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Medically Reviewed Content
Updated: October 2026
Sources: SAMHSA, NIDA

Equine-Assisted Therapy Programs

Equine-assisted therapy involves guided interactions with horses to promote emotional growth, self-awareness, communication skills, and trust-building in addiction recovery. Horses provide non-judgmental feedback and opportunities for healing.

Found 300 treatment centers offering equine therapy across the United States.

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1 Method
Los Angeles, CA

1 Method in Los Angeles, CA offers residential detoxification and short-term and long-term residential substance use treatment, with programs for veterans and active duty military. Buprenorphine and naltrexone are used in treatment. TRICARE, private insurance, self-pay, and a sliding fee scale are accepted.

1 Method
Los Angeles, CA

1 Method Center in Los Angeles, California provides residential detoxification plus short-term and long-term residential substance use treatment for young adults, adults, and seniors, with programs for veterans and active duty military. Buprenorphine and naltrexone are used in treatment. Payment options include TRICARE, private insurance, and a sliding fee scale.

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Nestled in Warren, AR, the 10th District Substance Abuse Program delivers extensive support for individuals battling substance use. Their offerings include structured intensive outpatient services, day treatment, and partial hospitalization. Employing strategies like 12-step integration, anger management, and brief intervention, the center accommodates adult men and women, even those facing dual diagnoses of mental health and substance use challenges. The program also provides supportive housing and sober living environments for adults and young adults. With dedicated tracks for male and female participants, this center is committed to delivering exceptional care and personalized recovery pathways.

10th Street Comprehensive Treatment Ce

Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone support outpatient detox and opioid treatment at this Milwaukee, WI, clinic operated by Milwaukee Health Services System LLC. A program for pregnant and postpartum women is offered alongside care for co-occurring disorders. Medicare, Medicaid, and state-financed plans are accepted, with Spanish-language services.

12 South Recovery
Lake Forest, CA

12 South Recovery in Lake Forest, CA delivers outpatient day treatment, intensive outpatient, and medication-based care with buprenorphine and naltrexone. Programs serve veterans, military families, pregnant women, forensic clients, and people with HIV or trauma histories. TRICARE, tribal funds, private insurance, and state-financed plans are accepted.

1st Step Referral Services

1st Step Referral Services in Ann Arbor, MI, provides accessible outpatient care for adults and youth struggling with addiction and dual diagnoses. Their therapeutic offerings encompass anger management, preventative interventions, and cognitive behavioral therapy. This center is equipped to serve specific populations, including military personnel, teenagers, and adult males. Catering to adults and older individuals of any gender, 1st Step Referral Services is committed to delivering personalized support designed for a wide range of requirements. The dedication to high-quality, customized treatment options positions 1st Step Referral Services as a leading provider for individuals in pursuit of recovery from substance abuse and mental health challenges.

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Operating as Trost Health New Jersey, this Freehold, New Jersey center provides intensive and regular outpatient substance use treatment with naltrexone used in care. It treats adults with co-occurring mental health disorders and serves young adults, women, men, and older adults. Private health insurance is accepted.

2118 NUWAY Counseling Center

Situated in Minneapolis, MN, the 2118 NUWAY Counseling Center specializes in treating substance use disorders in adults facing significant mental health challenges, as well as emotional issues in children. The center features intensive outpatient and standard outpatient services that employ proven methods like 12-step support, anger management, and short-term interventions. Customized programs cater to adult men, adult women, and individuals who have encountered trauma. This facility serves adults and young adults across all genders, providing tailored support to aid individuals in their recovery journey. Committed to excellence and specialized care, the 2118 NUWAY Counseling Center stands as a guiding light for those in need of effective rehabilitation solutions.

215 Health LLC
Levittown, PA

Operating as Hillside Wellness Center in Levittown, PA, this facility offers short-term and long-term residential substance use treatment for adults with co-occurring serious mental illness. Programming covers pregnant and postpartum women, trauma survivors, and domestic violence survivors, with buprenorphine and naltrexone available. Payment is through private insurance or self-pay.

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Framingham, MA

228 COE House, located in Framingham, MA, provides extended residential care for adults facing substance use challenges alongside serious mental health concerns, as well as addressing significant emotional disturbances in children. The center emphasizes a variety of therapeutic approaches, including 12-step programs, brief interventions, and cognitive behavioral methods, ensuring a personalized path to recovery. Tailored initiatives are available for adult women, those who have encountered domestic violence or trauma, and individuals across all ages, from seniors to young adults. Dedicated to maintaining a secure and nurturing atmosphere, 228 COE House focuses on delivering exceptional treatment specifically designed for female clients through an all-encompassing rehabilitation program.

