Our Program
A Path to Recovery
Our unique program blends intensive 12-Step study, contemplative disciplines, and devotional spirituality. We view addiction as a misalignment of body, mind, and relationships—our approach restores harmony with practical, evidencebased methods.
Our Understanding
​We understand Addiction to be a complex condition of mind, body, social relations and spirit. Driven by the pursuit of reward, the need to ease pain, or the search for meaning, the elements of nature, nurture, and choice fall tragically out of balance. The result is often suffering, despair, or even death. We believe recovery is about clearing the debris—fear, harmful habits, guilt, shame, trauma, and obsessions—that blocks a joyful, fulfilling life. Through self-examination, spiritual practices, and community, we help you reconnect with your highest self for lasting, meaningful change. Recovery isn’t just about abstinence—it’s emotional balance, spiritual vitality, and living with calmness, with gratitude, and with purpose. It is about living ordinary life with extraordinary love.
Dr. Dave Smith, MD, DFASAM, FISAM, FAACT, is a pioneering leader in addiction medicine and the Founder of the Ashbury Free Clinic. As a former President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, he remains at the forefront of innovation and research as the Director of the San Francisco Psychedelic Center. His dedication to enhancing patient care and deepening the understanding of addiction solidifies his role as a key figure in the community.
Dr. A. Kenison Roy, III, MD, is an esteemed Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at Tulane School of Medicine. As the Director of the Division of Addiction Medicine, he leads the Department of Psychiatry's efforts in this critical field. Additionally, he serves as the Program Director for the Addiction Medicine Fellowship. Dr. Roy is recognized as a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, reflecting significant contributions to the field.
Our Advisors
Hank Berman is a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience in private practice, currently providing telehealth services to clients. His extensive clinical background roles as Clinical Director at Catholic Services and Branch Director at Jewish Family Services, along with consulting for organizations like Men Overcoming Violence and the Haight Ashbury Drug Treatment Program. Additionally, he has lectured on mental health topics related to deafness and has taught sign language, notably serving as a tutor for Koko the Gorilla. Hank's diverse expertise ensures a compassionate and informed approach to therapy.
Brian Anderson, MD, MSc, is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for the Neurosciences, and he is an attending in the Psychiatric Emergency Services at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. He is a co-founding member of the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics. In 2018, he conducted a pilot study of psilocybin-assisted group therapy for demoralization in older, long-term AIDS survivor men. Currently, his research focuses on the development of: 1) novel interventions to address psychological distress in patients with serious medical illness; and 2) training and safety standards for psychedelic guiding.