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About Grata

Choosing the right treatment center is crucial to achieving lasting recovery. That's why Grata should be at the top of your list. With a highly-experienced staff dedicated to your recovery, luxurious amenities, and a full continuum of care, Grata House is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a transformative treatment program.

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“…made it a space of non-judgment where everyone was free to be heard and witnessed in their feelings.”

Grata Philosophy

Grata’s mission is to provide the highest quality in drug and alcohol detoxification and residential therapy in a safe and luxurious setting. We strongly believe the best way to treat addiction of any kind is to treat the complete mind, body, and soul with a combination of expert psychotherapy and nature. Our ranch is set on 24 tranquil acres that we have converted into a sanctuary of healing, complete with nature walk trails, outdoor yoga decks, sunset vistas, organic gardens, citrus orchards, and an animal rescue program for our clients to enjoy and use for their own journey to sobriety.

Grata clinicians and psychotherapists are responsible for creating the latest wave of evidence-based addiction and trauma-informed therapies. These industry-defining clinicians not only guide and direct Grata’s clinical program but are shaping how addiction, anxiety, and depression should be treated.

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Grata Philosophy

Grata’s mission is to provide the highest quality in drug and alcohol detoxification and residential therapy in a safe and luxurious setting. We strongly believe the best way to treat addiction of any kind is to treat the complete mind, body, and soul with a combination of expert psychotherapy and nature. Our ranch is set on 24 tranquil acres that we have converted into a sanctuary of healing, complete with nature walk trails, outdoor yoga decks, sunset vistas, organic gardens, citrus orchards, and an animal rescue program for our clients to enjoy and use for their own journey to sobriety.

Grata clinicians and psychotherapists are responsible for creating the latest wave of evidence-based addiction and trauma-informed therapies. These industry-defining clinicians not only guide and direct Grata’s clinical program but are shaping how addiction, anxiety, and depression should be treated.

View Treatments

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Addiction Treatment?

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Start On Your Path today!
Need Clarity? Text or call our Admissions Team anytime.

Looking for Addiction Treatment?

We’re here to encourage and support you.

Start On Your Path today!
Need Clarity? Text or call our Admissions Team anytime.
Talk to Us

“Traumatized individuals, which includes most of us to differing degrees, need both top-down and bottom-up approaches that address nervous system imbalances as well as issues of identity.”

Your Wellness Team

The team at Grata is made up of the best of the best in the field of substance abuse recovery. Their combined expertise in traditional treatment clinical orientations, trauma-informed, holistic modalities and the only treatment center that utilizes the NeuroAffective Relational Model for Addiction– this brand new cutting-edge advancement ensures that each client receives care that is unparalleled anywhere else. With years of experience on the front lines of addiction, our staff “walks their talk.” They have been instrumental in reshaping the addiction treatment industry and the keystone in many successful healing journeys.

“Traumatized individuals, which includes most of us to differing degrees, need both top-down and bottom-up approaches that address nervous system imbalances as well as issues of identity.”

Your Wellness Team

The team at Grata is made up of the best of the best in the field of substance abuse recovery. Their combined expertise in traditional treatment clinical orientations, trauma-informed, holistic modalities and the only treatment center that utilizes the NeuroAffective Relational Model for Addiction– this brand new cutting-edge advancement ensures that each client receives care that is unparalleled anywhere else. With years of experience on the front lines of addiction, our staff “walks their talk.” They have been instrumental in reshaping the addiction treatment industry and the keystone in many successful healing journeys.

Reuben VaismanTzachor
Primary Therapist

Reuben Vaisman-Tzachor, Ph.D., FACFEI, DABPS, FAPA, DABCH

Doctor Reuben Vaisman-Tzachor is a California licensed psychologist in practice for over 33 years in various roles and in a variety of settings.

