Serenity Vista

Substance Use

Treatment Focus

This center treats substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Your treatment plan addresses each condition at once with personalized, compassionate care for comprehensive healing.

Residential

Primary Level of Care

Offering intensive care with 24/7 monitoring, residential treatment is typically 30 days and can cover multiple levels of care. Length can range from 14 to 90 days typically.

4.7
(27)
Private Pay

Private Pay

You pay directly for treatment out of pocket. This approach can offer enhanced privacy and flexibility, without involving insurance. Exact costs vary based on program and length of stay. Contact the center for specific details.

Since 2012, Serenity Vista has provided a welcoming, private, and affordable sanctuary for those ready to start fresh. Led by a team with over 55 years of experience, the center is specifically designed for English-speaking individuals from around the world who seek professional addiction recovery in a setting of privacy and comfort. By hosting 1-4 guests at a time, the program brings a high level of individualized support, guiding guests through immersive 30, 45, or 90-day stays to heal deeply and find lasting peace.

Nurture the Soul through Connection

At Serenity Vista, healing goes beyond managing symptoms to unearth the vibrant person within. An intimate guest-to-staff ratio creates profound, individual attention where transformation happens naturally over shared meals or soulful conversations. When words fall short, drumming, sound baths, and art therapy open new doors to expression. Through twice-daily small groups and 12-Step work, guests turn vulnerability into strength.

Restore the Body in a Tropical Sanctuary

The environment balances the solitude of private rooms with the connection of a close-knit community, where family-style meals prepared by the owner create a natural space for sharing stories and forming bonds. Clients have weekly appointments at a spa, providing them with access to yoga, swimming, saunas, and steam rooms. And by prioritizing a "minimum contact" approach in the early weeks, the program ensures that every guest has the space to reconnect with themselves.

Carry Support into Daily Life

When guests leave, they continue to benefit from a lifeline of connection and care. By staying in touch with the owners through WhatsApp, setting up that first 12-Step meeting, or receiving a heartfelt “really nice connecting last night,” these check-ins bridge the gap between treatment and everyday life. By the completion of the program, guests emerge with optimism and excitement about a new life in sobriety, career, and family.

Serenity Vista thumbnail

Highlights from the Center

Highlights

These highlights are provided by and paid for by the center.

  • Therapeutic Location

  • Family Owned & Operated

  • Addiction Recovery

  • Executive Treatment

AT A GLANCE

Center Overview

Location
Boquete, Panama View Map
Primary Focus
This center treats substance use disorders and co-occurring mental healt...

Treatment Focus

This center treats substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Your treatment plan addresses each condition at once with personalized, compassionate care for comprehensive healing.

Typical Program Length
45-90 days
Founded in 2012
14 years in business
Occupancy
2-5 beds
Conditions We Treat
ADHD, ADD, Anger, Anxiety, Bipolar +14 More
Substance Use We Treat
Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Chronic Relapse, Co-Occurring Disorders +12 More
Payment

Pricing and Program Length

Estimated Center Costs

The cost listed here ($19,980 /30 days), is an estimate of program cost. Center price can vary based on program and length of stay. Contact the center for more information. Recovery.com strives for price transparency so you can make an informed decision.

30 days
$19,980
45 days
$29,970
60 days
$39,960
90 days
$59,940
7 day couples retreat
$9,980
(309) 704-4792
Find Proof that Recovery is Not Just about Abstinence
Find Proof that Recovery is Not Just about Abstinence
As a vital part of the holistic approach to recovery, guests dedicate an entire day each week to invigorating outdoor adventure. Whether finding their footing on a rock climbing face, feeling the exhilaration of ziplining through the tropical forest on the Hanging Bridges Tour, or navigating the energy of white water rafting, guests discover a healthy balance of challenge and stimulation.
Discover the Advantage of an International Hub
Discover the Advantage of an International Hub
This center not only has breathtaking beauty but has lower operational costs, allowing the center to pass the savings to those seeking help. While this program is comparable to prestigious facilities in the US and Canada, the reduced overhead in Panama means guests can often access a full 90 days of care for the same investment as a single month elsewhere.
Visualize a New Daily Rhythm
Visualize a New Daily Rhythm
Each morning begins with a walk alongside Ceiba, the center’s chocolate lab. Weekdays include counseling sessions and 12-step meetings, reinforcing community and personal growth. Throughout the week, guests also enjoy a spa afternoon with yoga and massage, a day of outdoor adventures, and unhurried Sundays for rest and reconnecting with loved ones.
Move from Blurred Lines to Beautiful Boundaries
Move from Blurred Lines to Beautiful Boundaries
Codependency is recognized as a journey that deserves its own dedicated recovery. In this intimate setting, guests finally shift their focus from others to their own healing. Through professional counseling and holistic care, individuals dismantle old patterns, learning to set healthy boundaries. This process builds emotional sobriety, allowing guests to reclaim their joy and freedom.
Staff

Meet Your Care Team

John Derry

John Derry

Founding Director

B.Sc.Phm., M.A.

