Equine Assisted Therapy
Luxury Rehab in California — Where Healing Meets Dignity
Los Angeles | Orange County | San Diego | San Francisco
Private Suites | Holistic Wellness | Personalized Clinical Care
Experience the Healing Power of Horses Through Equine-Assisted Therapy
At Annandale Behavioral Health, we believe that true healing involves caring for the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. That’s why we’re proud to offer equine-assisted therapy treatment, which is an evidence-based, experiential therapy that allows clients to connect with horses in a calm, supportive environment.
Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy or horse therapy, is a therapeutic approach that uses guided interactions between individuals and horses to promote emotional growth, mental clarity, and behavioral change. Unlike horseback riding lessons, equine therapy focuses on non-riding activities such as grooming, feeding, leading, or simply observing the horse’s behavior — all under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals and trained equine specialists.
This unique form of therapy helps people develop self-awareness, regulate emotions, build confidence, and improve communication skills. Horses are highly intuitive animals that respond to human emotions with honesty and sensitivity. Their natural feedback helps individuals identify internal struggles, practice mindfulness, and build healthy emotional responses.
At Annandale, our equine-assisted therapy program complements traditional modalities such as One-to-One Therapy, Group Psychotherapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
This integration ensures that clients benefit from both clinical structure and experiential healing, creating a more balanced and sustainable recovery experience.
What Makes Equine Therapy Effective?
Equine-assisted therapy is a powerful tool because it engages clients in hands-on, experiential learning that cultivates mindfulness, patience, and emotional awareness. Interacting with horses provides immediate feedback, helping individuals recognize and navigate their emotional responses in real time. Through structured exercises, clients can practice trust, empathy, and healthy communication — skills that naturally carry over into personal relationships, work, and daily life.
Questions? We’d love to talk!
Whether someone is seeking support for addiction recovery, processing trauma, or addressing mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression, equine therapy offers a grounded, non-judgmental environment for self-reflection, emotional regulation, and personal growth. The calm presence of horses encourages clients to slow down, focus on the present moment, and explore feelings safely, making this approach both therapeutic and transformative.
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24/7 Comprehensive Care
Our residential setting provides round-the-clock support, medical detox when needed, and structured days designed to build stability and healthy routines.
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Safe & Supportive Environment
Clients heal in a fully supervised space, free from outside triggers and distractions, ensuring the focus stays on recovery and long-term personal growth.
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More Than Outpatient or Rehab-Only
Unlike outpatient care, our program offers full residential treatment—combining medical support, therapy, and daily structure for lasting results.
How Equine Therapy Supports Mental Health and Recovery
Equine-assisted therapy provides meaningful benefits for individuals facing emotional, behavioral, and substance-related challenges. The unique bond formed with horses encourages clients to:
- Cultivate emotional awareness, patience, and trust
- Build self-confidence and a sense of personal accomplishment
- Enhance communication skills and establish healthy boundaries
- Reduce anxiety, depressive symptoms, and trauma-related stress
- Practice mindfulness and achieve stress relief through time in nature
For those recovering from substance use disorders, including alcohol, opioid, or cannabis addiction, equine therapy often serves as a complementary experience to traditional treatment. Working with horses can trigger emotional breakthroughs, reinforce coping strategies, and support long-term recovery. Many clients report that these sessions deepen their understanding of themselves, strengthen resilience, and make them feel more connected to the healing process.
Who Can Benefit from Equine-Assisted Therapy?
Equine therapy is suitable for adults who are engaged in residential or outpatient treatment and are seeking new ways to process emotions, manage stress, and reconnect with themselves. It is especially effective for those who:
- Are experiencing depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
- Have a history of trauma or are working through co-occurring disorders
- Are in recovery from substance use or detoxification
- Struggle with interpersonal relationships or emotional expression
- Respond best to experiential and mindfulness-based therapies
What to Expect During an Equine Therapy Session
Each equine therapy session is guided by a licensed therapist and an equine professional who ensures safety, structure, and therapeutic engagement. A typical session may include:
- Grounding and Goal-Setting – The therapist and client set intentions for the session based on treatment goals.
