Substance dependency strikes indiscriminately, impacting individuals from every corner of society. However, the elite face unique pressures that often heighten their vulnerability to addiction. In these circles, where maintaining a certain image and upholding family legacies are paramount, the struggle with substance abuse can be particularly silent and profound. Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa steps into this niche, offering a refuge for those needing specialized, discreet care. Combining luxury with a holistic, evidence-based approach, Carrara sets a new standard for addiction treatment, ensuring that even the most discerning clients receive the support and healing they deserve.
Photography by David C. Lee
@davidcleephotography
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Richard Taite is a celebrated entrepreneur and visionary leader in addiction treatment. Taite’s journey began with the founding of Cliffside Malibu, a boutique luxury rehab that grew into the world’s premiere addiction treatment facility under his stewardship. From his early years, Taite’s life was marred by adversity. Growing up in a difficult family, he faced the challenge of protecting his brother Todd, who suffered from severe mental illness, from their physically abusive father.
Despite these hardships, Taite graduated from UCLA with a Political Science and Public Law degree, intending to become a lawyer. However, the demons from his past led him down a dark path, culminating in a severe crack cocaine addiction. His recovery journey began in earnest on March 3, 2003, and using seed money from his medical bill collection and consulting company, he purchased a property in Malibu, initially transforming it into a sober living facility for men.
Taite’s approach to addiction treatment was revolutionary. He integrated holistic, evidence-based treatment protocols with intense one-on-one psychotherapy, physical activity, and rejuvenation. This comprehensive, personalized approach, coupled with his philosophy that “the world would be a better place if everybody could make a living helping people,” laid the foundation for his success.
In June 2018, Taite sold Cliffside Malibu, marking the end of a significant chapter in his life. However, his commitment to helping others did not wane. After a five-year hiatus due to a non-compete agreement, Taite returned with Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa, a facility that he describes as “the first true ultra luxury center… ever.”
Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa distinguishes itself by offering more than just sobriety. It caters to the nuanced needs of its clientele, understanding that the journey into addiction is personal and often complicated by societal pressures. The treatments at Carrara are meticulously designed to address not only substance dependency but also the psychological and emotional catalysts behind it.
The center has three estates, two atop the world famous Bird’s streets in the Hollywood Hills, and one located in Malibu on Broad Beach Road, one of the most sought after strips of beach front, all of which provide an environment of unparalleled luxury and privacy. Each estate features six private rooms with en suite bathrooms, individually temperature-controlled settings and TV’s, a juice and smoothie bar, and amenities akin to those found in five-star hotels. Carrara’s Malibu home offers private stairs directly to the beach, a sprawling sundeck with whitewater views, a hot tub overlooking the ocean, 2 spa treatment rooms, a fabulous gym, multiple lounging and dining areas, an outdoor kitchen, and firepit. And of course both have a world class spa designed by the renowned director of the Ojai Valley Inn, a top 100 spa in the nation. The Hollywood Hills location boasts additional amenities such as 3 pools, 2 Jacuzzis, panoramic city views, a eucalyptus steam room, an infrared and regular sauna, and a movie theater.
Carrara’s holistic approach encompasses physical health, mental well-being, and lifestyle adjustments. The center offers a range of holistic healing experiences, including meditation, aromatherapy, acupuncture, trauma-informed yoga, chiropractic care, sound baths, breathwork, and reiki. Medical care is comprehensive, with 24-hour nurses, medication management, pain management, psychologists, therapists, addiction specialists, and medical doctors available.
One of the standout features of Carrara is its Somatic Trauma Therapy, which helps clients process and release trauma from the body. This therapy is part of a broader treatment framework designed to meet the high expectations of Carrara’s discerning clientele, ensuring that the path to recovery is as dignified as it is effective.
Richard Taite’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that self-care is the foundation of self-esteem and self-love. He states, “I have yet to witness a person who loved himself while simultaneously killing himself with drugs and alcohol… It just doesn’t happen.” This belief permeates every aspect of Carrara’s treatment approach.
Taite’s commitment to his clients extends beyond their initial treatment. Carrara offers ongoing support, recognizing the continuum of recovery. Post-treatment services such as continued therapy, case management, and individualized resources ensure that clients feel supported as they reintegrate into their evolved roles and routines.
In interviews, Taite often reflects on the importance of providing a supportive and loving environment for clients. He believes that shame is a significant barrier to recovery and works to create a space where clients feel valued and understood. “Everybody comes into treatment with a certain element of shame,” he says. “We just tell them, ‘Hey, this is your turn. We’ll get you back on track.'”