2nd Chance
Lexington, KY

Outpatient addiction treatment with buprenorphine or naltrexone, including an intensive outpatient track, is provided by 2nd Chance in Lexington, Kentucky. The program treats young adults, adults, and seniors. Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and self-payment are accepted forms of payment.

2nd Chance Mental Health Center

2nd Chance Mental Health Center, located in Port Saint Lucie, FL, offers both intensive outpatient and outpatient services aimed at helping adults and children deal with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. The center specializes in supporting clients with dual diagnoses through tailored programs. Utilizing a variety of evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, anger management, and brief interventions, this facility is committed to providing high-quality care. Catering to individuals of all genders, including young adults, 2nd Chance Mental Health Center is focused on guiding people on their journey to recovery. For those seeking holistic treatment that addresses both addiction and mental health issues, this center is dedicated to assisting you in achieving wellness.

2nd Chance Treatment Center

2nd Chance Treatment Center, located in Gilbert, AZ, provides a wide range of outpatient services aimed at helping individuals recover from substance use disorders alongside mental health issues. The center emphasizes techniques such as brief intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. Programs are specifically designed for various groups, including active duty service members, adolescents, and adult males. Personalized treatment strategies are crafted for adults, children or adolescents, and young adults, with programs tailored for different genders. The center offers services like detoxification, outpatient treatment for substance use, and medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. Discover compassionate and effective support at 2nd Chance Treatment Center.

2nd Chance Treatment Center
Litchfield Park, AZ

2nd Chance Treatment Center in Litchfield Park, AZ, provides extensive outpatient care for those pursuing freedom from addiction. Their expertise includes detox, addiction treatment, and addressing co-occurring mental health issues in adults, alongside emotional challenges in younger individuals. Employing techniques like motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, and counseling for substance use disorders, they craft personalized recovery paths. With dedicated programs for active military, teens, and adult men, 2nd Chance Treatment Center serves a wide spectrum of clients. They welcome adults and youth of all genders, committed to delivering excellent support and care throughout the sobriety process.

2nd Chance Treatment Center

2nd Chance Treatment Center in Phoenix, AZ, provides extensive outpatient care for those pursuing freedom from addiction and related mental health challenges. The center features tailored programs for current military members, teenagers, and adult men, welcoming adults and young adults of any gender. Employing proven techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, the center is committed to delivering superior support customized for each person's unique journey. Offering services from detox to ongoing outpatient care and medication-assisted treatment (methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone), 2nd Chance Treatment Center is devoted to guiding clients toward enduring recovery and overall well-being.

3Rs NUWAY Counseling Center

Situated in Minneapolis, MN, the 3Rs NUWAY Counseling Center specializes in thorough substance use rehabilitation along with focused support for those grappling with significant mental health challenges or emotional issues. The center features both intensive outpatient and outpatient treatment options, employing methods like 12-step facilitation, anger management, and short intervention techniques. Custom programs are designed for adult males, adult females, and individuals who have faced trauma. Catering to adults and young adults of all genders, this center prioritizes providing exceptional, personalized care aimed at fostering recovery and promoting sustainable wellness.

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Baltimore, MD

4 2 Restore LLC, situated in Baltimore, MD, specializes in providing rehabilitation services tailored for adult men facing challenges with substance use disorders. The center offers various treatment options, including long-term and short-term residential programs, along with transitional housing, all supported by continuous care around the clock. The therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices such as 12-step facilitation, brief interventions, and cognitive behavioral therapy to deliver holistic support. Focusing on the specific requirements of adult men and seniors, this center is committed to delivering personalized and high-quality care. 4 2 Restore LLC is devoted to assisting clients in achieving sustainable recovery outcomes.

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Windsor Mill, MD

4 2 Restore LLC, located in Windsor Mill, MD, delivers thorough recovery support for adults and older individuals facing addiction and concurrent mental health challenges. The center offers inpatient medical detox and comprehensive treatment, featuring tailored care for adult men, adult women, and those with dual diagnoses. Their methods incorporate anger management techniques, short-term counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy for a complete healing experience. Prioritizing excellent service and personalized care strategies, 4 2 Restore LLC serves both male and female patients, committed to aiding their path to sustained sobriety and psychological health.

406 Recovery
Bozeman, MT

Outpatient detoxification and treatment with buprenorphine and naltrexone are provided by 406 Recovery in Bozeman, Montana, including care for adults with co-occurring serious mental illness. Programs serve adult women and men and clients with trauma histories. Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and federal government funding are accepted.

409 Addiction Treatment Inc

Regular and intensive outpatient substance use treatment is offered in Abilene, Kansas, by 409 Addiction Treatment Inc for young adults, adults, and seniors. Federal government funding and Medicaid are accepted alongside cash or self-payment, and a sliding fee scale adjusts charges based on income and other factors.