Dr. Ileana Báscuas

Dr. Ileana Báscuas

Licensed Psychologist

PhD, ABPP

Dr. Judy G. Borich

Dr. Judy G. Borich

Therapist

Ph.D.

Joy Alexander

Joy Alexander

Yoga Teacher and Massage Therapist

RYT: Certified

Treatment

Your Care Options

Specializations

Alcohol

Alcohol

Using alcohol as a coping mechanism, or drinking excessively throughout the week, signals an alcohol use disorder.

Anxiety

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can include excessive worry, panic attacks, physical tension, and increased blood pressure.

Executives

Executives

Executive treatment programs typically directly support the needs of people who manage businesses and may provide flexible schedules and office space to allow work during treatment.

Professionals

Professionals

Busy, high-ranking professionals get the personalized treatment they need with greater accommodations for work, privacy, and outside communication.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking—i.e., ceasing to smoke—means giving up smoking nicotine and tobacco products. This process has very important health benefits.

Who We Treat

Men
Women
Executives

Executives

Executive treatment programs typically directly support the needs of people who manage businesses and may provide flexible schedules and office space to allow work during treatment.

Young Adults

Young Adults

Emerging adults ages 18-25 receive treatment catered to the unique challenges of early adulthood, like college, risky behaviors, and vocational struggles.

Men and Women

Men and Women

Men and women attend treatment for addiction in a co-ed setting, going to therapy groups together to share experiences, struggles, and successes.

Midlife Adults

Midlife Adults

For adults ages 40+, treatment shifts to focus on the unique challenges, blocks, and risk factors of their age group, and unites peers in a similar community.

Mild Disabilities

Mild Disabilities

Adults with mild physical or intellectual disabilities receive treatment catered to their specific needs in a safe and clinically supportive environment.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant Women

Addiction and mental health treatment meets the clinical and psychological needs of pregnant women, ensuring they receive optimal care in all areas.

Professionals

Professionals

Busy, high-ranking professionals get the personalized treatment they need with greater accommodations for work, privacy, and outside communication.

Treatment Services

Residential

Residential

In a residential rehab program, patients live onsite, with access to daily treatment and 24-hour care. An average stay is 30-90 days.

Approaches

Experiential

Experiential

Expressive tools and therapies help patients process past situations, learn more about themselves, and find healing through action.

Holistic

Holistic

A non-medicinal, wellness-focused approach that aims to align the mind, body, and spirit for deep and lasting healing.

Minnesota Model

Minnesota Model

The Minnesota Model encourages abstinence and family-wide healing through the 12-Steps, group therapy, and individualized, psychological treatment.

Twelve Step

Twelve Step

Incorporating spirituality, community, and responsibility, 12-Step philosophies prioritize the guidance of a Higher Power and a continuation of 12-Step practices.

Therapies

Adventure Therapy

Adventure Therapy

This experiential approach uses the physical and emotional challenges of outdoor activities as tools for personal growth.

Art Therapy

Art Therapy

Visual art invites patients to examine the emotions within their work, focusing on the process of creativity and its gentle therapeutic power.

Canine Therapy

Canine Therapy

Friendly dogs provide a pleasant therapeutic experience, helping patients who've experienced trauma or separations build social and communication skills.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Couples Counseling

Couples Counseling

Partners work to improve their communication patterns, using advice from their therapist to better their relationship and make healthy changes.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Experiential Therapy

Experiential Therapy

With this approach, patients heal by doing. Therapists help patients process difficult emotions to speak, using guided activities like art or dance.

Group Therapy
Interpersonal Therapy

Interpersonal Therapy

This brief and structured therapy addresses present relationships and improves overall communication at work, home, and other social settings.

Languages

English

Conditions We Treat

ADHD, ADD

ADHD, ADD

ADHD is a common mental health condition caused by dopamine imbalance. Common symptoms include inattention, hyperactivitiy, and impulsivity.

Anger

Anger

Although anger itself isn't a disorder, it can get out of hand. If this feeling interferes with your relationships and daily functioning, treatment can help.

Anxiety

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can include excessive worry, panic attacks, physical tension, and increased blood pressure.

Bipolar

Bipolar

This mental health condition is characterized by extreme mood swings between depression, mania, and remission.

Burnout

Burnout

Burnout entails mental and physical exhaustion, and leads to a severe lack of fulfillment. This condition is often caused by overwork.

Chronic Pain Management

Chronic Pain Management

Long-term physical pain can have an affect on mental health. Without support, it can also impact your daily life and even lead to addiction.

