meet the team

LOVE LIFE AGAIN

Finding new ways to connect and grow with our participants is our joy. Helping people to love life again is our passion.

About Barn Life Recovery – A Community That Cares

Our multidisciplinary team specializes in major depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorders, ADHD, ADD, dissociative disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. We are advocating for people suffering from these mental illnesses so that they can receive the same quality and length of care currently only reserved for other disorder types. Healing from mental illness takes time. However, when it is done correctly with a caring staff of professionals, the positive effects reverberate and spread throughout the community. It seems the world is suffering from mental illness. It’s time we came together as a community to heal our wounded. Let’s make a better tomorrow for ourselves and our future.

Connect and Grow

As the first and only licensed community care facility in California, we are pioneers. We have realized a vision of long term, intensive care for mental health illness and co-occurring disorders. Our staff is multidisciplinary and multi-focused. This means that we are not a “one size fits all” recovery program. Instead, we work closely with each person to build a treatment plan that is unique and speaks to each individual’s needs and goals. Our staff is trained in everything from psychotherapy, EMDR, CBT, DBT, Jungian Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Morita Therapy to tai chi, qigong, yoga, ba qua, kung fu, music therapy, reiki, art therapy, dance and so much more. Finding new ways to connect and grow with our participants is our joy. Helping people to love life again is our passion.

We pride ourselves on being the finest providers of community-based care and in working closely and transparently with insurance companies so that we can provide the highest level of care and best practices.

Many of our participants qualify for supported housing through their insurance coverage if their current housing situation is unsafe, violent or not conducive to recovery.

Sifu Mathew Carver

CEO

Studied and trained in external and internal martial/healing arts as well as Qigong, Tai Chi, Ba Qua, Chinese Medicine and Taoist Philosophy for over 30 years with several prestigious Grandmasters, most notably Hing-Wo “Richard” Tsim of the Lau Kune Do system. Mathew has trained under Grandmaster Sifu Tsim, as both his mentor and close friend, for over 20 years.

In 2003, Sifu Carver opened a Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Temple which he ran for 8 years working with students (over 4000) from all walks of life. Sifu Carver was a positive presence in the community of Lake Forest where he worked and trained students in cultivating healthy life paths. It was at this time that Sifu Carver began teaching and working in various Substance Abuse Facilities across Orange County. Sifu Carver pioneered holistic health programs, which incorporated Chinese martial arts and Traditional Chinese Medicine, at many highly respected Mental Health and Substance Abuse facilities: Oasis Treatment Center, Southcoast Recovery, Anamika, Hoag Hospital, Sober Living by the Sea, Ocean Recovery, Laguna Hospital, Hope by the Sea, Brookside Institute and many more.

From 2005 – 2007, Sifu Carver was an instructor of Traditional Chinese Medicine at The Academy of Natural Healing in San Clemente, CA. Classes focused on traditional martial healing liniments and basic herbal identification, preparation and administration. Instructed students in meditation techniques and how to manage stressful situations.

During his time teaching at these various facilities, Sifu Carver devised a system for his own recovery program called Phoenix Healing Arts, which opened in 2008. This outpatient treatment center incorporated many of the eastern arts that Sifu Carver had been teaching and practicing in local recovery centers. During the next 2 years, Sifu Carver wrote two books The Five Chinese Elements and the Lost Art of Change and Zen Recovery Path Workbook which composed the backbone for the program model. Sifu Carver is also a Certified Herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild and Master Herbalist and Formula Architect for Human Roots Herbal Supplements and Zen Blend Herbs. These herbal supplements grew from Sifu Carver’s desire to offer patients a better alternative to pharmaceutical drugs.

In 2011, Sifu Carver founded the Zen Recovery Path at Sure Haven. This complementary and alternative addiction treatment system exposed recovering addicts and alcoholics to the myriad balancing and life shifting techniques explored by ancient Eastern healing traditions for centuries. Zen Recovery Path functioned as an alternative recovery track and included addiction therapy, case management, martial arts training/discipline, meditative arts and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In 2012, Sifu Carver opened Zen Recovery Path in Costa Mesa, California. This facility was the flagship facility in a Substance Abuse Treatment revolution. Sifu Carver and Keith Coronado built the facility from scratch using found art and Keith’s artistic vision and elbow grease. This facility began treating clients in May of 2012 through June of 2018. This facility is internationally known and has successfully treated hundreds of recovery addicts and seekers of change. This facility was accredited by The Joint Commission, the highest accreditation in the industry.

