What to Expect During Residential Treatment at Avalon

Samantha Rush, APRN, FNP-C

Medical Director of Residential & Withdrawal Services

Samantha Rush is a compassionate and committed healthcare professional with a strong dedication to serving individuals on their journey to wellness and recovery. As a Family Nurse Practitioner with advanced training and clinical expertise, Samantha brings more than a decade of experience in emergency medicine, behavioral health, and substance use treatment to her role as Medical Director of Residential & Withdrawal Services.   She began her academic journey at Neosho County Community College and Ottawa University, where she was honored with induction into Phi Theta Kappa for academic excellence. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Rockhurst University, becoming a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Driven by a commitment to continuous growth and service, Samantha is currently pursuing additional certifications as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a master’s degree in medical Spanish.   Samantha has served in community mental health and detox programs for the past two years, where she has been recognized for her holistic, person-centered approach to care. Prior to this, she served as an emergency department charge nurse for ten years, bringing leadership and critical care expertise to fast-paced clinical environments. In 2024, Samantha was honored as one of the top five finalists for Best of Lawrence and has been nominated again for 2025, a reflection of her outstanding reputation and dedication to the community.   Outside of her professional life, Samantha is a proud wife and mother to five children and one stepson. She is actively involved in her family’s life as a dedicated cheer mom, baseball mom, and soccer mom—roles she embraces with the same passion and energy she brings to her clinical work.
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Avalon Wellness & Recovery​

801 Iowa St, Lawrence, KS 66049, United States

Introduction

Starting residential treatment can feel overwhelming — but choosing to begin this journey is a powerful act of courage and hope. At Avalon Wellness & Recovery, we honor that step by offering care that’s grounded in empathy, not judgment.

Our environment is intentionally different. Here, trauma-informed clinical care is paired with the warmth of true hospitality. From chef-prepared meals to spa-like wellness rituals, every detail is designed to support integrated healing — mind, body, and spirit.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what daily life looks like in residential treatment at Avalon. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or a loved one, we hope this gives you a clearer, more confident sense of what to expect.

A Day in the Life, Residential Treatment at Avalon

Rhythm, Support, and a Sense of Home

Structure is one of the most powerful tools in early recovery. At Avalon, each day follows a thoughtfully crafted routine that promotes consistency and emotional stability. Mornings begin with a gentle wake-up, followed by nourishing meals and a calm entry into therapeutic programming.

Our daily schedule includes a mix of group sessions, individual work, body-based care, and downtime — all designed to meet residents where they are, without overwhelm.

With a low client-to-staff ratio, our team can offer truly individualized attention. Whether it’s remembering how you take your coffee or adjusting your care plan, we’re here to support you with warmth, skill, and respect.

Therapeutic Programming

Whole-Person Healing: Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Care

At Avalon, therapy isn’t confined to a chair — it’s woven into the fabric of each day. Our program blends evidence-based modalities with experiential practices to help clients heal on multiple levels.

You’ll participate in group therapy, one-on-one sessions, and psychoeducational workshops that explore trauma, addiction, and emotional regulation. All care is trauma-informed and grounded in proven approaches like CBT, DBT, and somatic work.

We also offer optional spiritual and mindfulness practices, including meditation, breathwork, and guided reflection. These tools support deeper integration and help clients reconnect with their sense of meaning, agency, and self-worth.

Holistic Wellness: Sauna, Cold Plunge, and Steam Room

The Ritual That Grounds and Renews

One of Avalon’s signature offerings is our daily wellness sequence — a three-part ritual that nurtures both body and mind.

  • Sauna: Loosens physical tension and promotes relaxation and detoxification.
  • Cold Plunge: Stimulates circulation, boosts mood, and calms the nervous system.
  • Steam Room: Opens pores, soothes muscles, and helps restore inner calm.

This process isn’t just refreshing — it’s therapeutic. For many clients healing from trauma or chronic stress, these body-based practices provide a safe, sensory anchor that supports emotional regulation and a return to self.

More than a clinical intervention, this sequence feels like a moment of luxury and self-care — part of the daily rhythm of life at Avalon.

Learn more about our therapeutic sauna and cold plunge experience

Meals and Comforts

A Hospitality-First Healing Environment

At Avalon, healing begins with comfort. Our spaces are warm, our meals are thoughtful, and our goal is to help you feel at ease — even on the hardest days.

Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals crafted for both nutrition and enjoyment. Communal dining offers time to slow down, connect, and build relationships.

Rooms are private and calming, communal areas are bright and welcoming, and the surrounding landscape invites quiet reflection. Amenities like yoga, massage, and recreational outings round out the experience — not as extras, but as essential tools for whole-person recovery.

Here, comfort isn’t a bonus. It’s part of the medicine.

Community and Connection

You’re Not Alone — And You Never Have to Be Again

Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why community is at the heart of residential treatment at Avalon.

From shared meals to group sessions, you’ll build meaningful relationships with peers who understand the journey — because they’re on it too. In this space, honesty is safe, vulnerability is welcome, and support flows in both directions.

Clients often tell us that community is what surprised them most — and helped them heal the deepest.

“For the first time in years, I didn’t feel alone. I felt seen. And that changed everything.” — Former Avalon Resident

At Avalon, you don’t just find treatment. You find belonging.

What Makes Avalon Different

Compassion-Driven Care, Delivered with Dignity

What sets Avalon apart isn’t just what we offer — it’s how we offer it. We combine clinical excellence with intentional hospitality to create an experience that’s effective, nurturing, and deeply human.

Our team includes licensed clinicians, wellness practitioners, and hospitality staff who work together to support your growth — not just your recovery.

Whether you’re receiving trauma therapy, enjoying a massage, or simply sipping tea in a quiet lounge, you’ll be met with dignity, attentiveness, and care that sees the whole you.

Conclusion: Healing Starts Here

If you’re exploring residential treatment at Avalon, know this: you don’t have to walk this path alone. Healing is possible — and it doesn’t have to be cold or clinical. With the right support, recovery can feel grounded, empowering, and even beautiful.

We’re here to help you take the next step.

  • Contact us to speak with our admissions team
  • Explore body-based care, trauma-informed healing, or read our Admissions FAQ

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