Live Oaks Wellness

Thank you Live Oaks Wellness. When I received the phone call in the middle of the night that my college aged daughter was hospitalized for alcohol poisoning. I didn’t know where to turn. Live Oaks Wellness came highly recommended from three sources, including a trusted family friend. Who also had a loved one go through the program successfully. Their staff quickly responded in managing the transition for getting my daughter into their exceptional inpatient program. She had a great experience and she has been sober and doing great since. Couldn’t have done it without the phenomenal team at Live Oaks Wellness. Thank you very much. Highly recommended!

Our son has been struggling with addiction for several years. He chose to go to rehab 9 months ago and found four months of sobriety but then relapsed thus starting a relapse/rehab cycle. He has been in 7 different programs during this time. At each program they would give him new and more meds, to the point he was barely able to stay awake or fully engage in conversation. I would tell everyone possible that his meds needed adjusting but it only seemed to get worse. Finally, after his 5th relapse in 3 months, he ended up at Live Oaks. Right away their clinical team recognized that his meds were ‘ridiculous and negligent’. For the first time since our son started his recovery journey we actually were able to talk to someone from the medical team. Tim, the onsite RN spoke with us at length several times and iterated his determination to get our son set on a better path. This included connecting him with a psychiatrist who is now the only person who can alter Logan’s meds. When our son got to LO he was in a spiral and 4 days later chose to leave LO on his own and promptly relapsed. After only 15 hours away he chose to return. He stayed for another week, but during this short time Jacob, Tim, Marcelo and the techs bent over backwards to support him. Jacob was up most of the night engaging with Logan during his relapse. I’m certain that is why he chose to return. Logan has ultimately chose to go to an SLE/PHP program down in Encinitas, Immersive, and seems to be thriving there. This choice was at the recommendation of Jacob who knows the program well. All of the team, including Tim the RN who flew down to San Diego with Logan, have been instrumental in helping Logan transition to his new environment. I cannot thank the team at LO enough for the support, expertise and dedication to our son. We’ve experienced several programs and Live Oaks was by far the most instrumental in helping our son, even though he was only there for a short time. My husband and I are forever grateful for their care, compassion and professionalism! If you are looking for a recovery program for yourself or a loved one—start here! I wish we would have!

What an unbelievable miracle Live Oaks Wellness Center has been in our family’s life. From the very beginning, Marcelo Nazarian — the Director of Admissions and Clinical Outreach — went above and beyond to support us. Even before my child entered their care, Marcelo personally spoke with him to offer reassurance and compassion, and a thoughtful, structured plan was already in place. Throughout the past year, Marcelo has continued to stand by our side, showing a level of commitment and care that is truly rare. Jake was equally incredible — always available, always listening, and always willing to connect with any of us in the family. His ability to support not just our son but all of us made a lasting impact. Our son made real progress at Live Oaks, and a full year later, we were able to work with the team to develop a thoughtful transition plan. Even now, long after his time there, Marcelo continues to check in — or picks up the phone when I need someone to talk to. That level of care and ongoing connection is something I’ve never seen before. Addiction that begins in the early teen years is incredibly complex, and the road to recovery is never straightforward. While our roller coaster has not ended, I can honestly say I don’t know where I’d be without Marcelo and Jake Tedesco. Their compassion, consistency, and willingness to show up day after day — even when things were hard — made all the difference. They truly are a safe pair of hands and make you feel a little less alone. There are no words that fully capture our gratitude. Live Oaks gave us hope when we needed it most — and for that, we are forever thankful.

I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible program Live Oaks Wellness offered me… the incredible staff, therapist, and the amazing people I met while I was there has changed my life, FOREVER! Before walking through the doors I had no idea what to expect, this was my first time in treatment. I was scared but was immediately able to completely surrender with the warm welcome by ALL. They made sure I felt at home, but most Importantly made me feel safe and comfortable through the entire program. They not only offer a VERY comfortable detox (which was my biggest worry) but they offer SOOO MUCH MORE… A spacious, clean & cozy house with a swimming pool, basketball court, huge backyard incredible therapy, private chef, outings, private workouts, art therapy, AA/NA meetings, the list goes on! If you are someone who is struggling with addiction and YOU’RE in need of help, don’t hesitate 🙏🏽 Live Oaks Wellness is your first step in your/our journey to becoming FREE again.