- Hands-On Interaction – Activities such as grooming, leading, or working alongside the horse provide insights into trust, patience, and emotional regulation.
- Reflection and Discussion – Clients process their experience with the therapist, drawing parallels between their interactions with the horse and their relationships or emotional patterns.
Sessions are designed to be non-riding, ensuring accessibility and comfort for individuals at any experience level. Through these guided activities, clients experience meaningful progress that complements their ongoing therapy and recovery journey.
Call us for a free confidential consultation
Equine Therapy in Pasadena: A Calming Environment for Growth
Located near Pasadena, our serene environment provides an ideal setting for equine-assisted therapy. This peaceful atmosphere encourages reflection, mindfulness, and connection with nature — all essential elements in mental health and addiction recovery.
By incorporating equine therapy into our Residential Program or Substance Abuse Treatment and Stabilization Program, clients gain access to a well-rounded, evidence-based treatment approach designed for long-term success.
Integrating Equine Therapy with Your Treatment Plan
At Annandale Behavioral Health, equine-assisted therapy is not a standalone treatment but part of a comprehensive, personalized plan that may include:
- Medical Treatment
- Group Psychotherapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Art and Music Therapy
Our integrated care model ensures that each therapeutic experience builds upon the next, creating sustainable progress and lasting emotional resilience.
Aftercare and Continued Growth
Recovery and healing are lifelong processes. Through our Post-Treatment Support Program, clients can continue developing the skills learned in equine therapy and maintain emotional balance beyond treatment. Regular engagement with therapeutic practices — including mindfulness, creative expression, and nature-based therapy — helps prevent relapse and supports overall well-being.
Find Equine Therapy Near You
For those searching online for “equine therapy near me”, our rehab center offers a trusted and compassionate setting for your healing journey. Our holistic approach integrates the emotional depth of equine therapy with leading clinical care to help you achieve meaningful, lasting recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about our equine-assisted therapy program or to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. Let us help you reconnect, heal, and rediscover balance — one step at a time.
Your Journey to Recovery Starts Here!
You deserve care that respects your privacy and supports your healing. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Giorgio Albanese
1 year ago
Annandale helped change my life. The clinical programming helped me tremendously and the house felt like a home. The environment was safe and comfortable. My life has improved significantly and the internal awareness I've gained has followed me into my work, my fellowship, and my marriage. I cannot thank the staff enough for helping me get back on my feet. I will recommend this facility to anyone that comes to me for help.
Chloe Nett
1 year ago
Darryl and Remy are both incredible and run a tight program that is highly ethical. Changed my life!
Larkin Hill
1 year ago
Be wary of one star reviews for treatment centers. There are some vindictive, bitter, angry clients who will blame anyone but themselves; and treatment centers and their staff tend to be a go-to target for abuse and retaliation.
In short, Annandale worked for me.
Short story made long: Like any treatment center, you will get out what you put in though. But a good treatment center will give you all the tools, support and understanding you need. And that is what Annandale provides: a structure and foundation for your success, which you build on once you leave.
All the various treatment center bells, whistles and accoutrements don’t matter without a good staff/therapists on hand to guide and support. Luckily, Annandale has both.
The program itself focuses not only on getting sober/maintaining sobriety, but also on modifying negative thought patterns and the troublesome behavior that arises as a result. They know that you must focus on the problem itself, not just the symptoms, in order to recover. Drinking is a symptom of a deeper rooted issue.
They also offer some unique elements to the program, such as equine therapy and soundbaths. I scoffed initially, but kept an open mind. And guess what? It was a great help. Other groups/activities included yoga, meditation, mindfulness walks, nature walks, art, gardening, etc. They take you to 12 step recovery meetings, but Annandale itself is non-denominational as far as I could gather. Which is a plus in my book.
