Founded in 1988, National Therapeutic Services has helped thousands of people initiate the process of recovery, and in doing so, demonstrated that a life filled with joy and purpose was achievable. Built upon a solid 12-step philosophy, National Therapeutic Services has always been mission driven, and at its core embraced proven methodologies to effectively treat alcoholism and drug dependency.

Acquired in 2008 by Paul Alexander the foundational components were in place to begin to take National Therapeutic Services from a primarily Orange County program to one of regional and national prominence. As National Therapeutic Services started to grow it began to be referred to as NTS. Although National Therapeutic Services (NTS) acquired some branding recognition it never truly represented what the company did or what the company was becoming. It was decided a new name was in order. But more importantly it was realized that a re-branding project was more about the culture and less about the name.

Subsequently a cultural shift started to occur at National Therapeutic Services in 2010 when Michael Neatherton left the Betty Ford Center to assume the responsibilities of CEO. In essence a new company was being forged by the passions of the company’s leaders. Senior leaders declared that organizational health would become the most important strategic initiative and that transformational leadership, evidenced by top-down transparency, authenticity, and honesty would be the company norm. As the organization started to embrace the new culture, restated its mission, and articulated the vision, a new nomenclature started to emerge.

There was reference to the Northbound Train. Positive associations to “heading north” were bantered about, and discussions about direction and purpose were frequent. The name was staring us in the face. It just took us a while to realize it.

We’re Northbound!

The Northbound Experience focuses on effectively delivering innovative treatment and treating our clients with respect, grace and dignity. Our brand signifies our own commitment to help our clients find new direction and strength on their road to recovery. Our mission is simple; “To assist our clients in successfully celebrating one year of continuous sobriety. This mission is achieved through unique treatment modalities, individualized treatment plans, graduated Phase Systems, exceptional staff and a strong alumni program. Northbound Treatment Services believes in recovery and most of the staff live in recovery themselves. It is not uncommon at Northbound to see clients with staff outside of the clinical environment, often surfing, sailing or going to 12-step meetings. There is no status quo with the Northbound Experience. The facilities at Northbound are all located in the center of Southern California’s vibrant recovery community, reinforcing our mission at every step.Northbound Treatment Services works with adult men and woman age 18 and up, but separates the men and women throughout their treatment period. Northbound clients become part of the family and are assured a lifelong commitment to their sobriety and well-being.

Philosophy of Treatment

Northbound Treatment Services recognizes alcoholism and drug dependency as a primary, progressive, chronic, and potentially fatal disease, which is centered in the brain, and frequently confounded by co-occurring personal and environmental factors. The disease is characterized by generally predictable stages resulting in bio-psychosocial and spiritual deterioration and negatively impacts the entire family system.

What does all this mean? It means you’re in the right place! It means that when you drink alcohol or use drugs bad things happen in your life. And in spite of these negative consequences you continue to drink and use drugs. Welcome to the insidious cycle of addiction. And we’re experts at interrupting this cycle.

The Northbound treatment program is designed along a proven continuum of care intended to address the individual needs of each client as they move through the specific treatment phases. Starting with detox, each phase builds upon the other, and encompasses a variety of biological, social, spiritual, and psychological interventions constructed to support the client’s entry into early recovery.

At the heart of the Northbound treatment approach is group therapy which is a highly recognized tool for growth and change and extremely effective in working with addicted individuals. In group, clients learn from each other, realize they’re neither unique nor alone, benefit from multiple perspectives, and acquire new interpersonal skills that they can use in everyday life.

In addition, clients will benefit from our gender specific, holistic approach to treating this disease, which includes an inter-disciplinary treatment team consisting of physicians/psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, therapists, case managers, family counselors, and client advocates. These professionals work in concert with other to assure the most effective plan of care is in place for each client.

At Northbound Treatment Services we know that treatment is just a beginning in what hopefully will be a life-time of recovery. We embrace the philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous, believe in the power of the 12-steps to assist in transforming lives, encourage connection through sponsorship, require 12-step meeting attendance, and demonstrate that there is fun to be found in sobriety.