Doctor Reuben Vaisman-Tzachor is a California licensed psychologist in practice for over 33 years in various roles and in a variety of settings. In addition to owning his private practice he has served as an attending psychologist at Cedars Sinai hospital psychiatric department for over 16 years, and taught as a university professor of clinical and forensic psychology in numerous graduate programs in southern California for 25 years. In his role as a professional mentor he functioned as a clinical supervisor to numerous clinicians in training to become licensed psychologists for the past 25 years, consistently. Additionally he served as a regional clinical director at Aegis Medical Centers for over 4 years, where he oversaw the delivery of counseling in conjunction with methadone assisted recovery services to thousands of clients. He also served as a primary therapist at Seasons in Malibu Recovery Center for 6 years where he attended to hundreds of clients suffering from addiction and mental health disorders.
Dr. Vaisman-Tzachor is a Fellow at the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute, a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychology with Specialties in Clinical and Forensic Psychology, a Fellow at the American Psychotherapy Association, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Certification in Homeland Security. He has conducted research and published over 30 professional journal articles and has written or co-authored eight books and three psychology-based novels. Many of his research articles are about addiction and chronic mental disorders. In his role as a forensic psychologist he developed the nationally recognized protocols of psychological assessments for immigration applicants and asylum seekers. Additionally, he has served as an expert witness for various courts, including the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Federal Immigration Court, the California Superior Court and the Los Angeles County Family Court.
Finally, in his role as a forensic psychologist for the Center for Professional Recovery (CPR) he conducted hundreds of fitness-for-duty evaluations for physicians, nurses, pilots and other licensed professionals. Blending his knowledge of psychology with 6 years of counter-terrorism service as a navy captain and ship commander for the Israeli Navy, and 6 additional years of terrorism prevention work for the Israeli Government, he developed an expertise in the psychology of terrorism. Dr. Vaisman-Tzachor was subsequently recruited to head a research project at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico to study and produce a national terrorism prevention protocol for the George W. Bush administration. The project, which was granted by the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Energy was subsequently integrated by the CIA into the pursuit of Osama Bin Laden, and has been adopted into the official curriculum at the FBI Academy. Dr. Vaisman-Tzachor is a fluent writer, reader, and speaker of English, Spanish, and Hebrew and serves on the editorial boards of 4 internationally published
professional journals.
Kara Ranes
Primary Therapist

Kara Ranes, LMFT

Kara Ranes is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over a decade of experience treating mental health issues in both in- and out-patient settings.

Kara Ranes is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over a decade of experience treating mental health issues in both in- and out-patient settings. Kara graduated from Pepperdine University in 2009 with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Kara received her LMFT license in 2013 and is currently pursuing her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology at California Southern University. Kara is EMDR-certified and specializes in treating addiction/dual-diagnosis, trauma, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders.
Mike Beychok
Primary Therapist

Mike Beychok, Psy.D Candidate

Mike is currently a Doctoral Candidate at California Southern University. He graduated from The University of California, Berkeley for undergrad. Then received his masters from the University of Santa Monica in Spiritual Psychology.

Mike is currently a Doctoral Candidate at California Southern University. He graduated from The University of California, Berkeley for undergrad. Then received his masters from the University of Santa Monica in Spiritual Psychology. He has been facilitating and counseling clients for over 15 years to address substance abuse, trauma, mood disorder, and eating disorders. He has also worked with veterans to help them process and heal PTSD from their time in service. Mike decided to become more specifically involved in the addition field as he saw the great need for therapy that specialized in recovery and addressing the underlying issues. Using a very open and intuitive approach, he is easily able to connect with clients to help guide them to a supportive and successful recovery.

Dr. Laurence Heller  Executive Director Of Psychological Services
Senior Fellow

Dr. Laurence Heller

Dr. Heller, founded the NeuroAffective Relational Model© (NARM), a specialized psychobiological approach to working with developmental trauma. He holds a Ph.D in psychology and was in private practice for 30 years.

Dr. Heller, founded the NeuroAffective Relational Model© (NARM), a specialized psychobiological approach to working with developmental trauma. He holds a Ph.D in psychology and was in private practice for 30 years.

The NARM Model™ is presented in the best-selling book Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image, and the Capacity for Relationship, which is currently published in more than 15 languages.

