Capo by the Sea – Capistrano Beach

My wife and I wanted to beat alcohol together in a comfortable environment. We did not like some of what we read on the web so we called and got real references! We’re celebrating one year of recovery this week, and are… so grateful for Capo and our alumni support group…

If you’re ready to get your life back, this is the best place in the world to do it. It was here I got the help I needed, the tools to go home with it. There is no magic wand… you have to do the work! If anyone can help… you do that, it is the wonderful staff at CAPO. To them and God I will be forever grateful. 4 years and counting!

Wonderful communication while I was asking questions and choosing whether or not to come to Capo by the Sea. Everything was exactly what was described, and then some. I came in late in the evening and Lucas helped me… get situated to the beautiful home and by the next day I had met the owner, John, and he made feel very welcomed and comfortable. The property is terrific, and the staff is even more special. Wonderful one-on-one therapy, excellent food, great atmosphere, spotless and spacious home, and an extremely comfortable atmosphere. Getting the help that I need is as important to them as it is to me. I am having a great experience and I can’t thank Capo enough for everything they do!

I was at Capo By The Sea over a year ago, and I have been sober ever since. I am incredibly grateful for my experience there. From the moment I arrived, I was treated with respect, dignity, and genuine care by both the… owner and the entire staff. Nikki, who did my intake, was especially compassionate. She truly cared about me as a person and about my sobriety, and that meant more to me than I can put into words. I never felt judged—only supported and encouraged. This company was everything they promised and more. Capo By The Sea is perfectly geared toward working professionals who still need to take phone calls and continue working while focusing on their recovery, which made a huge difference for me. The location near the beach was absolutely beautiful and incredibly calming, and the Christian-based foundation provided strong spiritual support that helped guide my healing. Capo By The Sea played a major role in changing my life for the better. I am forever thankful for the care, structure, and honesty they provided, and I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking recovery in a supportive, professional, and compassionate environment.

Such a great place it's clean and the staff of knowledgeable and friendly they have some amazing people that work with you and what a great area to recover in. Very nameste the surroundings and peaceful to write your… journal thoughts and stay positive

Wrapping up a one month stay at Capo By The Sea and figured I'd leave a review in hopes to be helpful to others considering treatment here (or elsewhere). Some background... I've struggled with substance use disorder /… alcoholism for much of teen and adult life and have pursued sobriety over the past three years, primarily through AA back home in Boston. I relapsed in May after a 9 month run of sobriety... during the 7 months from May through December, things got worse, not better, and I felt like I couldn't figure out how to get back on track on my own. I've long resisted the suggestion to attend inpatient rehab, primarily out of fear from completely disconnecting from my professional life (I run a professional services firm and feel I need to be reachable for emergencies, etc.). Once I found out there were rehabs that allowed phone access (which I hadn't considered), I decided to get over myself and pull the trigger by the time I turned 40, which I did during my first full day at Capo. Life at Capo: Peers (the other clients): Feel like I hit the jackpot here. I've been surrounded by other sharp, successful individuals who struggle in similar ways. Lots of diverse life experiences, incredibly kind and interesting people, universally supportive and serious in their pursuit of recovery. >> 10/10 Staff (therapists, technicians, support staff): Another jackpot. The program is supported by a large staff, most of whom have been with Capo for a long stretch. They work cohesively, skillfully, and have our best interests at heart. I couldn't be more thankful fore the environment they've created. I've never eaten better, and I feel like I'm walking away with tools and insights that help me sustain my recovery post-Capo. There's a good mix of group therapy, individual therapy, and alternative modalities (breath work, yoga, massage, etc.). Like with the clients, diverse life experience, incredibly and interesting people, universally skillfully and supportive in what how they approach their work. >> 10/10 Other Stuff: I've enjoyed being exposed to what I would call "the greater Capo community." I've enjoyed the outside AA meetings in the evening, attending Capo Church on Sunday mornings (always followed by a group brunch at The Brig in Dana Point Harbor), and taking walks around our neighborhood / down to Capistrano Beach. I haven't attended church much as an adult (raised Catholic), but I've found the Capo Church (which is not directly associated with Capo By The Sea) to be a cool place with great music. Attendance is optional, but it's been a great overall Sunday morning routine for me. >> 10/10 Other Other Stuff: John, the founder of Capo By The Sea, seems like an incredibly compassionate guy. He's certainly built what I would consider to be a heck of an operation. We get to know him directly as he runs our 7:30am gratitude meeting each day, and he also treats folks to brunch on Sunday morning after church (if you decide to go). I think the culture and staff of any business tend to be a reflection of leadership, and I couldn't be more impressed or thankful for what John has built. I consider it a real blessing that I found my way to Capo By The Sea. >> 10/10 The Weather: I thought it was supposed to be sunny in Southern California? We've actually had a few days of rain during my stay. It would be cooler if the weather were 70 and sunny every day, not just most days. Sure beats Boston winters tho! Jokes aside, I've found Dana Point to be the perfect place to rest and recover before heading back home to the Northeast. >> 9.5/10

