Retorno International · Israel
A therapeutic community for men and women, in separate programs, with care shaped around you and a supportive, Torah-respectful Jewish community.
Near Beit Shemesh, Israel
Getting to know the program
People come to Retorno with different stories. We take time to understand yours: what you’re struggling with, what has helped before, and what you need now.
You’ll work with the team on a personal treatment plan. This includes looking at the emotional pain, relationships and experiences that may be connected to your addiction.
Core therapy takes place in English, so you can express yourself in the language you feel comfortable with. You’ll be part of a dedicated English-speaking group and share parts of daily life with the wider Retorno community.
The program is for men and women, in separate programs, seeking addiction treatment in English. Whether this is your first time in treatment or you’re returning after a relapse, the first step is a conversation. The clinical team assesses your needs and whether this level of care is appropriate.
The treatment approach
Sessions and activities are planned around individual needs and the program schedule.
Our clinical team includes psychologists. Individual and group therapy give you space to talk openly, understand patterns and work through difficult experiences. Treatment also includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
The program offers both equine therapy and animal-assisted therapy. Working with horses and other animals provides another way to take part in treatment, alongside conversations in the therapy room.
Art therapy offers another way to explore and express what you’re experiencing. Culinary therapy is also offered from time to time, bringing therapeutic work into the kitchen.
Personal trainers support the physical side of the program. Yoga sessions are led by a PTSD specialist. Speak with the team about your needs and any concerns about taking part.
12-Step work, peer support and everyday opportunities to practice honesty, responsibility and asking for help. Living in a therapeutic community gives you opportunities to work on relationships as difficulties arise.
Your plan takes emotional wellbeing into account, with psychiatric assessment and follow-up when needed. Tell the team about previous diagnoses, medication and current concerns so they can assess the care you need.
Living at Retorno
There’s a rhythm to the day: meals, therapy, activities, shared responsibilities and time with the community. The schedule and level of responsibility develop as treatment progresses.
The work continues between sessions. Keeping a commitment, dealing with frustration or talking after a disagreement can become part of what you bring back to therapy.
Daily life takes place in a strictly kosher, Torah-respectful setting. Before you arrive, ask us about accommodation, what to bring, the daily routine and arrangements for contact with home.
Moving through treatment
Treatment has a structure, but your progress is personal. You and the team review what you’re working on and what needs more attention before moving forward.
The first part of treatment is about getting used to the community, building trust and establishing a daily routine. It can take time to feel comfortable talking openly or asking for help.
As you progress, you take on more responsibility and work on the patterns that affect your relationships and recovery. Everyday situations become opportunities to handle frustration, accept feedback and follow through on decisions.
The team helps you think through the support you’ll need at home. This may include ongoing therapy, recovery meetings, outpatient care and a practical routine. Together, you look at likely challenges and who you can turn to.
For families and loved ones
When someone you love is struggling, knowing what to do next can be hard. You’re welcome to contact us, even if they’re unsure about treatment or you don’t know how to begin the conversation.
During treatment, family involvement may include guidance, conversations about boundaries and family therapy when appropriate. We plan this around the participant’s needs and consent.
You can ask what family involvement might look like, how contact is arranged and how to support the next stage of recovery. We’ll also explain what information can be shared with you.
For referring professionals
If you’re a therapist, physician, social worker or another professional supporting someone with addiction, contact our admissions team to discuss a possible referral. Ask to speak with the clinical team about suitability and the level of care needed.
Useful topics for that conversation include the presenting concerns, previous treatment, current medication, mental health needs and goals for residential care. Each referral is reviewed individually.
With the participant’s consent, information from their treating professionals can help inform assessment and planning. Contact us first to agree what records are needed and how to share them, including any needs for continuing care after discharge.
Before you come
You can contact us for yourself, a family member or someone you’re supporting professionally.
Tell us what has brought you to this point and ask your questions. A first conversation doesn’t commit you to treatment.
The team reviews relevant clinical and medical information, including whether detox is needed before residential treatment.
Clarify the recommended plan, fees, what’s included and arrival arrangements. If you’re coming from abroad, complete the assessment before booking travel.
A glimpse of Retorno
These photographs show activities across Retorno’s wider community. They offer a glimpse of the setting and shared experiences; activities in the English-speaking program vary with the treatment plan.
Your questions
If your question isn’t here, ask us.
Individual therapy and core groups are in English. Some activities, meals and shared responsibilities take place with the wider Retorno community.
Participants come from different religious backgrounds, and people of any level of observance are welcome. Retorno is strictly kosher and Torah-respectful; we can talk through what that means for daily life.
Residential treatment usually lasts 3 to 6 months. The exact length depends on your needs and progress. We’ll discuss the recommended length during assessment and review the plan with you as treatment develops.
Yes. Contact us before booking travel so the team can review your needs, relevant medical information and arrival arrangements.
The team will assess whether you should begin in one of Retorno’s detox centers (Alon for men, Elah for women) before joining the therapeutic community. Detox is medically supervised, with a nurse on site 24/7, and usually takes 21 days to 6 weeks.
Tell the team about diagnoses, current symptoms and medication during assessment. Suitability depends on your individual needs and the support the program can provide. Some situations require a different level of care.
Calls and visits depend on your treatment stage and clinical plan. We’ll explain the arrangements before admission.
Ask us for current fees and a written breakdown of what’s included and any additional expenses. Insurance coverage depends on your policy and needs to be checked with your insurer.
Retorno was founded in 1998 by Rabbi Eitan Eckstein and has treated more than 2,000 people. Ynetnews has described Retorno as “the go-to solution for Jewish patients.”
Yes. Your therapist can ask about the program and referral process. Sharing information about your treatment requires your consent; the teams can discuss what is relevant to assessment and continuing care.
Taking the next step
Get in touch for yourself or someone you care about. We’ll listen, answer your questions and explain the assessment process.
Professional addiction treatment and prevention in a supportive Jewish environment in Israel.