449 Recovery
Mission Viejo, CA

Situated in Mission Viejo, California, 449 Recovery is dedicated to providing tailored substance abuse treatment for adults facing significant mental health challenges or emotional issues in children. This center features intensive outpatient programs, day treatment services, and partial hospitalization options. Emphasizing approaches such as 12-step support, anger management, and brief interventions, it serves both men and women, including clients who have undergone intimate partner or domestic violence. With a commitment to delivering personalized care, this facility offers a supportive atmosphere for adults and adolescents pursuing holistic rehabilitation solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is equine therapy for addiction?
Equine therapy (also called equine-assisted therapy or equine-assisted psychotherapy) involves guided interactions with horses to promote emotional growth, self-awareness, and healing in addiction recovery. Licensed therapists and horse professionals facilitate activities where participants care for, groom, lead, and interact with horses. Horses' responses provide immediate, non-judgmental feedback about emotions and behaviors.
How do horses help with addiction recovery?
Horses are prey animals highly attuned to emotional states and non-verbal cues. They mirror human emotions and respond to incongruence between words and feelings. This provides powerful feedback about authenticity, emotional regulation, boundaries, and communication. Working with horses builds trust, confidence, responsibility, patience, and emotional awareness - all crucial for recovery. The experience is often profound and transformative.
Do I need horse experience for equine therapy?
No experience with horses is required. Equine therapy typically occurs on the ground without riding. Activities focus on interaction, care, and exercises designed to address therapeutic goals. Professional horse handlers ensure safety and teach necessary skills. Many participants initially feel nervous around horses, which itself becomes therapeutic - learning to manage fear, ask for help, and build confidence through gradual exposure.
What happens during equine therapy sessions?
Sessions might involve grooming horses (calming, meditative), leading horses through obstacles (trust, boundaries, communication), liberty exercises (allowing horse to choose whether to connect), or ground exercises addressing specific therapeutic themes. Therapists process experiences afterward, exploring metaphors and insights applicable to recovery. Sessions occur individually or in groups, typically outdoors in peaceful settings.
Is equine therapy effective for addiction?
Research shows promising results, though equine therapy is newer than established evidence-based treatments. Benefits include reduced anxiety and depression, improved emotional regulation, increased self-efficacy, better interpersonal skills, and trauma processing. Equine therapy works well integrated into comprehensive treatment programs alongside traditional therapies. Many find the experiential, nature-based approach uniquely powerful, especially when verbal therapy feels limiting or ineffective.

About Equine Therapy

Equine-assisted therapy (also called equine-assisted psychotherapy or equine-facilitated therapy) involves guided interactions with horses to promote emotional growth, self-awareness, and healing in addiction recovery. Facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and equine specialists working together, this experiential approach provides unique opportunities for insight, trust-building, and personal transformation.

Why Horses?

Horses are large, powerful prey animals with highly developed social awareness and sensitivity to emotional states. They respond authentically to human emotions and energy, providing immediate, honest feedback without judgment or hidden agendas. Horses mirror human emotional states, react to incongruence between words and feelings, and respond to genuine, calm presence. This makes them powerful partners in therapeutic work.

Therapeutic Activities

Equine therapy sessions might include:

  • Grooming and Care: Calming, meditative activities building relationship and responsibility
  • Leading Exercises: Navigating obstacles together, practicing boundaries and clear communication
  • Liberty Work: Allowing horse to choose whether to connect, exploring themes of trust and relationship
  • Ground Exercises: Activities addressing specific therapeutic goals like teamwork, patience, or emotional awareness
  • Observation and Reflection: Discussing experiences and insights applicable to recovery

What Equine Therapy Addresses

Working with horses helps develop trust (essential for recovery relationships), set healthy boundaries, communicate authentically, regulate emotions, build confidence and self-efficacy, practice responsibility and consistency, develop patience and present-moment awareness, and process trauma in experiential rather than purely verbal ways. Metaphors from horse interactions apply directly to recovery challenges and relationships.

No Horse Experience Needed

Equine therapy typically occurs on the ground without riding. No previous horse experience is required or expected. Professional equine specialists ensure safety, teach necessary skills, and work alongside therapists. Initial nervousness around horses often becomes therapeutic itself - learning to manage fear, ask for support, and build confidence through gradual exposure and successful interactions.

Integration in Treatment Programs

Equine therapy works best integrated into comprehensive treatment programs alongside traditional therapies like CBT, individual counseling, group therapy, and other evidence-based approaches. The experiential, outdoor, nature-based format provides balance to office-based talk therapy. Many find equine therapy uniquely powerful for accessing emotions and insights difficult to reach through conversation alone.

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Medically Reviewed Updated October 2026

Reviewed by licensed addiction specialists. Information reflects current clinical guidance.

Sources:SAMHSA·NIDA·CDC

Need immediate help? Call SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357 (24/7, free)