Gentle Path at The Meadows

Gentle Path is uniquely specialized, founded by Dr. Patrick Carnes, a pioneer in sex addiction treatment. It combines his evidence-based 30-Task Model with the world-renowned Meadows Model for trauma. This, combined with its exclusive focus on men, its Joint Commission accreditation, and its peaceful desert setting, creates a powerful environment for deep, lasting healing that few other centers can offer.

Yes. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) added compulsive sexual behavior disorder as an impulse control disorder to its diagnostic manual. This officially recognized what the treatment field has long understood: sexual addiction is a real disorder characterized by an inability to control intense sexual impulses, leading to negative life consequences. Dr. Patrick Carnes developed diagnostic criteria and a specific treatment program to address this disorder effectively.

Sexual addiction is a disorder involving compulsive engagement in sexual activity despite harmful consequences. It is not a character flaw but a condition marked by compulsivity, obsession, and continuing the behavior even when it harms one's life, relationships, and well-being. It often includes withdrawal symptoms and tolerance related to sexual activity.

Effective treatment requires long-term dedication; there are no "quick fixes." A 45-day (6-week) program is recommended because scientific evidence shows that longer treatment durations lead to better long-term sobriety. It takes more than a few weeks to gain the traction needed to change lifelong beliefs and behaviors rooted in addiction.

We use a comprehensive blend of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR for trauma, equine therapy, group and individual therapy, 12-Step facilitation, expressive/art therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy.

Yes, we understand that sex addiction often goes hand-in-hand with other issues. Our program is designed to provide integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions (like trauma, depression, anxiety) and substance use disorders alongside the primary focus on sexual compulsivity.

Yes, our program utilizes 12-Step facilitation to help build a strong foundation for recovery. There is no mention of SMART Recovery or Celebrate Recovery on their website. Are you the owner? Claim this listing to complete your profile.

The program is not faith-based, but it does incorporate spirituality as a component of healing, particularly within its 12-Step approach, which is adaptable to any individual's spiritual beliefs or lack thereof.

Gentle Path at The Meadows was founded in 2014.

The estimated self-pay cost for the 6-week residential program is approximately $37,000. For those using insurance, the final cost will depend on your specific plan, deductible, and out-of-pocket maximum. Our admissions team can provide a free benefits verification.

Yes, we accept most major PPO insurance plans. We are in-network with TRICARE, Multiplan, and Sana Benefits. As of January 2025, we will also be in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), with nationwide access via the BlueCard Program.

While Gentle Path focuses on behavioral addiction, we recognize that many clients have co-occurring substance use issues. If medical detox is required, our admissions team will coordinate a seamless referral to a nearby Meadows-affiliated detox center before you begin the program here.

Information regarding a specific MAT or Suboxone policy is not found on the website. Please confirm with the admissions team. Are you the owner? Claim this listing to complete your profile.

Our core program is a structured 6-week (45-day) residential stay. This length is clinically recommended to provide the necessary time for meaningful change and skill development.

The living situation is designed to feel like a comfortable home, not a hospital. Most clients share a room with a roommate to foster peer support and combat the isolation that often accompanies addiction. Single occupancy rooms are not guaranteed and are only available on a case-by-case basis if clinically necessary and space permits.

Gentle Path is not a locked facility. However, to maintain a safe, confidential, and focused treatment environment, clients are required to remain on the 35-acre campus for the duration of their stay.

No. To ensure a secure environment and minimize distractions, personal electronic devices like cell phones, laptops, and tablets are not permitted. We have found that patients get the most out of treatment when they can fully disconnect from outside stressors. Very limited, supervised access may be granted by a therapist for essential tasks, but this is rare.

No. Gentle Path at The Meadows is a completely nicotine and tobacco-free campus. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, and all other tobacco products. We offer a supported smoking cessation program with a nicotine taper to help clients manage this transition upon admission.

Bring: Comfortable clothing (jeans, sweats), athletic wear, weatherproof jacket, appropriate swimwear (board shorts), tennis shoes/hiking boots, and toiletries in original containers. You may bring prescribed medications (72-hour supply recommended) and approved, sealed vitamins. A small amount of cash ($200 or less) is also suggested.

Leave at Home: All electronic devices, outside food/drinks, non-recovery reading material, suggestive clothing, hobby materials, weapons, and any medications not in their original, labeled containers.