12 South Recovery – Lake Forest

12 South is one the best recovery centers out there. They have great care, activities, groups and really focus on the science of true recovery. The case workers work promptly on your needs upon request and Trevor is… awesome to work with, he gets the job done. Overall great experience and wonderful housing to go along with it. The program works!

Great staff. Very helpful and motivating! Housing I nice and the outings.

Amazing place! This is my 12th treatment and this place was the one that I really got out my shell and really got to know my self better. All the staff are great and they always help you with anything. Housing is great.… They always taking you out to great places during the week, beaches, Go Karting, hiking, bowling, baseball games, water parks, you name it.

The second step in my journey to sobriety, clarity, and well being. Not to sound melodramatic but I truly don’t know where I would be today if I had simply gone home after rehab. I chose to extend my care with 12 South… and I’m all the better for it. Great team, friendly supportive teachers and staff. The facility was always in good condition and there was always something engaging to do. Nearing 100 days of sobriety and I can’t thank 12 south enough

Great place to get better. Staff was great and very helpful. I would highly recommend to anyone.

Shout out to Chris who’s my house manager and Sam the director because at times I feel like giving up on the program they are there to motivate me and let me know that I got this it’s very much appreciated and I love… and respect both of you Guys for that truly!!!

This was the best decision for my son. The staff including Trevor and Lori were so compassionate,professional and knowledgeable. I highly recommend 12 South if you are trying to save someone. They know what to do when… you feel helpless. They are clinicians that know what to do when you are clueless They are literal lifesavers and a gift from God when you are struggling the most. Highly recommend this rehab and the people who run it .Very grateful.

I went to 12 South at my very bottom, I was received at the airport by the staff which was very accommodating and very professional. I went to therapy classes every day saw a doctor and had a therapy session once a week… and it was unbelievable how I started coming around it took a few weeks but I got there there were outings that you do to socialize with the other clients everything was great had a good time most of all I felt safe and that was what counted to me, all the staff was very friendly and very supportive as I could reach out to them right now and I'm no longer a client they're very helpful.

I had a great experience at 12 South and am glad I chose attending their program over a different program. I was severely depressed when I first got there and felt happy and stable by the time I left. The staff were… very helpful and all of the clients I interacted with were friendly and pleasant. I’m thankful for them to help me return in much better condition to my family.

I lived at the 12 south recovery apartments from May or June 2024 to September 2024. This place had more negatives than positives. To start off, my therapist did not really help me at all. She made a comment and said… that all she sees me eating is junk food. I have struggled with bulimia in the past and my therapist knew that but still made those comments. As someone with a history of food-related struggles, I found the lack of eating-disorder support to be a downside. An eating disorder is an addiction. There were also certain staff members who would come to work that seemed completely out of it or like they’ve been using. This wasn’t most of the staff but it was maybe 2 specific ones. I don’t have a problem with a drug addiction but I can see how this environment would make it unhealthy for people in drug addiction recovery to be around that. One time I walked out of a group cause I felt upset and I was screamed at by a female staff member named Brooklyn. I felt ganged up on in that moment. I shouldn’t have walked out of the group but I don’t think I deserved to be screamed at. I am in my mid 20’s and I’m not a child. I’m honestly not even much younger than a lot of the staff. She was saying that I don’t want to mess with her and she had a threatening tone. I felt uncomfortable and felt her reaction was inappropriate. I was also accused of being on my phone during one of the groups when I only picked up my phone once to check the time. I then had my phone taken away by a male staff member and he scolded me. Another thing that was bad about this place was that they had certain clients there for 4 years. One client would not really go to the groups and would make inappropriate comments to the young 19 year old girls there. The goal of this program is for people with mental health or addiction issues is to leave in a certain time period and get back on their feet. So hearing that someone was there for 4 years is confusing because it makes the goal of the program unclear. Some of the groups had good leaders and some of them didn’t. It was very hit or miss. I did enjoy the art groups a lot that were run by Sarah. She mainly did art groups but she sometimes talked about mental health too. I thought she was great and was very engaging and friendly. I’m not sure if she still works there. I also enjoyed Keisha’s groups. On the contrary, there were some other groups where group leaders would say out of pocket stuff like “someone has it worse than you” when talking about someone’s heroin addiction. I’m not sure that there’s a lot of stuff that’s worse than that? Very weird thing to say. I did enjoy some of the outings specifically the ones that were centered around walking/hiking. I liked how some of the staff were helpful with transportation because I needed that at the time. My phone did not have service when I arrived to 12 South so a staff member took me to the phone store and was there with me for 30-40 minutes which I appreciated. Overall, this program had more negatives than positives. It did have a few positives. I am grateful that this place provided me with housing when I did not have any, but I think certain things could be improved.