What an amazing experience! The staff and John made my stay here the most peaceful and healing time. I would recommend this treatment center to anyone, it’s a dual diagnosis program and meets every need you have. The… food is wonderful and all the clients are so kind. I’ll never forget this experience to sobriety. Thanks Capo by the sea 💖

Capo by the Sea is the best rehab ever! I came here for alcohol addiction with my guy, and also for couples therapy... and we feel 1,000 times better. San Juan Capistrano is a stunning town with a Mediterranean Santa… Barbara feel to it. The group therapy is daily from 10-2:30 and thorough, the one on one therapists truly care about healing your mind and emotions, and the staff are all amazing! We go to an AA meeting in the mornings, hosted by my new golf partner, John. He always sets the day with a magical park meeting. You have the option to end the night with a local AA meeting also. Not to mention we have all access to our phones and computers to keep working and stay in touch with loved ones. I stayed at the "montecito house" and the accommodations are lovely and very comfortable. Sundays are spent all day in free time, and the local beaches and restaurants are amazing! Capo saved my life and my relationship and I am truly forever grateful to this wonderful program & rehab. Not to mention I got a hole in one at Bella Collina golf course during my stay here and John took us all out on his awesome boat for a SOBER OCEAN ADVENTURE!

Capo by the sea. This place is amazing.!! The people here are wonderful from the chef to the clinical team to the massage therapy and the breath works staff. It is top-notch. Not to mention it is right by the ocean. The… houses are clean and comfortable. I could not recommend this place more. you will not be disappointed if you stay at one of the four properties at Capo by the sea. The owner John is amazing. He leads the morning meeting with his dog. ocean front view in Dana point/san clemente. The dogs are therapy at this facility also. they have the best clinical team. They have massage therapy, Acupuncture, sound therapy, meditation. So many tools to help you get well. The technicians that work there care about your well-being. Chelsea will greet you with the best breakfast every morning. I can't say enough positive things about Capo by the Sea!

These people and staff are some of the most caring and kind people ever. I struck a friendship with chef Pablo. He checks on with me from time to time. That aside, he's a fantastic Chef! More importantly, a good man.… I'm leaving people out, but Chelsea and Kimberly are amazing human beings. I cherish my ongoing relationship with Chef Pablo. He cares

After decades of trying to get sober, I took myself to Capo by the Sea. Through the support and insight of the caring staff, therapists, and my fellow housemates, this well thought out, holistic, and immersive program… gave this 72 year old woman a renewed sense of hope. Along with the therapy (group plus individual) there are a number of amenities; wonderful food prepared by Chef Pablo, massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, and Saturday excursions, as well as free time every afternoon where you are encouraged to walk, go to the gym or just relax and watch a show. Just to drop a few names of people that stand out from my time at Capo; Chelsea, Chris, Ryan, Nikki, Destiny, Lucas, Therapists Kim, Cassie, Dr. Fraser, and Jack. But honestly, all the people that work there are genuine in their concern for your well-being. The environment at Capo is a safe haven that gives one the ability to see how recovery can lead to a better way of living without the use of drugs or alcohol. If you are willing to take advantage of all they have to offer, their program will help you understand that if you do the work, you will reap the benefits of a clean and sober life.

Capo by the Sea is a beautiful recovery program that offers a holistic approach towards addiction. With a diverse clinical team (specialties, gender & age), compassionate and communicative on site staff, activities… including yoga, meditation, and acupuncture, Capo offers a unique experience that provides a variety of beneficial life tools in a safe place to encourage the success of their clients. There is an authentic and professional mission that is an obviously important to maintain, from the time you walk through the door to when you exit the program that extends to your journey into the real world. You leave knowing that the support continues and the resources can be called upon in the future. Myself, my family and friends are forever grateful!

What a truly amazing place that honesty cares about everyone. The NAD May seem expensive it is so worth it within just my first session started feel the difference again. I highly highly highly recommend this amazing… center modalities that they offer! Thanks, John.!!!!!!!!

