The Oaks at La Paloma
It makes my heart smile to tell you about The Oaks at La Paloma recovery center. The facility is tucked in the quaint, historic part of Memphis, TN called Midtown. The main building is a renovated hospital where my mother used to work and where I used to play, as a young child, in the courtyard. To see this place restored to its former glory and knowing it is being used to help good people get their lives back on track really tugs at the heart strings and gives me a renewed faith in humanity.
La Paloma is part of a network of recovery centers and outpatient programs called Foundations Recovery Network. Alisha Osborne Jones is one of the main people there that can get you where you need to go. Alisha works diligently to help those in search of recovery to be placed in an environment that is tailored specifically to the individuals’ needs. No one is ever turned away for any reason.
Alisha Osborne Jones was very excited to have my family and I tour La Paloma. This was my first real tour of a recovery center and I was amazed and astounded. I have visited another facility with my Shelby, I won’t name names, but the facility I visited in the past was a far cry from the retreat style setting of The Oaks at La Paloma.
This amazing facility’s campus has 10 beautifully landscaped acres. It is a soothing and serene place for a person who needs help to hit the reset button on life. Apparently La Paloma is the only recovery center of its kind in Tennessee, as well as one of the very few in the US. So many amenities and recreational opportunities for everyone, it is a refreshing change from what people often think about treatment facilities. To meet each person’s personal addiction needs, the staff is trained in the Foundations Recovery Network model of treatment.
One of the many things that stood out most to me, upon my visit, was the fact that they serve fresh, healthy organic meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Another wonderful aspect of La Paloma was the art room that is run by Carol Ricosa, M.S., Community Coordinator. After assessment, clients are encouraged to come once a week to work on an art project, usually a painted rock, during their recovery process. At the end of their stay, the rock is displayed somewhere on the grounds or in the facility. There were so many colorful and beautiful painted rocks; my family and I were extremely moved. Still another important part of the place is the outdoor activities. There is a rock climbing wall as well as other out door adventure challenges, trails to explore and quiet serene places to sit and meditate. In fact, group sessions are often held outdoors, weather permitting. Most group sessions are held somewhere other than a cold clinical like room.
Everyone that comes through the door at La Paloma is treated like family. They are given the love and respect that one needs in starting the journey to recovery. An awesome and important part of La Paloma is that clients are assessed and treated for their co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders with the amazing clinical services and well planned education. La Paloma offers a safe haven for nurturing and healing to those on the road to a sober and stable life.
Here is a list of specialized programs:
Integrated treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and psychological trauma
Medically managed detox
Partial hospitalization program
Intervention assistance, sober escort and travel support services
Active alumni program and nationwide Heroes in Recovery community
Comprehensive addiction assessment and psychiatric evaluation
Physician-directed medication management
Motivational Enhancement Therapy using stages-of-change approach
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma resolution
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Relapse prevention and continuing care planning for long-term success
Family program offering monthly intensive psycho educational and experiential sessions
Holistic options: a mind-body-spirit approach to treating co-occurring addiction and mental health issues by formulating an individualized plan that may include holistic therapies, such as meditation, acupuncture, massage, non-addictive medication and mindfulness practices
Other great features include:
Daily meditation and quiet time
Healthy and delicious meals prepared by the executive chef
Abundant leisure and recreational activities, including a ropes course, basketball and volleyball courts and weight room
La Paloma is part of a network of recovery centers and outpatient programs called Foundations Recovery Network. I will be covering the amazing options available through Foundations in a near-future blog post.
To say I was impressed with The Oaks at La Paloma is an understatement. The gorgeous campus is beautiful, clean and full of friendly, experienced staff that is ready, willing and able to help those in need of a new lease on life. La Paloma is a place rich with southern charm and hospitality as well as treatment options to get anyone in need of treatment back in the game of life. They can and will give their clients the tools to succeed.
If you or someone you love is in need of treatment, Alisha Osborne Jones will personally get you where you need to go. Please call her any time, day or night, at (901) 493-1637. Alisha is extremely committed in fighting and ending addiction, especially the opioid addiction and overdose epidemic.
The Oaks at La Paloma
2009 Lamar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38114
Foundations Recovery Network
Alisha Osborne Jones
(901) 493-1637
