No Matter What Recovery

No Matter What is by far the most inclusive and queer-friendly treatment center I’ve ever experienced. As a trans man, feeling safe, seen, and understood by staff is crucial — and this place delivered that and more. The entire team is genuinely supportive and truly cares about your success in recovery. I’m so grateful and happy I made the decision to come here. It changed my life.

Niklaus Lavayen

First and foremost I have been in and out of recovery for sometime and had no intentions of entering recovery, but through a series of events I ended up at MNW first in detox then residential outpatient program. It's been a game changer in my recovery. From the first few days not knowing what to expect, the staff across the board showed that they actually care. I'm a native to LA and will admit that I'm jaded so feeling the care in the actions of staff allowed my walls to come down and trust them 100% The therapists are all amazing ( Shout out to Jo) and I can't talk enough about Mell's Chem Sex group. I was mind blown every session and I never wanted it to end because it felt like they were talking directly to me. Again ALL the groups challenged my beliefs of my addiction and how I viewed myself as a gay man of a certain age in the world. Today in my toolbelt of recovery, thanks to No Matter What I Always feel empowered, I Always feeling the love and always brave enough to take up space. I can go on and on about my experience at NMW 10/10 would recommend!

Da'Juan Powns

No Matter What was definitely one of the best treatment experiences I’ve had, and to have a center be so inclusive of the LGBTQ community is refreshing and much needed in recovery spaces. Groups were wonderful, facilitators were prepared, well versed in their topics and created safe and motivating environments for us to share and process in (Will and Jack get a special shout out for their groups, seriously the best of the best). I cannot thank the entire team ant No Matter What enough. I feel prepared to get back to my life and continue my growth beyond treatment.

Madison Mackenzie

of the three gay rehabs in LA this is the least whacked. i don’t recommend rehab in southern California its all about 12 step and they are culty out here. there are places out in LA that use punishment still. i have heard of one rehab in Cali that is operated by scientologists and make you do their weird shit to get out, be weary. The groups at each rehab in socal are lacking. Michales House in PS had some good normal rehab therapists leading a real group and there are some amazing therapists and group leaders here and there. No rehab i have been too yet has been better overall than Recovery Village Palmer Lake CO. They do not do gay chemsex tho: ( I much appreciate the interior decorating that they have done here, best anywhere. I take that as a good sign that the owners actually care about their business and comfort of their clients…. as cute as the chairs are and i adore them they are really uncomfortable tho. unfortunately these three rehabs are the only ones that tackle gay chemsex that i know of. where the gays are actually going. You’re going to have pushy socal 12 steppers blending their rhetoric with facts and making you go to meetings i think most places in socal (def LA). 12 step has a 5-10% success rate and these rehabs get a ton of money, you should be getting fact based treatments. make sure to scout out a police station near your LA rehab incase you wind up in one of the places that refuse to give your phone and wallet back if you wanna leave. No one has any authority in rehab to make you do anything you dont want to. Humans are gonna human unfortunately and just try ignore the step thumpers best you can if you don’t vibe with it. One funny thing happened, during a group i was sitting there wondering what this lady running it was on then they sat me down and accused me of being on drugs right after🤣. Even if i had been using the attitudes i received were appalling. I could tell these two therapists didnt like me for some reason then i found out soon why. They clearly had made their minds up that i was on drugs. Even when i told them how ridiculous they were being they doubled down🤣. They were suspicious of the patient with generalized anxiety disorder and ptsd being ancy… (a lot of the ptsd is from these socal rehabs, and the steppers make me beyond uncomfortable. they are mainly just wanting to control your behavior. my first sponsor in LA literally said “i’m your sponsor and you’re going to have to do what i say”🤣) Anyway…. there isn’t a smudging on this planet that can get rid of my bad energy! muuaahahahahahhaaha!!! #sciencenotbelief

Justin Swensen

From the moment I arrived, No Matter What Recovery made me feel welcomed and at ease. They picked me up at Union Station, checked me into the sober living house, and walked me through the intake process with a smooth and friendly approach. This efficient and supportive start set the tone for the entire experience. My first day was incredible. I had transferred from a larger facility in Las Vegas where I often felt like just a number in a facility of about 300 with individual groups sessions of 30-60 people. In contrast, No Matter What Recovery offered smaller group settings, making me feel truly seen and catered to. I was introduced to traditional groups like CBT, but I also got to experience unique therapies like acupuncture, sound baths, art therapy, and drama therapy—all on day one. What stood out the most was their focus on LGBTQ+ individuals. I didn’t have to worry about meals, transportation, or safety, and I had the freedom to attend outside meetings, daily house gatherings, and live within structure and rules (which I needed) without feeling overly monitored. My therapist, Jay, struck the perfect balance of empathy and tough love, giving me practical tools to navigate the world outside of treatment. The facilitators were knowledgeable and caring, and the variety of groups exceeded my expectations. My case managers were incredibly helpful, assisting with everything from insurance to resume building. The holistic approach at No Matter What Recovery expanded my healing in ways I hadn’t imagined. I tried practices like Reiki and yoga for the first time and found them surprisingly therapeutic. The sober living environment was another key factor. Moving from the isolation of addiction into a communal setting provided me with a supportive "family" where we cooked, attended meetings, and celebrated victories together. Since starting at No Matter What Recovery, my life has transformed. I went from being overwhelmed by the idea of moving from Oklahoma to L.A. to choosing to stay in L.A. post-graduation. I found an amazing job, secured a place to live, and built a foundation for my future—all thanks to the support and confidence I gained there. Plus, the monthly alumni meetings keep me connected to this incredible community. If you’re a queer individual struggling with addiction, No Matter What Recovery is the obvious choice. They address your unique needs in a safe, affirming environment set in the beautiful Hollywood Hills. The atmosphere is inclusive, compassionate, and empowering, making you feel like part of a family. The smaller group sizes make you feel seen, and the extensive variety of offerings rivals what you'd find in larger facilities. No Matter What Recovery truly offers a boutique experience with a powerful impact. I can’t recommend it enough.

Matthew Southall