Therapies & Clinical Modalities We Use at Altura Recovery

Individual receiving therapeutic treatment with electrodes attached to the knee, illustrating evidence-based modalities for mental health and recovery at Altura Recovery.

Personalized, Evidence-Based Care That Supports Deep Healing

At Altura Recovery, we believe that no two recovery journeys are the same. That’s why our clinical model incorporates a wide range of evidence-based therapies and holistic modalities, tailored to each person’s unique needs. Whether you’re struggling with substance use, trauma, depression, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation, our integrated approach helps address the root causes—not just the symptoms.
Our licensed clinicians and experienced care team draw from leading therapeutic frameworks to ensure every client receives tools that are relevant, practical, and transformational.

Group of four young adults engaging in teamwork and collaboration, smiling and placing their hands together, representing support and community in recovery at Altura Recovery.
Group of diverse individuals engaged in a collaborative meeting, discussing therapies and modalities for mental health and addiction recovery, featuring laptops and notepads on a wooden table.

01.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a gold-standard treatment that helps individuals recognize and reframe negative thought patterns that lead to destructive behaviors. At Altura, CBT is used to support both mental health stabilization and relapse prevention.

We help clients:

  • Identify and challenge distorted beliefs (“I’m not worthy,” “I’ll always relapse”)
  • Understand how thoughts lead to emotions and behaviors
  • Rehearse healthy coping strategies to replace impulsive or self-sabotaging actions


CBT is especially powerful for clients dealing with depression, anxiety, and substance use simultaneously. We integrate CBT into one-on-one therapy and targeted groups to promote self-awareness, emotional insight, Therapies & Modalities and long-term behavioral change.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Gold-Standard Treatment

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a structured therapeutic approach that blends acceptance and change. It’s especially effective for people whose substance use is tied to intense emotional distress or interpersonal chaos.

At Altura, DBT helps clients:

  • Learn mindfulness and emotion regulation skills
  • Build distress tolerance for high-risk triggers without using substances
  • Develop healthier relationship dynamics through assertive communication


Clients often participate in DBT-informed groups focused on navigating cravings, coping with rejection, or healing from past trauma. We also apply DBT techniques in crisis stabilization and when clients struggle with self-harm or emotional volatility.

03.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is one of the most effective trauma treatments available. It helps the brain “unfreeze” traumatic experiences that have been stored improperly. Many Therapies & Modalities clients come to us with unresolved trauma at the core of their substance use or mental health struggles.

EMDR at Altura supports:

  • Resolution of trauma that underlies addiction or chronic relapse
  • Reprocessing painful memories without re-traumatization
  • Shifting identity from survivor to empowered self


Our EMDR-trained therapists create a safe, regulated environment to reduce dissociation and facilitate healing. Clients often report feeling “lighter,” less reactive, and more confident after EMDR sessions, making it a key part of long-term recovery.

04.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Altura learn to respond instead of react, which is critical when cravings, emotional triggers, or stress arise.

Our mindfulness integration includes:

  • Guided meditation in group and individual sessions
  • Breathwork and grounding exercises to support nervous system regulation
  • Techniques to tolerate discomfort, such as surf-the-urge or body scanning


For those recovering from anxiety, trauma, or impulsivity, mindfulness supports long-term stability and emotional growth. We embed it into daily routines and clinical work to make healing sustainable.

05.

Family Systems & Support

We believe healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Our family therapy model helps clients and loved ones understand each other’s roles in the recovery process and break unhealthy cycles.

Family work at Altura includes:

  • Exploring how family roles (e.g., scapegoat, enabler) impact behavior
  • Teaching boundary-setting and communication skills
  • Educating loved ones about relapse prevention and emotional regulation


Whether it’s repairing trust or navigating painful history, we help families move toward healthier dynamics. This work often reduces shame and promotes long-term support for the client’s recovery.

06.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is a gentle yet powerful method for addressing resistance. Instead of pushing change, our therapists use MI to draw out the client’s inner motivation.

Clients struggling with commitment to sobriety, medication, or self-care benefit from MI’s non-confrontational style. In sessions, we:

  • Explore the client’s values and align them with healthy behaviors
  • Use open-ended questions to clarify what matters most
  • Build confidence through collaborative goal-setting


This approach increases buy-in and self-efficacy, especially for those who have relapsed or feel discouraged.

07.

Relapse Prevention & Recovery Skills

Relapse prevention is a cornerstone of our programs. We teach clients how to:

  • Spot early warning signs of relapse (emotional, mental, behavioral)
  • Build a customized toolkit of coping skills and support systems
  • Use role play and real-life scenarios to practice boundary-setting


Our groups help clients rehearse responses to peer pressure, rejection, cravings, or unexpected stress. We help each person create a crisis plan, a sober support network, and realistic goals for daily life.

08.

Somatic & Experiential Techniques

Disconnected, or overly reactive, somatic therapy can be transformative.

These approaches include:

  • Movement therapy and breathwork to release stuck emotions
  • Creative expression like art journaling or therapeutic drama
  • Grounding exercises to build body awareness and safety


This work often benefits clients with early developmental trauma, sexual trauma, or those who have become “shut down” emotionally due to long-term stress. It reconnects them to vitality and choice.

08.

Therapy Groups at Altura

In addition to individual counseling, therapy groups at Alturaprovide a vital space for connection, healing, and shared growth. These small, focused groups are facilitated by licensed therapists and designed to foster emotional safety, resilience, and skill-building.

Group therapy allows clients to:

  • Practice vulnerability and self-expression
  • Learn from the experiences of others
  • Develop communication and emotional regulation tools
  • Explore identity, boundaries, and relational dynamics
  • Build a sense of belonging and community support


We offer a variety of therapy groups at Altura, including:

  • Process Groups– explore emotions and experiences in real-time
  • Skills-Based Groups– learn coping strategies and life tools
  • Trauma-Informed Groups– gently address the impact of past wounds
  • Identity-Focused Groups– explore self-worth, values, and future goals


Whether you’re learning how to trust again or stepping into a leadership role in your recovery, our group experiences help clients grow through connection.

09.

Additional Modalities We May Integrate​

  • Narrative therapy to help clients re-author their recovery story
  • Art therapy-inspired workshops for emotional processing
  • Psychoeducation on trauma, addiction, grief, and recovery stages
  • Journaling exercises to increase self-awareness and self-compassion
  • Attachment-based therapy to explore core relationship wounds


Each client’s treatment plan is thoughtfully designed, regularly reviewed, and adjusted based on progress. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter care—only what works.

Outpatient Mental Health & Addiction Treatment in Houston That Meets You Where You Are At

Altura Recovery offers evidence-based outpatient care for mental health, alcohol, and substance use addiction in Houston. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, alcoholism or addiction — or all of the above — we’re here with real support. Our programs include therapy, psychiatric care, recovery coaching, and family support to help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life — without putting everything else on pause.

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