Richard Taite’s insights into addiction treatment are profound and illuminating, reflecting his deep understanding of both the personal and societal dimensions of substance dependency and here he shares his perspective on the best approach to treating addiction problems before it’s too late.
Richard Taite: The dangers associated with modern substance use have never been higher, particularly due to the prevalence of fentanyl. With the fentanyl epidemic running rampant and killing 200 people per day, we’re out of time. The current drug landscape has rendered the old attitudes toward experimentation obsolete. The stakes are now higher than ever, and the window for casual experimentation has closed. This urgency underscores Carrara’s mission to provide immediate, effective intervention for those at risk.
Richard Taite: My commitment to creating a personalized, luxurious treatment environment at Carrara is evident in my dedication to comfort and convenience. Carrara was literally built for me because I am the most spoiled person on the face of the earth. This focus on personalization ensures that each client’s experience is tailored to their unique needs, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment. By providing a familiar level of luxury and comfort, clients are more likely to engage fully with the treatment process.
Richard Taite: Understanding the varied motivations of individuals entering treatment is crucial for effective care. Only about 50% of the people coming to treatment are truly seeking help. The other 50% are here to get the heat off. Despite this, even those who are initially resistant can find success if they are provided with the right environment and support. Just recently a client who had been to roughly 25 rehabs without ever staying longer than 3 days completed 30 days at Carrara and continues to thrive afterwards, demonstrating the transformative power of our approach.
Richard Taite: Carrara’s comprehensive wellness program is designed to foster self-care, which I see as foundational to recovery. We have a spa where you can get wraps, scrubs, facials, foot detox, mani-pedis, reiki, massage, and an entire menu of services. This extensive array of treatments is not just about pampering; it’s about instilling a sense of self-worth and care in clients. Self-care leads to self-esteem, which turns into self-love—a crucial component in overcoming addiction. This philosophy is integrated into every aspect of Carrara’s treatment program, from the luxurious accommodations to the individualized therapy sessions.
All of Carrara’s doctors and therapists have over 10 thousand hours treatment experience, most have over 20 thousand hours experience. What makes us really special is that all 120 employees were hired by invitation only because it was critical that we find the finest practitioners in substance abuse treatment. We spend more time discussing as a clinical team which of our therapists fit best with each client than any center spends with clients alone. Thirty employees left Cliffside to be a part of Carrara when it opened.
Richard Taite: My vision for Carrara extends beyond the immediate treatment phase. The importance of ongoing support to ensure long-term success cannot be overstated. When you’re here, you’re part of our DNA. We offer ongoing support, and if you hit a rough patch, you just come back. No shame, no nothing. You’re part of this thing now. This commitment to lifelong support helps clients maintain their sobriety and continue to grow and thrive after leaving the facility. Our comprehensive post-treatment services, including continued therapy and case management, ensure that clients are not left to navigate their recovery alone. We can even send you home with a sober companion or sober coach to titrate you back to life so that all good habits learned at Carrara continue back at home.
Richard Taite: Being attuned to our clients’ needs, and meeting these needs before they even know they have a need is critical to our approach to addiction treatment. A supportive, compassionate environment is essential for recovery. I call it a love call. It’s about creating a culture of love, empathy, and respect. We don’t just treat people here; we care for them. We are emotionally invested in our clients’ well-being. This philosophy is reflected in the way Carrara staff interact with clients, providing a nurturing environment where clients feel safe and valued. By fostering genuine connections and offering unwavering support, Carrara helps clients rebuild their lives on a foundation of love and respect.
Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa has quickly established itself as a leader in luxury addiction treatment. The center’s commitment to providing the finest care, tailored precisely to the circumstances of each client, has set a new standard in the industry. With a focus on holistic healing and ongoing support, Carrara offers a transformative experience that honors the lives clients have crafted while fostering a journey towards balance and fulfillment.
Taite’s philanthropic endeavors are also noteworthy, as he continues to provide treatment to wounded warriors and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds in his affordable centers that will be scaled to treat as many people as he can. Carrara however will never have more than 18 beds.
Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa represents the pinnacle of luxury addiction treatment, offering a sanctuary where clients can heal in privacy and comfort. Under the visionary leadership of Richard Taite, Carrara is not just a treatment center but a place where lives are transformed, and hope is restored. Carrara is truly “One of One” and is the only choice for people who insist on the finest possible experience during a difficult time.
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