Set in a luxurious, tropical residence in the mountain highlands of Panama, Serenity Vista provides low-cost luxury substance abuse treatment. Established by a small expat community of Canadians and Americans, Serenity Vista offers 45, 60 and 90-day residential treatment programs to those from all over the world.
Accommodations and Food
With room for three to four adult guests, Serenity Vista offers treatment in a very remote, peaceful, home-like environment. Guests have the choice between shared rooms with one other, or private rooms with en suite bathrooms, depending upon occupancy. They are permitted to take walks in the lush gardens and surrounding areas alone.
Meals are prepared by a private chef and eaten communally. They consist of locally grown and sourced fresh produce. Breakfast usually consists of a fruit smoothie, eggs, fruit, bread and muesli, alongside Latin American specialties.
Treatment and Staff
Guests arrive at Serenity Vista from all around the globe. The treatment plans are highly individualized and staff works closely to ensure treatment goals are met. The environment is trusting, guests are allowed some autonomy in moving around alone outdoors, but are asked to return for specific commitments. The average stay is 45 days, but may be as long as 90. Medically monitored detox is not available, and dual diagnosis support only comes through therapy, no psychiatric medication management is available on-site.
A typical day starts with a morning walk around the neighborhood, followed by 12-step meetings at the local clubhouse. The rest of the day is consumed by group sessions and individual therapy. Group therapy focuses on spiritual exploration, integrity, relationships and the four agreements. Optional sessions include art therapy, drama therapy and exercises designed to build a healthy self-esteem. Evenings are available for assignments, movies, or playing with the dog.
Licensed therapists and psychologists lead all the sessions at Serenity Vista.
Extras
Each Tuesday spa day and clients enjoy massages, yoga, as well as time in the pool, hot tub and gym. Meditation on the grounds is also highly encouraged. Weekends include a light schedule of meetings, time for work on assignments and recreational activities in the tropical rainforests.
Codependency recovery, nicotine cessation assistance and sailing are all offered in addition to the outlined program. Guests participate in individual counseling as well as focused process groups to combat these issues.
In Summary
Serenity Vista offers economical treatment in a luxurious environment. Cost varies and is determined by length of stay, and private rooms, but all guests enjoy the benefits of a small, home-like environment. The staff are dedicated and there long-term, which means they can offer the full benefits of the local neighborhoods and culture. A highly structured environment allows guests to build a strong basis for 12-step and therapy-based recovery, which they can carry back to their home countries. Many guests keep in touch and return for visits, updating the staff on their life’s progress and recovery.
Serenity Vista Location
15100 Jaramillo Arriba, Boquete
Chiriqui Province, Republic of Panama
Serenity Vista Cost
$17,820 (45 days). Reach Serenity Vista by phone at (786) 245-4067 or by email at info@serenityvista.com. Find Serenity Vista on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube
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Photo courtesy of Inzay20 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons (resized and cropped)
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.
