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.
Need Help Finding the Right Treatment Center?
Speak with a compassionate specialist now - 100% free & confidential
Showing 6 of 300 equine therapy treatment centers
Suburban Health Clinic, situated in Toms River, NJ, provides a wide range of rehabilitation services designed for both adults and young adults. The facility specializes in detoxification and treatment for substance use disorders while also addressing the unique needs of individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health issues. With an emphasis on intensive outpatient care and various outpatient options, Suburban Health Clinic employs evidence-based practices, including 12-step facilitation and anger management techniques. The center offers specialized programs that serve adult men and women, as well as those with co-occurring disorders. Moreover, it provides outpatient options for methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone treatment, ensuring that care is customized to meet each person's specific situation and requirements.
Stress Care of New Jersey LLC, based in Matawan, NJ, provides focused rehabilitation services designed to support adults facing substance use challenges alongside serious co-occurring mental health concerns, as well as children dealing with emotional disturbances. The center offers a variety of programs, including intensive outpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization options, which are customized to meet the distinct needs of each individual. Emphasizing strategies such as anger management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing, the facility extends its services to active duty military members, adolescents, and adult men. With a commitment to accommodating both male and female clients, Stress Care of New Jersey LLC is dedicated to a comprehensive approach that fosters recovery for both adults and children/adolescents.
Situated in Paterson, New Jersey, Straight and Narrow Inc provides an extensive range of addiction treatment programs specifically designed for adult women. The center offers long-term residential care, detoxification services, and around-the-clock residential support. Employing methods such as 12-step facilitation, anger management, and brief interventions, the facility focuses on addressing substance use disorders alongside co-occurring mental health challenges in adults. Additionally, it supports children experiencing serious emotional disturbances. Notably, the programs are tailored to meet the needs of adult women, including those who are survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual abuse. With a commitment to serving adults, young adults, and seniors, Straight and Narrow Inc is recognized for its quality care and specialized focus on women's services.
Stable Community Services, located in Burlington, NJ, provides a wide array of treatment options designed specifically for individuals facing substance use disorders alongside co-occurring mental health challenges. This facility features intensive outpatient programs, as well as outpatient care, and offers specialized treatment for those with dual diagnoses. Emphasizing methodologies such as 12-step facilitation, anger management, and cognitive behavioral therapy, the center customizes its approach to accommodate the specific needs of both adults and children/adolescents. In addition to therapeutic programs, Stable Community Services also presents transitional housing and sober living arrangements, fostering a supportive atmosphere for male and female clients who are actively seeking recovery. Through its dedication to delivering quality care, this facility serves as a valuable resource for those embarking on their healing journey.
Step Inc, situated in Sewaren, NJ, provides a wide range of substance use treatment options tailored for adults, including individuals facing significant mental health challenges alongside their substance use issues. The center's offerings encompass intensive outpatient, outpatient, and regular outpatient treatment programs, allowing for flexibility based on individual needs. Among the specialized methods utilized are 12-step facilitation, anger management, and brief intervention, which are designed to address the diverse requirements of those seeking help. In addition to its general services, Step Inc features targeted programs for specific populations, including active duty military members, adolescents, and adult men. The facility serves a broad demographic, including adults, seniors, and young adults across all genders, ensuring that each person receives personalized attention and support throughout their recovery journey.
Suburban Health Clinic, situated in Union, NJ, provides targeted substance use treatment for both adults and young adults who are also experiencing co-occurring mental health disorders. The clinic offers a range of treatment options, including intensive outpatient and outpatient programs, as well as specific therapies such as methadone and buprenorphine treatments. Emphasizing practices such as 12-step facilitation, anger management, and brief intervention strategies, the center is equipped to support both male and female clients. With a particular focus on individuals dealing with dual diagnoses, Suburban Health Clinic aims to deliver thorough care tailored to the unique needs of those facing complex challenges in their recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Equine therapy resources: