support mood stabilization alongside medication; see bipolar disorder treatment
ADHD movement, mindfulness, and structure-supporting practices alongside medication management and CBT; see adult ADHD treatment
Co-occurring disorders see dual diagnosis treatment for integrated care
How Treatment Works at Villa
Integrative practices are part of the daily structure of treatment, not a separate program. Most clients receive integrative work as part of:
Residential treatment daily mindfulness, yoga, and recreational programming integrated into clinical care
Partial hospitalization (PHP) group mindfulness and skills-based integrative work
Continued Care weekly mindfulness or skills sessions integrated with therapy
Therapy mindfulness and skills work integrated into individual therapy sessions when clinically appropriate
The first appointment runs 90 minutes for full clinical assessment, including discussion of which integrative practices may support the treatment plan based on diagnosis, history, and personal preferences.
Clinicians are licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). Integrative practices are facilitated by certified practitioners (yoga instructors, acupuncturists, expressive arts therapists) trained in working with addiction and mental health populations. Medically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Scott, MD. Founded by Georgia Frabotta, who brings over 23 years of personal recovery experience.
What the research says about integrative practices in recovery
Research on holistic and integrative practices in addiction and mental health recovery is mixed and worth understanding accurately:
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) has strong research support, comparable to or better than 12-step facilitation alone for some substance use outcomes
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has strong research support for relapse prevention in depression
Auricular acupuncture (NADA) has moderate research support specifically in addiction; benefits include reduced anxiety and craving during early recovery
Trauma-informed yoga has emerging research support for PTSD, particularly as adjunctive to evidence-based trauma therapy
Nutrition support has strong research support for physical recovery from substance use, with growing evidence for mood effects
General “holistic” or unstructured complementary practices without specific protocols have weaker research support this is why Villa’s program uses named, evidence-based protocols rather than generic positioning
Holistic and integrative practices work best when used alongside evidence-based clinical care. They are not a substitute for therapy, medication, or medical detox where those are clinically indicated.
Insurance, Cost, and Admissions
Villa Treatment Center is in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross of California, Health Net, and MHN, and works with most other major carriers on an out-of-network basis. Integrative practices are part of the daily programming of residential, PHP, and continued care, so insurance coverage is based on the underlying level of care not separately billed for the integrative components.
Verification takes 15 minutes by phone or 24 hours by online form.
To start: call (818) 639-7160 or use the insurance verification form.
Serving Woodland Hills, the San Fernando Valley, and Greater Los Angeles
Villa’s facility sits on Hood Drive in Woodland Hills, CA, accessible from Calabasas, Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Northridge, West Hills, Canoga Park, Reseda, Van Nuys, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Glendale, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Malibu, and the broader Los Angeles County. Telehealth extends services across California for clients who cannot travel to Woodland Hills; integrative practices including mindfulness work are available in telehealth sessions, while yoga, acupuncture, and on-site groups are in-person at the residential and day-program levels.
Frequently asked questions
What is holistic treatment for addiction?
Holistic and integrative treatment refers to complementary practices mindfulness, yoga, acupuncture, expressive arts, nutrition support that supplement evidence-based clinical care. At Villa, these practices are integrated alongside therapy, medication management, and structured programming. They are adjuncts to clinical treatment, not a replacement for it.
Can holistic treatment replace traditional addiction treatment?
No. Holistic and integrative practices work best alongside evidence-based clinical care therapy, medication management, and medical detox where indicated. Using complementary practices as a replacement for clinical care can delay treatment and worsen outcomes, particularly for severe substance use or psychiatric crisis. Villa’s program uses both together.
What specific practices are offered?
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), trauma-informed yoga, auricular acupuncture (NADA protocol), expressive arts therapy, nutrition counseling, and structured recreational programming. Each practice is matched to the client’s diagnosis and treatment plan.
Is there research support for holistic addiction treatment?
Research is mixed and depends on the specific practice. MBRP and MBCT have strong research support. NADA acupuncture has moderate research support specifically in addiction. Trauma-informed yoga has emerging research for PTSD. Generic “holistic” approaches without specific protocols have weaker research support which is why Villa uses named, evidence-based protocols.
Does insurance cover holistic treatment?
Insurance covers the underlying level of care (residential, PHP, IOP, outpatient) under the behavioral health benefit. Integrative practices are part of daily programming and are not separately billed. Coverage rules vary by carrier; verification takes 15 minutes.
What happens during the first session?
The first appointment is a 90-minute clinical assessment covering diagnosis, history, medication review, and a recommended treatment plan that includes which integrative practices may be supportive. Most clients are scheduled within the same week.
Can I get holistic and traditional addiction treatment together?
Yes. That is the standard approach at Villa. Integrative practices are integrated into the daily structure of treatment alongside therapy, medication management, and clinical programming. The two are designed to work together.
How long does treatment last?
Length varies based on diagnoses, severity, and treatment response. Residential runs 30 to 90 days. PHP runs 2 to 4 weeks. IOP runs 8 to 12 weeks. Outpatient therapy and medication management often continue 6 months to a year or longer. Integrative practices are part of programming throughout each level of care.
Do I need a referral?
No. Most insurance plans do not require a referral for behavioral health services, though some HMO plans do. Call (818) 639-7160 or use the verification form and admissions will confirm during the insurance check.