TL;DR: Live Oaks Wellness is a life-changing rehab center that supported me through two of the most difficult times in my life. My first stay taught me invaluable lessons, and after a relapse, my second stay solidified my recovery and led to a profound spiritual awakening. The compassionate staff, beautiful location, and evolving programs helped me rediscover purpose and regain control of my life. I owe them everything for helping me become a new person. Live Oaks Wellness is one of the best rehab centers in California. Jack and the team were there for me when my life was hanging by a thread, guiding me through some of the darkest moments of my life. I went twice—once to start my journey and again after a relapse—but not because they didn’t do their job. It took me two stays to confront the deeper issues I wasn’t ready to face. Here’s a detailed account of both visits: First Stay: I was terrified when I first went to rehab. My marriage was on the brink, and I was completely lost. Arriving at Live Oaks Wellness in Novato, California, was a relief. The facility, set on a beautiful private property with serene hills, a peaceful garden, a basketball court, and a swimming pool, felt like a haven. The staff welcomed me with care and compassion. Tim, the head of medical, became a trusted friend, guiding me through detox and beyond. My private room was like a hotel suite—comfortable and equipped with everything I needed to unwind. Once detox was over, I joined the other five residents. With only six people at a time, the experience was intimate. The facility had endless snacks, entertainment, and a huge TV to relax with. The daily schedule was full of therapy, physical activities, and support meetings. Each day started with a check-in and ended with reflection, keeping me grounded. The relationships I formed were unforgettable. The residents are carefully screened, ensuring a positive environment. After 30 days, I felt transformed, and they helped set me up with aftercare to continue my recovery. Second Stay: After 265 days sober, my life fell apart. My wife and I lost our second baby, and hours later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. I relapsed, and the next two months were a nightmare. My wife helped me reconnect with Jack, and I re-entered Live Oaks. The relapse wasn’t the program’s fault but my failure to maintain the practices I learned. Returning was the wake-up call I needed. The second stay was even better than the first. The program had expanded with new therapies and in-person meetings. Frequent outings to the ocean and nature walks helped me reconnect with the world. It was a game-changer after Zoom meetings in my first stay. This time, I experienced a profound spiritual awakening and discovered a higher purpose I never knew existed. I don’t see my relapse as failure but as part of my journey. Live Oaks helped me become a better, stronger version of myself. Live Oaks is more than just rehab. It’s a place where lives are rebuilt, and people rediscover their strength. If you're considering treatment, I can’t recommend them enough.

Live Oaks Wellness was a life-changing program for me. Having tried to kick my habits on my own and failed many times, professional treatment/detox was needed. The staff welcomed clients with open arms and hearts, ready to help in any way they can. They were knowledgeable and kind to each individual. The smaller setting of only 6 clients at a time was less intimidating to first-time treatment goers like myself, and made the detox process comfortable with private rooms (and your own TV), a swimming pool, on-site chef, basketball court and communal living space filled with healthy snacks and drinks for clients. They offered fitness classes with a wonderful instructor, nutrition classes, somatic therapy, and took clients to AA meetings 2x/week, making the sober way of life appealing and easy to implement in your life once discharged. I truly cannot thank the staff and program enough for the care provided during one of the most difficult times of my life.

I was admitted to Live Oaks Wellness in the beginning of 11/2023 in really bad shape from my alcoholism and was immediately impressed by the kindness and care the staff provided me. This was my 6th detox/rehab in 2yrs and it was be far my best experience. I can’t say enough good things about the owner, Jack, the staff, the chef and the house/ living arrangements. Recovery program is top notch also. Thanks Live Oaks, you saved my life! Gregg

Well furnished facility with an experienced and knowledgeable professional team.