Great location in Pasadena. Right up the street from the Rose Bowl, where you’ll take walks some days. Other walks go a block or two in the other direction and offer absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of the Rose Bowl, Pasadana and its environs, mountain ranges etc. It’s truly a sight to behold.
The house and its campus are extremely serene and quiet. The house is comfortable, a comfy “home” vibe with people that genuinely care. A special feeling to it. Doesn’t feel like some “facility”.
Private bedrooms with their own flat screen TVs. Almost all have their own private bathroom. You get to place takeout lunch and dinner choices (with a mind towards healthy options from some great restaurants) on the iPad every day (which is included with your stay).
But more than anything, it is the staff that makes or breaks the place. Darryl is the owner and possibly the first person you’ll speak to. a very kind, caring, genuine, astute and just cool guy. Very helpful and personable. I was in a bad way when I initially called and Darryl was an immeasurable help in easing my concerns and providing comfort in a very distressful time in my life. Remy, the on-site nurse, is extremely attentive and understanding. Dr Coe is one of the most brilliant doctors I’ve ever had the pleasure of speaking with—the guy pulled things out that shocked me, things that no doctor-therapist/psychiatrist has been able to reach or decipher in all my years. He gave me a true, unbridled diagnosis of where my issues stemmed from. My wife of 20 years co-signed what he said with a very troubling passion (haha). Said he was spot-on, and he was.
Roxanne is one of the kindest and most lovely people I’ve ever met. The most gentle eyes, emphatic tone — a truly calming presence who offered me immeasurable support so thank you 🙏. Jordan was relatable, friendly and easy to talk to. Very intelligent and understanding of how addiction and sobriety work. Kevin, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Michael, who became a genuine friend and somebody I could always talk to — and was always willing to listen.
Becky, Carrie, Xenia, Alex, Chris and I know I’m missing a few, but really, everyone was great and offered their own unique approach/personality. This place quite literally saved my life. I was on death’s door and couldn’t even walk in my own when I went in. And walked out a “new’ man.
In short, Annandale worked for me.
Short story made long: Like any treatment center, you will get out what you put in though. But a good treatment center will give you all the tools, support and understanding you need. And that is what Annandale provides: a structure and foundation for your success, which you build on once you leave.
All the various treatment center bells, whistles and accoutrements don’t matter without a good staff/therapists on hand to guide and support. Luckily, Annandale has both.
The program itself focuses not only on getting sober/maintaining sobriety, but also on modifying negative thought patterns and the troublesome behavior that arises as a result. They know that you must focus on the problem itself, not just the symptoms, in order to recover. Drinking is a symptom of a deeper rooted issue.
They also offer some unique elements to the program, such as equine therapy and soundbaths. I scoffed initially, but kept an open mind. And guess what? It was a great help. Other groups/activities included yoga, meditation, mindfulness walks, nature walks, art, gardening, etc. They take you to 12 step recovery meetings, but Annandale itself is non-denominational as far as I could gather. Which is a plus in my book.
Great location in Pasadena. Right up the street from the Rose Bowl, where you’ll take walks some days. Other walks go a block or two in the other direction and offer absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of the Rose Bowl, Pasadana and its environs, mountain ranges etc. It’s truly a sight to behold.
The house and its campus are extremely serene and quiet. The house is comfortable, a comfy “home” vibe with people that genuinely care. A special feeling to it. Doesn’t feel like some “facility”.
Private bedrooms with their own flat screen TVs. Almost all have their own private bathroom. You get to place takeout lunch and dinner choices (with a mind towards healthy options from some great restaurants) on the iPad every day (which is included with your stay).