My experience at 12 South has been nothing but positive. The staff, therapists, case managers, and everyone in-between are amazing. I was able to grow as a person, and grow in sobriety here. When I had personal… struggles I was offered help when I needed it, and I was always guided to the right path. The housing here at 12 South is also great. The rooms are nice, and the women I was housed with were always kind and women I consider friends. It almost felt like a family in housing. We were always there for each other and I have made some life long friends :)

As someone who reads all the reviews before doing something, I'm going be as detailed as possible so you can really understand why this program is so special. 1. Program/Clinical: So many programs advertise that they… focus on both mental health and addiction, but I feel like at 12 South, they REALLY do. The group therapies really support your progress and the topics go hand and hand with your individual therapy. They have processing groups, meditation groups, educational groups, nutrition groups, music therapy groups, hiking groups, inspirational speakers and more. Every facilitator REALLY CARES that I felt supported and succeeded. Additionally, every facilitator was not only qualified and excellent, but they also had a history of either addiction or mental health struggles. It made a massive difference to know how much they empathized with us. My favorite facilitators were Miss Keisha, Wendy, and Steven. 2. Therapy: At 12 South they really recognize the importance of therapy for both mental health clients and addiction clients. For mental health clients (like me), I was able to partake in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR/Trauma therapy. I received wonderful journal prompts that reflected my conversations in therapy and ultimately learned incredible coping skills. If you are motivated to get better, they will match the motivation and give you all the tools you need for success. For addiction, the therapists really help you understand why you turned to a substance of choice. They focus on the root cause, while also coming alongside you with tools for cravings, self-control and planning. Shoutout to Dillon and Ken my therapists there for changing my life and brain for the better 3. Staff: I have never met a staff more caring about your success than the those working at 12 South. Each staff member/case manager/clinician personally assured me their door was open for any and all concerns I had. Not only was this open-door policy re-assuring, but they ACTUALLY listened to me. On numerous occasions I went into the program manager (Sean) and operations manager's (Sam) office with questions or needs I was worried about, and they immediately got back to me. They both (Sean and Sam) earned my respect and it made a huge difference when I felt the respect reciprocated. Another thing I want to point out is they look at the whole person when they make decisions. I think it would be easy in a program to view all clients as a number, but here they know YOU, and take everything you have been through into consideration when planning your care. I felt truly known and loved by the staff there. 3. Housing: While I only stayed in the housing a short time (I became a commuter), I want to speak on it. No matter where you come from, living in a new environment and with a stranger is nerve racking/anxiety provoking. Don't let that deter your progress. The staff really listen and care and will hear your concerns. All that to stay, they are reasonable and if you and your new roommate aren't getting along, you aren't stuck with them! Voice the concern with respect and they will listen. The housing was very nice! I was pleasantly surprised (Oh and they are strict on cleaning which is awesome!). The staff keeps your meds and you can get them day and night. You also Breathalyze twice a day (to keep a sober living quarters even if you are there only for mental) and do urine drug testing 3 days a week either at clinical or the house. There is a free gym membership included and rides to the gym and AA/NA meetings often! Overall, my time at 12 south was life changing. You really do get what you put into it—I can't say that enough! The clients will all seem so unique at first, but if you push against isolation, I assure you, you'll find your people. It was the those clients most different from me who made the biggest impact on my journey. Every program has things that are not perfect, but if you want a program that really cares about you, choose to spend your recovery at 12 South. I couldn't recommend it more.

I highly recommend 12 South Recovery for anybody struggling with mental health or addiction issues. The staff are very welcoming. Also willing to work with your needs.

12 South Recovery has been great to me. I highly recommend you come here if you're suffering right now. The case managers a where helpful

I can’t say enough good things about 12South. I’ve been here for three months, and I came to the PHP/IOP program after detox. They have helped me immensely in my continued recovery. The groups are incredibly helpful and… informative. We go on fun outings, and some of my fellow clients have become lifelong friends. My therapist, Matt, always listened and gave great advice, and my case manager, Trevor, was consistently helpful and genuinely cared about my needs. If you’re searching for a recovery program, I would definitely recommend 12South. They provide the kind of support you need during your journey and early sobriety.

I came to 12 South Recovery during the lowest point in my life. I was broken, unsure of my future, and unsure if healing was even possible. Today, I can confidently say I’m the strongest I’ve ever felt—mentally,… emotionally, and spiritually. From day one, I felt supported, seen, and valued. The staff is not only professional and knowledgeable, but also genuinely compassionate. Any concerns I had—big or small—were always addressed quickly and respectfully. I never felt like just another number; I felt like part of a community that truly wanted to see me thrive. Like anything in life, you get back what you put into it. Recovery is hard work, but if you’re ready to take that first step, 12 South Recovery will be there with you every step of the way. This isn’t just a treatment facility—it’s a place where transformation happens. I’m forever grateful for the circumstances that brought me to 12 South Recovery. Without them, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. Thank you to everyone at the facility who walked this journey with me. I appreciate you all, more than words can express.

My experience here was amazing . My Therapist Matt was beyond amazing and helped me work through so many things , my case manager Trevor was helpful and on top of everything I never had to ask or remind him of anything.… The groups were awesome and the outings were beyond great and were fun.