In 2018, Sifu Carver and his fiancée Alyssa Panis opened Barn Life Recovery at the same location where Zen Recovery Path once stood. This facility is the first fully licensed facility sanctioned to treat Mental Illness and Co-Occurring Disorders in the State of California. This facility is the first of its kind and its goal is to stop the stigma of mental illness and offer a long term, effective solution to recovery.

Dr. Ryan Wright

MD

Dr. Wright is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and a Board Certified Addiction Medicine Specialist currently practicing in Newport Beach, CA. He provides general psychiatric services for adult Barn Life Recovery patients who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or thought disorders. For every new patient, Dr. Wright provides a comprehensive initial psychiatric assessment. Furthermore, he provides subsequent mental health treatment including medication management and individualized psychotherapy.

Bridgit Berney

Clinical Director

Bridgit is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds a Master of Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. She has experience working with clients in residential mental health settings, as well as co-occurring disorders at all levels of care. An EMDR practitioner since 2016, Bridgit specializes in working with trauma and PTSD. She is always working toward growth and how to provide the best care possible for clients. Her strengths lie in “seeing” others for who they truly are underneath defenses and protective measures and allowing them to decide if they want to “see” and fully become that person as well.

Bridgit came to Barn Life after an experience with multiple treatment settings and felt very familiar with how mental health and substance use were typically being treated in Orange County, CA. She was drawn to the Barn when she witnessed how unique they were in their approach, and how passionate and hands-on the owners were. Barn Life Recovery is an eclectic bunch, each offering various strengths to create the most competent and trustworthy team she has been a part of.

Hear From Those We've Impacted

Difficult to put my experience of this place into words. A hidden gem of healing, a necessary step to take. If you are looking for change, the place is here—prepare to dive into your journey of self discovery, and enjoy the ride!

Vicki S.

23:45 07 Mar 22

Barn life is a unique place. In my time, I feel like I came out with more tools and a happier outlook than I could have anticipated. Groups were incredibly interesting, and involved areas and perspectives on wellness and mental health that I haven’t encountered elsewhere, but have been crucial for me. The balance of eastern and western modalities felt like it gave me a lot of space and tools for introspection and growing to understand and like myself better. I feel as though I developed friendships and a support system that I’m incredibly thankful for. I’m grateful for everyone I attended barn with and everyone who led groups or worked there. It really is a special space!

Chris M

03:05 03 Mar 22

I came to Barnlife in the middle of Covid and in the middle of a personal crisis.Simply being there, with the excellent staff and supportive clients around me day to day, lifted me up out of my mental despair and set me off to continue my life in a productive, successful and fulfilling way.So many of the staff members are outstanding, but I must say that Mathew Carver, the owner, is the heart and soul and light of this place. His groups and his genuinely caring personal attention truly saved my life.

Colette H.

22:57 02 Mar 22

This place stands alone as far as mental health support is concerned. I was here for about a month and a half and during that time I learned more about my mental wellness then I have ever learned. The staff was patient and insightful, especially Mathew who was an inspiration and mentor to me. The facility is so spacious and inspiring! It was refreshing to have my mental wellness be treated first and foremost. I miss the Barn everyday!

Steven D.

21:32 02 Mar 22

This was a life changing experience. I came into who I am while here and was able to become comfortable in my own skin. The facility and staff are amazing and it is an extremely supportive community. Nothing like any other treatment program I've been to.

Nicholas C.

04:14 02 Mar 22

This is my first review, I just had to sing the praises of Barn Life Recovery, they have been instrumental in helping a family member of mine, the staff and environment are so welcoming- I have seen such a difference in my loved one, they have given him the tools and confidence to dig deep and live his best life, to respond not react. Forever grateful~Thank you!!!

Jessica D

18:00 25 Feb 22

I came to Barn Life in 2019 for support with my depression and anxiety. It was the hardest time in my life and I felt so welcomed and supported by the people here. My experience at Barn Life changed my life. I found community and I learned how to care for my mind, body, and soul. I highly recommend this place for anyone who is struggling mentally.

Alix G.

22:08 10 Jan 22

This is an amazing facility. I actually came to these guys a handful of years ago and had a great experience. They are very welcoming and make that first step a little easier. They are much more open minded and understand what it's like to be sitting in the chairs next to you as well. On top of everything, I had a not-so-great experience with the DMV recently and they required some old paperwork from years ago. Matt and Barn Life were able to help me out and get everything squared away. They truly went above and beyond and I would most definitely recommend them to others.