But more than anything, it is the staff that makes or breaks the place. Darryl is the owner and possibly the first person you’ll speak to. a very kind, caring, genuine, astute and just cool guy. Very helpful and personable. I was in a bad way when I initially called and Darryl was an immeasurable help in easing my concerns and providing comfort in a very distressful time in my life. Remy, the on-site nurse, is extremely attentive and understanding. Dr Coe is one of the most brilliant doctors I’ve ever had the pleasure of speaking with—the guy pulled things out that shocked me, things that no doctor-therapist/psychiatrist has been able to reach or decipher in all my years. He gave me a true, unbridled diagnosis of where my issues stemmed from. My wife of 20 years co-signed what he said with a very troubling passion (haha). Said he was spot-on, and he was.
Roxanne is one of the kindest and most lovely people I’ve ever met. The most gentle eyes, emphatic tone — a truly calming presence who offered me immeasurable support so thank you 🙏. Jordan was relatable, friendly and easy to talk to. Very intelligent and understanding of how addiction and sobriety work. Kevin, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Michael, who became a genuine friend and somebody I could always talk to — and was always willing to listen.
Becky, Carrie, Xenia, Alex, Chris and I know I’m missing a few, but really, everyone was great and offered their own unique approach/personality. This place quite literally saved my life. I was on death’s door and couldn’t even walk in my own when I went in. And walked out a “new’ man.
judy hiep
2 years ago
I love this place. I had to check my niece in 2 years ago. It was a difficult time for our family. Remy explained everything step by step and reassured us she will be in good hands. Like most family, this is our first time having to figure things out. The Facility and staff were very sweet and knowledgeable. The place is like a sanctuary. Peaceful, well thought out and comfortable. We are forever thankful what they have done for us, and appreciate everyone on the team.
Zorina Pelant
2 years ago
Remy Olivier is wonderful. She is the Program Director at Annandale. She is caring, conscientious and so knowledgeable. She makes multiple arrangements and was always available to assist with anything that came up. Remy is an RN who has worked in behavioral health for many years and uses her nursing skills and knowledge of addition when dealing with patients. I can’t say enough nice things about her.
Annandale is owned and operated by Remy and her husband Darryl, who has also been working in the field for 30 years. You can expect outstanding clinical care in a program that is family owned.
Annandale is owned and operated by Remy and her husband Darryl, who has also been working in the field for 30 years. You can expect outstanding clinical care in a program that is family owned.
Alan Coe
2 years ago
Fantastic Rehab with intelligent, compassionate, and knowledgeable staff. This is easily the best facility in all of Los Angeles. Remy is the kindest and most supportive person I have ever met.
Samantha Myles
2 years ago
First class medical detox - the level of experience, compassion and care is unmatched. They are a hands-on, genuine team who truly treats their clients like their own family. Brendan and Remy have been a pleasure to work with. I would send my own family members to Elevate Wellness Center.
Morgan Vandewater
3 years ago
Elevate is a wonderful place. Treatment is tailored to each individual and the staff is absolutely wonderful. I would highly recommend this place for residential treatment. It is an incredibly calming and motivating environment to recover in.
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Our Medical & Clinical Treatment Team
Annandale Behavioral Health offers a highly experienced and trained treatment team to help you or your loved one safely detox from substances and design a customized aftercare plan to maintain sobriety. Our comprehensive treatment team includes Case Managers, Individual Therapists, RNs, LVNs, Psychiatrists, and more.
Darryl Olivier
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Remy Olivier, RN
Founder and Program Director
Jennifer Bembry
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
Eric Bembry
Founder and Chief Financial Officer
Tour Our Addiction Treatment Facility
Annandale Behavioral Health is located in a contemporary farmhouse situated on the sprawling grounds in one of Pasadena’s most beloved neighborhoods. This intimate recovery setting has just six beds, allowing for a higher level of care within a safe, supportive treatment environment. The park-like setting features beautiful gardens and an outdoor fireplace that enhances the serene atmosphere.
191052AP
Exp. 07/31/26
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