The Basics
Wen Chi Chien, a Master’s-level LPC, founded Zen Institute, an alternative outpatient substance abuse and addiction treatment facility in 2012. Chien is the creator of Inner Twin Therapy, a treatment modality incorporated in Zen Institute’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Inner Twin Therapy is used for the treatment of trauma, addiction and co-occurring disorders. Zen Institute operates out of two facilities in Arizona, one in Scottsdale and one in Tucson. Besides IOP, Zen Institute also offers an aftercare program.
Treatment and Staff
Sessions take place in rooms uniquely decorated with Asian-style furniture, vintage chairs, dried flower arrangements and bamboo rugs. The Zen Institute’s IOP is 30 days and requires a 12 hour commitment per week. On a weekly basis, clients spend six hours in individual therapy and the other six hours in a group setting.
Each group session utilizes evidence-based modalities, such as CBT, or DBT, as well as Taoism, an Eastern philosophy. Individual therapy focuses on using EMDR and inner twin therapy. Inner Twin Therapy encourages clients to connect with their “inner twins” or authentic selves. Chien created this therapy for clients who have a hard time surrendering to a Higher Power. Mindfulness and meditation are also incorporated during therapy. Besides therapy, clients are assigned reading and writing assignments. Each Zen Institute location works with no more than eight clients at a time. While a 12-step approach is not used, there is one AA meeting offered on Wednesday evenings on the Scottsdale premises.
Besides Chien, the staff of the Zen Institute includes a president who has been in recovery for over 30 years, three Master’s-level social workers and several MFTs. Zen Institute accepts insurance carriers such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Out-of-pocket 30-day cost for IOP at Scottsdale is $4,850 while the Tucson 30-day cost is $6,500.
Extras
The open-ended Aftercare program includes one session per week, followed by two sessions per month, and finally one session on a monthly basis indefinitely. Residents at Taste of Peace, a sober living facility in Tucson, attend IOP treatment at Zen Institute.
In Summary
While Zen Institute says that they treat substance abuse and addiction, this is a truly unique program. Its combination of Eastern and Western modalities caters to those with co-occurring disorders. Clients looking to build a foundation for long-term sobriety might consider attending recovery support group meetings in conjunction with this program. However, for those seeking an alternative approach to addiction treatment and the option of a safe sober living environment in conjunction with IOP, this is the perfect fit.
Zen Institute Tucson
5210 East Pima Street Suite 11
Tucson, AZ 85712
Zen Institute Scottsdale
14362 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Zen Institute Cost: $4,850-$6,500 (30 days). Reach Zen Institute by phone at (877) 777-6007 or by email. Find Zen Institute on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+
Do you have a complaint or review of Zen Institute to add? Use the comments area below to add your Zen Institute review.
Photo courtesy of PsychologyToday
Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