Ty M.

02:23 25 Apr 21

Barn life is not just a recovery community, it is a family of friends that will stay with me for life. The staff here has taught me things about myself that I never believed before. They helped me find a confidence in myself I didn’t know existed. I returned here after a relapse and deep depression and they accepted me with open arms. I am eternally grateful for this place and anyone should feel safe sending their loved one here.

Suzanne S.

19:23 16 Nov 20

This place is the best treatment center I could've asked for! I came in at my lowest I've ever been, and the staff welcomed me with open arms. I truly love everything this place has to offer, every service and group has helped me grow into my own again. I can finally look forward to life again. I would recommend this place to any age struggling with addiction or mental health issues, it is a magical place I swear to god.

Piper D.

22:56 22 Sep 20

This program saved my life. I’ve been to a lotttttt of other programs but this one is so unique and special I literally still talk about it even though I graduated a while ago. I wish everyone could experience how amazing Barn Life is!

Brittany D.

21:55 17 Sep 20

Barn Life has truly taught me to love life again. I was a lost, broken, and cagey girl when I came here. With the tremendous amounts of love and hard work from the staff and other clients, I have transformed into the woman I was always meant to be.When I first walked in I felt like I found the home I had been searching for. Everyone of their staff members sincerely cares for each person that walks through their gates. The staff is impeccable and will not allow anything to stand in the way of helping any and everyone they meet. I appreciate every aspect that Barn Life has to offer.Every moment I spent in this facility, I will cherish for the rest of my life. I would not be here today without their help.Thank you all so much for being here and offering such a safe space for me to heal and learn to love again.

Justice I.

18:40 25 May 20

This place is so amazing it has really helped me turn my life around I am forever grateful to barn life I highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling

Melanie M.

22:50 24 Jan 20

Words can't express how grateful I am for Barn Life Recovery. My daughter was desperately reaching out for help for many years and as her mother, I didn't recognize the depth of her despair, and I was limited in my understanding of what "help" she needed.With her insight and perfect understanding of her illness, her limitless research to find the professional help she needed and her persistent attempts to help me to understand what she needed from me,Barn Life Recovery was a glimmer of hope in what I perceived as a helpless and increasing darkness.She had to face many fears to board a jet alone and travel to California from Alabama.I'm so happy for her, she has been there for 2 months and is receiving the help she needs, physical, mental and emotional.I hope the rest of the country can follow their concept of "help".

Sylvia M.

13:05 10 Nov 19

Wonderfully compassionate people, very down to earth the team at barn life treats everyone proper af!

austin B.

01:02 13 Oct 19

Barn Life is hands down the best recovery / mental health facility in Orange County, probably in California. I went there for 6 months and they saved my life. Unconventional, progressive, caring, fun. NOT your typical prison-like rehab place, it's a zen garden/dojo with art, reiki, tai chi, qi gong, and yoga with the best therapy Ive ever received as well as the most informative, personal groups. Matt and Alyssa Carver are the best people I know and I truly cant say enough about them as people or rehabilitation owners. No, no one paid me to say all this, lol. This is thanks from my heart.

Andru W.

04:20 20 Sep 19

I am alumni from Zen Recovery Path / a great place , and live a happy healthy life ever since / great peaceful place to recover // Namaste

Michael M.

01:06 11 Jul 19

My daughter has been at Barn Life Recovery now for two months. It was my last resort to send her 9 hours away from me. She has been in drug and mental health rehabs in and out for two years. This was my last stitch effort to save my daughter and get her back to herself. Alyssa and I spoke multiple times before deciding. Their willingness to do everything for her and the different teams they have work with them is amazing. My daughter is happy again and clean and sober. She loves it there in their outpatient program. They restore your faith in humanity. They help restore someone who is broken in so many places to themselves. They have put the light back in my daughters eyes. They are committed to helping each person who truly wants the help. They assist in helping them get jobs and be responsible members of society. I recommend their program to anyone wanting to recover from drug, alcohol and mental health.Thank you to all the people at Barn Life who have made my daughter smile and bring the light back to her eyes. I am truly grateful.DawnaLee

DawnaLee W.

17:34 18 May 19

Through trial and error of trying to stay sober this program is definitely the most caring and supporting of them all if anyone needs help and is willing to help themselves I suggest barnlife they will for a fact give you the push you need and the tools to keep you going

Mason T.

06:10 14 Mar 19