Heritage Treatment Foundation

An hour away from Montreal, Heritage Treatment Foundation is a residential treatment center specializing in a non-12-Step approach. They use a combination of evidence-based treatments focused on psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and alternative therapies to address the client’s addiction and contributing mental health issues. Heritage places an emphasis on positive psychology in their clients’ schedules. They believe that recovery is a process of reinventing oneself as a happier, sober, stronger person, and this is why positive psychology is so vital in this process. Heritage accepts only 12 clients at a time so more attention can be given to each client. Some of the evidence-based therapies they offer include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), rational emotive behavioural therapy (REBT), psychodynamic therapy, and cognitive bias modification therapy, all with a focus on individual and group psychotherapy. If the client’s conditions warrant it, medication-assisted treatment can be provided. Heritage has on-site detox and an aftercare program with strong alumni support through weekly meetings.

Heritage’s comfortable cottage home promotes relaxation for their clients’ healing process. The bedrooms are air-conditioned and equipped with high speed internet and a television. Some of the alternative therapies offered include yoga, meditation, massage, acupuncture, stress management, art therapy, tai-chi, rituals, and more. Heritage additionally has a wide variety of fun activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, golfing, fishing, geo-trekking, zip-lining, boating, bowling, camping, gardening, local excursions, photography, pottery, and art therapy. Heritage understands that nutrition is important in the recovery process, so their nutritionist, Professor Louise Thibault, a Professor of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at McGill University in Montreal, helps create meal plans using fresh, local, and sustainable foods. They can also accommodate the needs of individuals with specific dietary requirements, including diabetic, vegan, vegetarian, lactose-intolerance, and allergies.