The doctors are on call. If you have a bad withdrawal or experience any other mental issues you will be thrown into the ER which will result in more money than the rehab. There are no refunds when you pay upfront so… even if they decide you aren’t a good fit for their facility after they enroll you , the money is non refundable. Look at history and reviews from 7-10 years ago and seek elsewhere. Do the research!! The place is not for someone that seriously needs help.

I recently stayed at Capo by the Sea (“Capo”) for 30 days due to alcoholism which has become very severe over the last 2+ years. During that time I have been through over 10 rehab/detox programs in 4 different states.… Previously each time I would either stay only through detox or make it through detox and leave shortly after entering the rehab part of the program, never making it even close to a full 30 days. The reason for leaving varied but typically was for one of the following reasons: other patients, facilities, staffing, lack of freedom/mobility and/or access to electronics. Unlike prior detox/rehab programs, Capo checked all the boxes for me. My first search criteria was finding a place that allowed me to bring my puppies which Capo does. Being able to spend time with them when I was not in group truly made a huge difference for me and wasn’t something I had previously considered with past programs. With respect to the other reasons noted above, Capo also excelled above other programs. Electronics (phone, iPad, laptop, etc.) are allowed at all times unless you give them a valid reason to restrict use which I didn’t see during my stay. I think this is an often overlooked item, but it was always a big issue for me. As a working professional it is almost impossible to effectively monitor both work and personal responsibilities that may arise when you don’t have, or have very limited, access to emails for 30, 60 or 90+ days. In addition, after accomplishing certain milestones you may have the ability to take a ride share to places such as the grocery store (excellent food is already provided but some individuals wanted other options as well), gym or to get a haircut. The other patients that were in my groups were also largely all very intelligent working professionals around my age and I was able to benefit from their experiences in dealing with addiction in ways that I couldn’t at prior programs. The staff is also great across the board. I enjoyed getting the chance to know many of them and learning from their prior experiences. The staff was always responsive to any requests that I had and were extremely helpful in helping me get through the program. Lastly the facilities were some of the best I have experienced. The multiple houses are all very nice and upscale. The house I stayed in (Montecito) had a large fenced in back yard which was perfect for my puppies. The main house, which is where you will go to attend the daily meetings, is only a couple blocks from the ocean so it was nice being able to walk to the park overlooking the ocean during breaks. I hope this information is helpful. I would highly recommend Capo for anyone seeking treatment for alcohol or drug abuse.

I need a pet friendly rehab.. All's I've got is drugs and my dog.. I'm a visually impaired addict with a little dog.. I've yet to find anywhere and my dogs the last thing I can't and won't leave behind or give up on.

My Capo journey started when I began researching places that would allow me to have my phone so I could be in contact with my husband during pandemic restrictions, and Capo was one of the places that came up. My husband… and I called, and immediately felt like this was the right place for me/us. I’m an alcoholic, and my husband is a “normie.” Although, my recovery was the main focus, Capo was incredibly inclusive of him, even better than the simple phone calls we were hoping for, they allowed him to visit me, join in on meetings/groups at times, and offered us couples counseling. Capo understands that Alcoholism is a family disease that affects everyone in the home, and they encouraged us both to get support and help we needed. Aside from our relationship, I knew I truly wanted to be sober, for myself, not just my husband and family. After having decided that, Capo was able to help me the rest of the way. The only thing I needed to do was to come in with honesty, openness, and willingness, and Capo provided all the tools I needed while I was there, and to prep me for when I left. This rehab went above and beyond. The morning meetings everyday, sharing what we’re grateful for, the one-on-one therapy, groups, meals being cooked and provided, encouragement to go out and try outside meetings (such as celebrate recovery, and the bridge), they really tried to provide a variety of ways to help each individual with their recovery. Did I feel like going all the time? No, but did Capo always try to give me the best experience, and work with whatever emotions I was feeling? Yes. They encouraged me to stay in rehab for 90 days, and I’m so glad I did. They discussed with me and sent statistics on sobriety success for people who stay in treatment longer. I felt encouraged to stay because they had my best interest in mind, not because they were money hungry. I really believe Capo has built a team that cares about helping people. Several of the staff members are in recovery themselves, and truly want to perpetuate a sense of worth and new life in others after having experienced first hand what its like to stand in front of the gates of hell. The entire staff was incredible, there’s too many names of wonderful people to list. They were so helpful, and willing to talk whenever I had questions, or issues, whether they be positive or negative.The people who work at Capo really walk the walk, by being of service to their clients. They provided me with respect, empathy, and showed interest in me as an individual. I have high hopes, that with the help of my higher power, and my recovery community, I will never have to come back to Capo as a client, and can come back as a visitor. However, if I should ever relapse and need treatment again, I would without hesitation, go back to Capo By the Sea. Forever Grateful, Spencer Jade

Capo is amazing and saved my life. It's like gaining a family, you don't just pay, go, leave, and never hear from them again. So get sober, a having a community is crucial. Few rehab centers can provide that.… Residential is wonderful too, you don't feel like you're in a hospital. Got to go with my husband, and my dog! The only rehab I've heard of where that's possible. It's like being at home. The only downside is you'll find yourself missing it after you leave.

