Our Mission

Welcome to First Responders Malibu, a place where First Responders can find the care, support, and healing they deserve. We understand the unique challenges you
face—the long hours, the intense stress, and the sacrifices made every day. That is why we have created a safe, confidential, compassionate and culturally-competent environment here you can focus on your recovery without fear of judgment. Here, you’ll be surrounded by others who truly understand your experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared strength.

Whether you are currently serving or retired, our programs are tailored to meet your specific needs. We are dedicated to helping you process trauma, manage stress, and overcome addiction, guiding you toward renewed mental health and well-being. At First Responders Malibu, we believe healing is more than just recovery—it’s about rediscovering a life filled with purpose and peace.

You’ve spent your life helping others. Now it’s time to invest in your own well-being. We are honored to walk alongside you on this journey and are here to support you every step of the way. Take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future, you are not alone.

Detox in comfort

Our facility provides a safe and therapeutic environment where extraordinary men and women can focus on their recovery without fear of judgment. We exclusively serve First Responders allowing for a shared understanding of the experiences and stresses that come with these professions. Whether you are an active or retired First Responder, we are dedicated to preparing you for a successful journey toward mental health and addiction recovery. Our tailored programs aim to help you process trauma, manage stress, and take the crucial first steps toward a happier and more fulfilling life, both at your workplace and in the comfort of your home.

Specialized in PTSD

First Responders Malibu offers safe, quick and effective detox to active and retired firefighters, law enforcement, EMTs, life guards, ambulance teams, FBI, and probation and correction personnel.

At First Responders Malibu, we take pride in our distinguished culturally-competent medical team that specializes in a holistic approach to wellness. We understand the unique challenges faced by First Responders, and our comprehensive approach addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our treatment philosophy.

Welcome to Malibu

Your journey back to sobriety begins in the serene and comforting surroundings of a spacious, elegant home overlooking the breath-taking beauty of Malibu’s canyons and the vast expanse of the ocean. Our facility, designed to provide the utmost privacy, tranquility, and support, boasts six bedrooms, ensuring a personalized and comfortable experience for each of our six patients.

Serving First Responders

Our facility provides a safe and therapeutic environment where extraordinary men and women can focus on their recovery without fear of judgment. We exclusively serve First Responders who are part of the Community Care program allowing for a shared understanding of the experiences and stresses that come with these professions. Whether you are an active or retired First Responder, we are dedicated to preparing you for a successful journey toward mental health and addiction recovery. Our tailored programs aim to help you process trauma, manage stress, and take the crucial first steps toward a happier and more fulfilling life, both at your workplace and in the comfort of your home.

Our Caring Staff

At First Responders Malibu, we believe in providing the tools and support necessary for your holistic well-being, guiding you toward a future filled with success and happiness. Your commitment to service has been unwavering, and now it’s our turn to support you on the path to a renewed and fulfilling life. Welcome to the first step of your transformative journey. Our medical team have long-time experience in detox from alcohol, prescription drugs and street drugs. Our nurses are qualified, our counselors certified.

Nutrition

Addiction specialists and neuroscientists have discovered that most individuals entering addiction treatment—including First Responders—struggle with low dopamine activity. In the brain, dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter, a chemical released by neurons (nerve cells) to send signals to other nerve cells. Low dopamine levels are often linked to a combination of genetic factors, lifestyle, chronic stress, and years of consuming unhealthy, processed foods.

Dr. Kenneth Blum, Ph.D., an award-winning expert on the connection between genetics and addiction, has published over 400 articles on this subject in scientific journals. As he explains:

"Dopamine is part of the brain's reward system. Higher levels of dopamine are generally considered by the scientific community to enhance the sense of well-being and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It is also considered an essential factor in long-term recovery from addiction and alcoholism."

To support recovery and well-being, our specially trained chefs craft dopamine-boosting, nutrient-rich meals daily. The results are remarkable—our guests quickly begin to regain their health, energy, and vitality. Many of the recipes we use can be found in The Malibu Beach Recovery Cookbook, authored by CEO Joan Borsten and the chefs of this world-renowned recovery center.

Our services

Detox
Group Therapy
Coaching
Yoga Hiking Exercise

NOBODY FIGHTS ALONE

The inclusion of various therapeutic activities such as art therapy, music therapy, family therapy, in-house AA meetings, and canyon hikes suggests a holistic approach to healing that goes beyond just the physical aspects of detox.

The offer of Transcendental Meditation classes by Oscar-winning film director David Lynch’s Foundation for those staying for more than 7 days adds a unique and potentially beneficial aspect to the program. This can provide participants with additional tools for managing stress and promoting mental well-being. The emphasis on the principle “Nobody Fights Alone” and the culturally competent team who support individuals throughout their journey indicates a compassionate and understanding approach. Acknowledging the unique challenge faced by first responders and their families further highlights the Program’s focus on addressing the specific needs of this group. At First Responders Malibu, we provide a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to detox and mental health services, with a focus on personalized care and support for individuals on their path to healing and wholeness.

Dr. Lisa Benya is an internal medicine doctor servicing the Malibu community for many years. Her caring and compassionate approach has earned her a great reputation for being one of the area’s favorite doctors. She is a board-certified physician who as an internist broadened her scope to include more serious and chronic conditions including addiction medicine. Dr. Benya has been in practice for more than 20 years and affiliated with many hospitals. Her undergraduate work began at the Boston University School of Medicine and attended Medical School at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

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Dr. Lisa Benya

Dr. Stephen Mohaupt, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and Fellow of American Society of Addiction Medicine (FASAM) who specializes in helping patients ages 18 and older overcome addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. Dr. Mohaupt provides tele-medicine care for patients throughout California.

Dr. Mohaupt treats patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He provides a collaborative approach to care, working with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan and medication strategy to improve their quality of life. He uses a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant platform to communicate confidentially with patients.

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Dr. Stephen Mohaupt

Dr. William D. Stanley received his Doctorate of Medicine degree from UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ. He did his residency training at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md. He did 1 year of a Master’s program in Anatomy at the University of Maryland Baltimore City campus prior to matriculating to medical school that next year. He has worked in Internal Medicine for the majority of his professional life both inpatient and outpatient. He started Parkside Medical Assoc, PA in Trenton, NJ, employing 4 physicians. He noticed he had an interest in substance abuse and started involvement with ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) in 1998. He completed his Boards in ASAM in 2000 and, later, by ABAM (American Board of Addiction Medicine) in 2010. Since 2013 he has concentrated his time exclusively to the treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders. Prior to his joining Dr. Benya and her team in California, he was Medical Director of both an inpatient detox unit and 2 outpatient treatment programs, all located in New Jersey. He has an active license to practice medicine in both New Jersey and California.

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William D. Stanley

We are proud to be accredited through the Joint Commission. This organization strives to ensure those within the healthcare system receive the highest standard in care. To receive accreditation, facilities must uphold their standards of value, quality, and optimal outcomes. By receiving this Gold Seal of Approval™, we have met or exceeded these set performance standards of care.