The services provided by 12th South are excellent. The living conditions are comfortable and give you the space to grow in your recovery. Clinical days are especially helpful, offering the opportunity to meet with… licensed case managers, therapists, and instructors who teach valuable life-balancing skills for recovery. The program includes group sessions, sound baths, a nutrition instructor, alumni speakers, trauma treatment, outings, and regular meetings—all of which support your journey. I spent four months in the program, and I can confidently say I’m better because of it.

Even before I arrived, I felt welcomed. After speaking to multiple places before deciding, this was the only one that made me feel like more than just a number—like my issues truly mattered. I’ll admit, when I first… arrived, I wondered if I was in the wrong place. But as the days passed, I realized there was nowhere else I was meant to be. I came seeking help for my mental health—a broken, shattered version of myself—and in such a short time, I experienced a complete 180. Never once did I feel judged, pressured, or guilted. I felt welcomed. I felt at home. There’s no other place I’d recommend to those I care about. Everything—from the living accommodations to the clinical care—was truly above and beyond. Sean, Matt, Kathleen, Christa, Dilion, Anton, Rob, Trevor, Brooklyn, Lauryn, Tyler, Alvin and Kenny . Thank you for everything!

I cannot express enough how profoundly grateful I am for my time at 12 South Recovery in Lake Forest. From the moment I walked through the doors, I felt genuinely seen, heard, and supported—not just as a patient, but as… a person trying to reclaim their life and mental well-being. This program has been nothing short of transformative. Before coming here, I felt lost in my struggles with mental health. Anxiety, depression, and emotional overwhelm had taken such a toll on my life that I wasn’t sure if true healing was possible. But the team at 12 South proved that it absolutely is. The therapists and staff are incredibly compassionate, highly skilled, and deeply invested in your growth. They tailored my recovery journey in a way that felt personalized and empowering. The blend of clinical therapy, group support, mindfulness practices, and trauma-informed care helped me dig into the root causes of my struggles and gave me real tools to build emotional resilience. Every session left me feeling stronger, more hopeful, and more equipped to face life with clarity and confidence. The environment is safe, nurturing, and free of judgment—something that was essential for my healing. Now, I can truly say that I’m in a better place mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ve rediscovered who I am, and I’ve developed habits and skills that support lasting wellness. I will forever be grateful to the incredible team at 12 South Recovery for helping me reclaim my life. If you're struggling and unsure of where to turn, please consider this program. It changed my life—and it can change yours, too.

I have been a client at 12 south since December 2023. The clinical team and staff are truly loving, encouraging and supportive. The program allows for you to work on your struggles with addiction and mental health while… having access to resources that range from legal help, family help, financial guidance and a ton of other things.I am able to grow spiritually and address issues that I have minimized and buried. I came in feeling lost, strung out and sad. I have gained 2 great gifts. Felling loved and Hope. Thank you guys very much. I am half way through my journey and very much looking forward to my new life.

I had a great experience at 12South the staff was extremely nice and tended to my needs the housing was just as pleasing

As a frequent treatment goer, I was skeptical coming into 12 South, but was pleasantly surprised. The structure, routine, and accountability was essential to me getting and staying sober. Early on I had a slip up, but… was given grace which ultimately allowed me to grow and flourish. My therapist was great in helping me work through my issues, and though I didn’t often need help, whenever I needed it staff was very prompt and willing. Overall, like all treatment centers, this place is what you make of it. The resources provided, with the proper dedication, make this an environment that is conducive to recovery. But, I advise anyone reading this, do NOT think of going to rehab/a treatment center as a vacation. You are there to do work and you will be tested, made uncomfortable, etc. These are the only ways we can TRULY grow, and I promise you this place will work for you if you do the work. I can’t say that about many of the places that I’ve been. Overall, 12 South is a place with great tools, resources, and therapy in which any motivated person can succeed. As far as praise for a treatment center, that’s the highest I can give. I made many great friendships and formed meaningful connections here, and will look back on my time here fondly, for I was able to learn that being sober and enjoying life are not two mutually exclusive things. I recommend this place to anyone who is ready to do the work and am incredibly grateful for all the work that I did, the work that was done to help me, and the accountability that allowed me to finally find a better path.

Highly recommend 12 South. There are chances for both clients and staff to grow and improve each other here. 12 South seems to put thought and care into matching their clients with the right therapist. When I felt I was… no longer able to cope and loss of hope, I could count on either my therapist or case manager. I now feel in control, grounded and confident. Im capable of moving forward in my life The staff led a highly engaged team that works well together and consistently meets deadline. 12 South staff shares positive thoughts and ideas and encourages others to have a positive outlook as well. * Staff always maintains calm and composed manner under tense situations. * Skillful at facing tough problems and providing solutions to them. * Patient and calm when dealing with challenging clients. * Encourages clients to voice their concerns and suggest idea. * Always shows clients appreciation to our journeys.