Montare Behavioral Health at the Canyon - Malibu, California

Lindsay M.

Montare is one of the best facilities for mental health and addiction recovery I’ve ever been to! From the program director, therapists, and medical staff to the techs, housekeeping, and chef - each staff member goes above and beyond to ensure each individual has a safe, therapeutic environment that sets them up for success. The groups and group facilitators were top notch with various topics ranging from dance and movement therapy to discussing a TED talk on the brain and everything in between. The actual facility is like an oasis or paradise, going on frequent outings to the beach or Malibu canyon to hike made the patients feel like human beings. I would personally recommend Montare to ANY family or friend who may need help with their mental health and/or substance use. Lots of healing happens at Montare!!!

Sarah W.

I spent 75 days at Montare. The staff are wonderful people who genuinely care about the clients. The house feels like home. The group leaders are knowledgeable and strive to make the groups interesting. The therapy is next level. My therapists were Hannah and Tristan, two amazing humans! I can’t say enough about this place! Missing my Montare family.

Chaya M.

I came to Montare at the Canyon in Malibu completely broken. Deep trauma had consumed my life, and I had hit rock bottom. After waking from a three-day coma following a serious suicide attempt, I felt hopeless. I was angry, convinced nothing could change, and just wanted to be dead. The pain was too great.

But from the moment I arrived, I knew this place was different.

It wasn’t just the beautiful, scenic surroundings or the clean, comfortable facility. It was the way everyone looked at me—not with pity, but with understanding. Every staff member truly cared. They greeted me with warmth and compassion, without judgment, even on my hardest days. I felt welcomed in a way I never had before.

The environment itself became part of my healing. Mornings in the Malibu sun, sitting on the front step in nature as Mathew, the phenomenal case manager, checked in with me, became a small but powerful and grounding ritual. The temple in the garden provided a sense of clarity and connection I hadn’t felt anywhere else.

Therapy was intense but real. For the first time, I felt truly seen. Hannah and Tristan listened—not just to my words, but to what I couldn’t say. They never pushed me too soon but didn’t let me stay stuck either. We did the hard work, sat in discomfort, and found freedom through it.

Group therapy terrified me at first. I was shut down, unable to speak, but hearing others share their struggles showed me I wasn’t alone. That acceptance was powerful.

Beyond traditional therapy, the holistic and experiential approaches made all the difference. Art therapy challenged my perfectionism and helped me let go. Yoga with Julia, mindfulness, sound baths, expressive drama, and acupuncture all contributed to my healing in ways I never expected.

But some of my biggest breakthroughs happened in equine therapy. Sophie, the therapy horse, taught me how to trust, be vulnerable, and set boundaries. She helped me understand that touch—something I once feared—could be safe and healing. Most of all, she showed me that I am loved and capable of love in return.

The staff at Montare are exceptional. Ian and Audrey supported me through my darkest moments. Paige and Melanie, far more than program directors, poured their hearts into every client. It was like they were putting all the pieces of me back together, one by one. The nurses were always there, day or night, with kindness and care.

The evening techs—Reicher, Rowan, Billie, Lisa, and so many more—became my lifeline. Nightimes being my hardest hours, they would sit with endless patience offering unconditional love and understanding.

I wasn’t just a patient — I was a person.

And the other residents? They became family. We shared our pain, our victories, and laughter, supporting each other in ways I never imagined. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel alone. It was a community - a safe place to heal.

Leaving was scary, but they prepared me. They gave me tools to handle triggers and ensured I had a solid aftercare plan. Recovery isn’t easy, and I’m not "cured," whatever that means, but I am stronger, more self-aware, and filled with a renewed sense of hope. I’m living again—not just surviving.

If you’re struggling with PTSD and feel lost, I can’t recommend Montare enough. It didn’t "fix" me—healing isn’t that simple—but it gave me the tools, support, and hope I so desperately needed.

If you’re wondering if it’s worth it—take the leap. I’m so grateful I did. It’s not a quick fix, but it’s a place that truly prioritizes mental health. A safe space where you can rediscover yourself. A place where you can begin to heal.

Leaving was bittersweet, but I walked away with something I hadn’t felt in a long time: a sense of possibility.

Montare made a profound difference in my life, and I am forever grateful. If you need a place that truly cares, Montare at the Canyon is where your healing journey can begin.

Kristy K.

I cannot express enough words to describe the love and care I received at Montare in Malibu. Prior to arriving , I truly felt like I was mentally and physically shutting down. Once I arrived I felt tremendous care, love and support from the entire staff. Each day my schedule was coordinated for me, from one on one therapy sessions and group therapy sessions. The therapists are truly amazing. In between those sessions they also had creative expression group one day, and session with Terri, which was both amazing. Yoga classes were scheduled daily, and a sound bath session, which was very relaxing. Each week we had an art group, which was so much fun. I had never experience equine therapy and wow, the horses were so therapeutic. I then looked forward to ending my week with Accupuncture, and it felt great! Chef Kay makes the most delicious meals, and you can tell she prepares the meals with love in her heart for the clients. The staff plays board games with you, watch movies and goes on walks with you in the canyon. More importantly they laughed with me and were there for me when I was not at my best. Always giving words of encouragement. I miss my Montare Malibu family and the friends I made there. I graduated and now get to be part of the Montare Alumni!
To everyone at Montare Malibu…all of you have helped Change my life, on my mental health journey. I am so blessed to have spent five weeks with at the most amazing place. You loved me when I didn’t know how to love myself, you helped show me my self worth and so much more. Forever grateful!

Big hugs to you all!
KK
🤗

ChillinDillonn

My stay at Montare has been so great. It has been like a home away from home. There is a great balance of therapy and rest. Everyone is easy going and helpful. I can say great things about so many staff members but I want to give a special shout out to Gabriel who always went above and beyond to help me feel comfortable. I loved that they let me have my video games during leisure and that I could vape. This is the best program I have been to and would recommend it to anyone that needs support.

ari K.

Montare, specifically the Malibu Canyon location, is a truly special place. It is a luxurious place to rest and heal. There is a great balance of holistic practices along with traditional western therapy. I spent a lot of time in the beautiful hot tub or creating art when I wasn’t in group. They offered lots of information and processing groups along with sound baths, nutrition, music therapy, and more during my time there. Besides the residential treatment, they offer an aftercare program for alumni led by a wonderful mentor who genuinely cares to build meaningful connection (shout out to Lynne!) Years later and I’m still in touch with the community. So grateful to have had the opportunity to stay here, not once but twice. I recommend Montare to all my loved ones. Everyone deserves the treatment and care offered here.

Tobin A.

Montare was the best treatment center I’ve ever been to! I have been to others and this one is better and genuinely more than what I could have ever asked for. The therapists, the staff, and the overall support I got was incredible. I would recommend Montare to anyone who is looking for a residential treatment center because you will get amazing support here.

Katherine M.

This community literally saved my life. The staff at the canyon from the director, clinicians, to the daily staff are some of the finest psychiatric health providers that I have had the pleasure to to meet. I worked in healthcare for 14 years and absolutely recommend seeking treatment at the Canyon. The people who were also in treatment with me had a myriad of issues which were all addressed professionally and with skillful kindness. Beyond the staff, I was able to heal by gaining relationships with the other people in treatment with me. The beauty of the canyon is itself healing, but there is so much there beyond the physical buildings and environment, if you need help... Go to Montare at the Canyon.