Codependency

Codependency

Codependency is a pattern of emotional dependence and controlling behavior. It's most common among people with addicted loved ones.

Depression

Depression

Symptoms of depression may include fatigue, a sense of numbness, and loss of interest in activities. This condition can range from mild to severe.

Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

An eating disorder is a long-term pattern of unhealthy behavior relating to food. Most people with eating disorders have a distorted self-image.

Substances We Treat

Alcohol

Alcohol

Using alcohol as a coping mechanism, or drinking excessively throughout the week, signals an alcohol use disorder.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep issues. They are highly habit forming, and their abuse can cause mood changes and poor judgement.

Chronic Relapse

Chronic Relapse

Consistent relapse occurs repeatedly, after partial recovery from addiction. This condition requires long-term treatment.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-Occurring Disorders

A person with multiple mental health diagnoses, such as addiction and depression, has co-occurring disorders also called dual diagnosis.

Cocaine

Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant with euphoric effects. Agitation, muscle ticks, psychosis, and heart issues are common symptoms of cocaine abuse.

Drug Addiction

Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is the excessive and repetitive use of substances, despite harmful consequences to a person's life, health, and relationships.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy

Ecstasy is a stimulant that causes intense euphoria and heightened awareness. Abuse of this drug can trigger depression, insomnia, and memory problems.

Heroin

Heroin

Heroin is a highly addictive and illegal opioid. It can cause insomnia, collapsed veins, heart issues, and additional mental health issues.

Marijuana

Aftercare

Family Follow-up Counseling
Support Meetings
Follow-up Sessions (online)
Recovery Retreats
Return Visits
Ability to Call a Counselor
Follow-up Sessions (in-person)
Private, Online Alumni Groups
Experience

Care Designed for Your Needs

Personal Amenities

Air-Conditioned Rooms
Armchair or Sofa
Bathroom Essentials
Coffee Maker and Tea
Desk
En Suite Bathroom
Hair Dryer
Housekeeping
Internet Access

Amenities

Pool
Access to Nature
Fitness Center
Gardens
Gourmet Dining
Hot Tub
Internet
Library
Outdoor Dining

Special Considerations

Gender-specific groups

Gender-specific groups

Patients in gender-specific groups gain the opportunity to discuss challenges unique to their gender in a comfortable, safe setting conducive to healing.

You have center pets
Smoke-free Campus
Young Adults Program

Young Adults Program

Programs for young adults bring teens 18+ together to discuss age-specific challenges, vocational and educational progress, and successes in treatment.

Kosher
Executive Program

Executive Program

Addiction and mental health treatment for executives typically involves high discretion, greater technology access, and more private, 1-on-1 care.

Other dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.)
LGBTQ group

LGBTQ group

Group therapy unites LGBTQ+ patients in a safe and culturally competent setting, encouraging peer support under the expert leadership of a therapist.

Couples program

Couples program

Using gentle clinical care, therapists guide patients and their partner through guided sessions to address issues and work towards lasting solutions.

Activities

Yoga

Yoga

Yoga is both a physical and spiritual practice. It includes a flow of movement, breathing techniques, and meditation.

AA/NA Meetings
Alternative Meetings
Movies
Physical Fitness

Off-Site Activities

Beach Fitness
Beach Walks
Waterfalls
Ziplining
Hot Springs
Biking
Horseback Riding
Games
Sightseeing

Off-Site Amenities

Beach Access
Pool
Airport Transfers
Sauna
Spa
Walking Trails
Reviews

What people are saying

4.7
Average of 27 reviews

Treatment

4.6

Accommodations

4.5

Food & Nutrition

4.9

Value

4.8

Pros

  • Beautiful Location (8)
  • Access to Nature (8)
  • Friendly & Competent Staff (8)
  • Gourmet & Nutritious Food (7)

Cons

  • Poor Cell Service (3)
  • Generalized Program (2)
  • Shallow Post-Treatment Planning (2)
  • Limited Time to Work (2)
C

Carrie

Treatment in 2023 • (45 days) • Reviewed 03/12/25

5.0

Former Client

Academic Director

United States

Alcohol
I am forever grateful to the owners of Serenity Vista and all of their staff. I consider it no less than a miracle that I was able to achieve sobriety after so many years of addiction. I was a professional who needed anonymity and a place where I would feel free and comfortable to thoroughly work my program. The accommodations, meals, excursions, and physical, mental and spiritual healing are excellent. I unequivocally recommend SV!