This place is amazing. Best gift I ever gave myself. All the highly trained staff made my road to recovery the most wonderful experience I could have ever imagined. Rachel does an amazing job at coordinating and seeing… to it that everyone's counseling needs are met with numerous opportunities with a variety of councilors. I felt VERY cared for. It was refreshing. It never felt like a "program", we did life together, were close knit as a group, and everyone from the house techs, the drivers, and the leaders played an important role in our lives each day. I will never be able to thank them enough for input they had in my life while there CAPO. Thank-You!!!

The therapist and the counselors are amazing along with all of the office staff. Everyone truly cares for you and is willing to go out of their way to help you in any way they can. These are some of the best people I’ve… ever met in my life. I would recommend Capo by the Sea to anyone who is in need of therapy or counseling.The facility is nice and clean and the house I stayed in was beautiful. The food is so good, I miss that place already. There are not enough good things I could say about this place. This place is amazing, you will not regret going there.

This is by far the best rehab in the United States.

Capo by the Sea saved my mom’s life.

Got approved through my insurance, once I inquired about being transgender was told they are not very well equipped with managing that type of clientele. Then immediately received a text stating that my insurance was… out of network after being told it was in network and would be covered 100% and to look for another center. Was also told over the phone why did I want to get out of my PHP to come there after stating I was transgender! Very unprofessional and change of tone after telling them this information. Felt very discriminated against, I do not recommend this place if you have a heart for all people as they do not!

It was an incredible experience, not just for me but also for my husband, if I may speak on his behalf. We went there all the way across the country from NY. The place was beautiful and situated in a great neighborhood… in Capistrano. The staff members became like family and they treated us with complete care and compassion. Their model for recovery is unique in that they don’t make one feel as if they’re bad or damaged, but with hope. And we never felt locked down, since after we detoxed we could go for a stroll around the neighborhood. The wonderful part for me was that I could cook my favorite recipes, and I loved doing it for the other 4 people in the house. Then we sat down to dinner and enjoyed and talked about anything. We usually discussed movies we’d watched or plans for a game night...Family Feud was my pick of games, we laughed a lot and got to know one another in the process. The therapists were incredibly professional and kind. And if you don’t feel comfortable with one you can switch to another. My favorites were Terry and Federico. My husband hadn’t realized he had developed a drinking problem but over the years he finally accepted he had a problem when it started to affect his health. And for the first time he was taking a deep look into issues he had suppressed for a long time. The accommodations were wonderful, and the cleaning crew came once a week and cleaned the house very diligently. I would recommend CAPO to anyone struggling with addiction, it has given us a whole new perspective on life and has saved our marriage in the process. We love them all, especially Jeff who is a former New Yorker and very cool. Norma M.

If I could leave negative stars I would. John and the rest of the staff are a complete scam. They over medicate you up to the point where it it can be fatal. With the way I came in it was completely unacceptable how… they mixed medication in a way where I should have been in the hospital or dead. They didn’t even monitor me that night. They are all about the money and don’t have any sense of compassion. I had to leave before even being there for 24 hours due to both a mentally unstable clients opinion and an unprofessional staff. They owe me money and are such greedy con artists. SAVE your self and don’t go here. Waste of money and time. NOT RECOMMENDED. This treatment center needs to be closed down or if not definitely investigated.

The staff is amazing. Addie and Rob made sure every client was taken care of, listened to me when i struggled and helped as best they could. I can’t say enough about those two, they’re really awesome. And the house was… beautiful, the counselors and therapists caring and knowledgeable. Jeff is possibly the single most hardworking individual I have ever met. Anytime a client needed help, he was there. Really a great place to go and find sobriety and serenity. Truly grateful for my time there.

35 years ago my mother found it and I agreed to go at the age of 17, but was allowed to stay with the adult ward. I stayed for 4 months. I needed the time. It was on a private hill over looking Dan Point. I was in… private counseling, group therapy, AA, NA, CA, Al-anon. Those events and counselors changed my life and saved it. I remember Joe Grady. I can still hear his distinctive, and kind voice with fondness.