His new book, The Practical Guide for Healing Development Trauma: Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resolve Complex Trauma, presents the clinical model. He is also the co-author of Crash Course, a book on shock trauma: He speaks several languages fluently and, for the past 30 years, has been conducting seminars in the NARM™ approach throughout the United States and Europe. He and his teachers present NARM worldwide. Dr. Heller, aloing with Grata Clinical Director James McNinch, LCSW, has most recently incorporated NARM into the latest model of evidence-based addiction treatment, the NeuroAffective Relational Model for Addiction (NARMA™). He is also currently working on a research team left by Dr. Christina Bethell, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and others to bring a trauma-informed understanding to Pediatricians and General Practitioners throughout the U.S. Their first article for this project was published in 2021: Social and Relational Health Risks and Common Mental Health Problems Among U.S. Children Published by Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America co-authored with Christina D. Bethell, Ph.D, MDA, MPH (lead) Andrew S. Garner, MD, Ph.D, Narangerel Gombojav, MD, Ph.D Courtney Blackwell, Ph.D, Tanar Mendelson, Ph.D.

James McNinch LCSW, Clinical Director:

Is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience developing some of the most high-profile and influential treatment centers in Malibu and across the globe. James began his career studying child attachment as a Full-Bright candidate at Arizona State University and working as an Addiction Crisis Clinician for the University of Arizona Medical Center and state/federal agencies. Treatment centers brought him to Malibu to change the addiction treatment culture, increase positive outcomes and train clinicians in addiction and trauma-informed care. James is currently working on a Ph.D and collaborating with Grata’s own Dr. Laurence Heller to integrate the NeuroAffective Relational Model for Addiction (NARMA™) as a new treatment standard for addiction at  Grata House and worldwide.

Kylie Burton
Clinical Coordinator

Kylie Burton

Originally from Northern California, Kylie found her path to sobriety in Los Angeles, where she has built a fulfilling and meaningful sober life.

Originally from Northern California, Kylie found her path to sobriety in Los Angeles, where she has built a fulfilling and meaningful sober life. Her journey has ignited a deep passion for helping others navigate their own recovery. Having experienced both the challenges and triumphs of this process firsthand, she is committed to sharing her experience, strength, and hope with those in need of support.

Over the years, Kylie has held various roles in the field, beginning as a technician and advancing to a clinical position. This progression has provided her with a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the recovery process. Dedicated to supporting clients during their most vulnerable moments, she takes pride in fostering a safe and nurturing environment where healing and growth can take place.

Believing in the potential for everyone to lead a fulfilling life in recovery, Kylie is honored to be part of each client’s journey. Through guidance and encouragement, she helps transform challenges into opportunities for growth, paving the way for a brighter future.

Louis Lenard
Author, Addiction Counsellor and Sober Coach

Louis Lenard

Louis Lenard is dedicated to empowering clients to find freedom, joy, and purpose at every stage of their recovery journey.

Louis Lenard is dedicated to empowering clients to find freedom, joy, and purpose at every stage of their recovery journey. With twenty years of sobriety and over seven years of experience as a Recovery Companion, he provides a calming, grounding presence and is an active listener who leads with an open heart. His work extends beyond individual support to fostering healthy communication and boundaries within dysfunctional family dynamics. With experience assisting both clients and families facing a range of mental health challenges, Louis brings a compassionate and well-rounded approach to recovery.

His primary focus is on spiritual, mental, and emotional growth, meeting clients where they are in each area. When appropriate, he incorporates sporting activities to stimulate neurotransmitter release—endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin—which are often depleted in individuals struggling with addiction. These activities not only support emotional and physical well-being but also demonstrate the joy and excitement possible in sobriety. Through sports such as golf, tennis, surfing, soccer, skiing, and snowboarding, he builds rapport and trust, creating an environment where clients feel safe to receive additional support.

Known for his affable and adaptable nature, Louis responds effectively to the fluid needs of his clients as they transition from inpatient care back into daily life. He serves a crucial role in bridging this gap in the recovery model, offering discreet, loyal, and compassionate assistance to help clients transform their lives and achieve long-term fulfillment.

Craig Weightman, Head Chef
Head Chef

Craig Weightman

I'm Stoked!!

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Your Journey to Wholeness Begins

with Only a Willingness

We’re here to encourage and support you.
Start On Your Path Today!
Need Clarity? Text or Call our Admissions Team Anytime.

Talk to Us

Your Journey to Wholeness

Begins with Only a Willingness

We’re here to encourage and support you. Need Clarity? Text or Call our Admissions Team Anytime.

Start On Your Path today!

Talk to Us
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