Thank you for sharing your heartfelt experience Carrie. We’re deeply touched by your kind words and incredibly honored to have been part of your sobriety journey. It’s humbling to know Serenity Vista provided the safe, nurturing space you needed. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we wish you and your family continued peace of mind and peace of heart.
JS

Jason Swift

Treatment in 2022 • (45 days) • Reviewed 02/24/26

5.0

Former Client

Vendor Manager

The treatment I received at Serenity Vista changed my life. The therapy I received was personalized, comprehensive, and demanding (in the best of ways). Four years on, I'm still so grateful I made this investment in myself.
A

Anonymous

Treatment in 2021 • (60 days) • Reviewed 05/20/23

3.0

Former Client

Skilled Trades

Co-Occurring Disorders
The environment at Serenity Vista is highly conducive to recovery, from the comfortable climate, beautiful scenery, and delicious food, to the professional guidance from expert staff and exhilarating weekly retreats. I have chosen to provide an honest reflection of my experience as a guest to contribute to the reviews and testimonials so that they may be more representative. I find that something is fundamentally lacking in this program, and I would characterize some of the founder's behavior as bordering on verbal and emotional abuse. I do believe I was meant to attend, and that I am still on the right path. Unfortunately, part of my experience has been tainted, which has left an indelible mark in my psyche. If I am the only one who had such an experience, then I hope it remains that way, and that is my motivation behind sharing myself. John & Jane have such a deep desire to help, and in their efforts they can be so courteous, joyful and loving. I sense a degree of frustration, inner conflict and perhaps more, that impairs their ability to do so at times. Serenity Vista has helped many individuals & families, and are poised to continue doing so for a greater fraction of their guests while the founders continue to progress along their spiritual paths.

Dear Anonymous, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Serenity Vista and for your thoughtful reflection. We are deeply grateful for your kind words about our environment, staff, and the positive aspects of your journey with us—the comfortable climate, beautiful scenery, delicious food, expert guidance, and exhilarating retreats. It means a great deal to us that you recognize the dedication and love that John, Jane, and our entire team pour into helping individuals and families find their path to recovery.We are truly sorry to hear that parts of your experience felt that they were short of the supportive, uplifting environment we strive to provide every guest. Your feedback about feeling that something was lacking is taken very seriously. At Serenity Vista, our mission is to foster healing and growth, and we regret that any aspect of your time with us left a negative mark. Please know that we view every perspective as an opportunity to learn and improve, and your honesty helps us reflect on how we can better serve our guests.Since your stay a few years ago, we’ve continued to evolve as a program and as a team, always seeking to align our efforts with the highest standards of care, compassion, and professionalism. The founders, John and Jane, remain deeply committed to their own personal growth as well as the well-being of every individual who walks through our doors. We hope that your overall journey has continued to lead you toward peace and fulfillment, and we’re honored to have been a part of it, even with the challenges you’ve described.Thank you again for your contribution to our community’s story. We wish you strength, healing, and all the best on your path forward. Warm regards,The Serenity Vista Team
M

M.S.

Treatment in 2021 • (45 days) • Reviewed 09/10/21

5.0

Former Client

Marketing/Logistics

Panama

Alcohol
Cocaine
Marijuana
Nicotine / Smoking
I thought I would be staying for 30 days and felt very upset when I found out it was 45 days. After day 31 I started to feel the change in me. It is amazing what a day difference makes, I have been able to get sober, which I thought was almost impossible or unbearable, and have a totally different outlook upon life. All negative thoughts have been erased from my mind and replaced by love and optimism. I feel normal emotions and feelings which before were totally numb and intoxicated. The stay at Serenity Vista in Boquete has helped me appreciate nature, be a more tolerant person and most importantly re connect with my Higher Power. I’m now 81 days sober and enjoying the little thing in life.
S

Sherri

Treatment in 2019 • (90 days) • Reviewed 06/09/21

5.0

Former Client

Registered Nurse

U.S.

Alcohol
I am two years sober today! I started my sober life at Serenity Vista. What an incredible journey! I learned much about my addiction and myself. I learned how to cope with day to day life without drinking. John, Jane, and all their staff were knowledgable, supportive, and caring. You could tell that they loved their jobs. The environment was beautiful and the weekend outings were awesome. I would definitely recommend Serenity Vista to my family and friends for recovery. It was life changing for me!

Hi Sherri! Congratulations on your two years of sobriety, what a miracle. All of us at SV are thrilled to hear from you and that you have remained on the path.Thank you for your review and recommendation. You are right, we do love our jobs! Really, it's our passion and calling, the rewards coming from interactions just like this one. 🤗 Again, thank you.We miss you Sherri and think of you more often than you can imagine. You and your family remain in our hearts.

We love hearing about your treatment experience

Center Location

Find Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Further Research

While costs may vary due to program length and insurance benefits, it typically costs $19,980 /30 days.
The following therapies are included: mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, spiritual care and more.
Boquete, Panama.
The typical length is 45-90 days.
Serenity Vista provides residential and more.
Serenity Vista: Insurance, Reviews & Testimonials (Boquete, Panama)