Meet Recovery Cafe
Welcome to Recovery Cafe, located in the vibrant community of Athens, Georgia. Our facility is not just a place, it’s a transformative environment where individuals on the journey of recovery can find support, professional guidance, and a path to personal growth. Founded by Larry Walton, a pioneer in addiction therapy with five decades of experience, Recovery Cafe has evolved into a standalone entity renowned for its innovative approaches and effective recovery models.
At Recovery Cafe, we employ a unique “Learning to Learn” model that not only equips professionals with effective methods but also encourages innovative applications in their therapeutic practices. Our team, including the highly experienced Steve Patterson and the multiculturally adept Juliana Tabares, offers a blend of traditional and holistic methodologies tailored to individual needs.
Our partnerships with respected institutions like The Banyan Tree, Serenity Grove, and Kind Recovery enhance our service offerings, making us a cornerstone in Georgia’s addiction recovery landscape. Whether you’re seeking conventional therapy or exploring holistic avenues, our team is here to support your journey towards recovery and self-discovery.
We invite you to meet our dedicated team and explore the supportive, educational, and therapeutic services we offer at Recovery Cafe. Your path to recovery and personal growth starts here: What is Recovery Cafe?
Larry Walton
Owner, Founder, Retired but still with us
Tommie L. (Larry) Walton, III has been a cornerstone in behavioral healthcare, consultation, and training since 1973, with 2024 marking his 50th anniversary in substance misuse therapy. Throughout his extensive career, Larry has been a trailblazer, particularly noted for his early endorsement of harm reduction strategies in the 1990s, which set the stage for a more humane approach to addiction treatment. His innovative spirit led him to establish his personal practice, Recovery Cafe, in the early 2000s, which became a beacon of progressive treatment methodologies and personal care.
Recovery Cafe was a testament to Larry’s visionary approach and a hub for collaboration with esteemed institutions like The Banyan Tree and Serenity Grove in Athens, Georgia. These partnerships embodied a shared commitment to excellence and innovation in addiction recovery services, enriching the therapeutic landscape in Georgia. In 2017, Recovery Cafe transitioned to a standalone entity, further highlighting Larry’s dedication to fostering a unique and impactful therapeutic environment.
In his practice, Larry employs a “Learning to Learn” model, which is instrumental in training professionals to not only grasp effective methods but also to apply them innovatively in their work. This educational philosophy underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of psychotherapy and addiction treatment.
Larry’s collaboration with figures like Carlo DiClemente underscores his prominence in the field, bridging various expertise to enhance the effectiveness of substance misuse therapy. His role in pioneering initiatives, his active involvement in training the next generation of therapists, and his direct impact on individuals through The In House Group, his concierge practice, showcase a career dedicated to innovation, education, and compassionate care.
Balancing his professional achievements, Larry’s passion for breeding, training, and competing with Catahoula Leopard Dogs, along with his outdoor leadership roles, reflects his multifaceted character and his belief in the holistic aspects of healing and personal development. Holding licenses in Georgia, Idaho, and Wyoming, and being a certified Master Addiction Counselor and Clinical Supervisor, Larry’s expertise is as broad as it is deep, solidifying his legacy in the field of addiction therapy. As of September 2024, Larry is stepping away from his former role at Recovery Cafe into an advisory role and his LCSW status is inactive.
Steve Patterson
Program Director
Steve Patterson is the Program Director at Recovery Cafe, where he leads the development and implementation of innovative, evidence-based recovery programs that are client-centered and aligned with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria. With over nine years of working largely through telehealth at Recovery Cafe, Steve focuses on integrating ethical frameworks into both clinical practice and organizational management to enhance client outcomes and protect privacy.
Steve is a seasoned advocate for the ethical use of technology in healthcare, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. He holds an AI in Healthcare Specialization from Stanford University and a CertNexus Certified Ethical Emerging Technologist Professional Certificate. These credentials inform his approach to ensuring that technological advancements in healthcare are applied responsibly, equitably, and with a focus on patient welfare.
A US Army veteran, Steve brings a unique perspective to his work, particularly in supporting veterans and those navigating recovery from substance misuse. His work involves a strong commitment to ethical standards and community collaboration, aiming to build a supportive and inclusive environment at Recovery Cafe.
Currently, Steve is developing two new group therapy manuals for telehealth delivery. One manual focuses on ASAM Level One care, providing structured guidance for clients in early stages of recovery. The other is designed for clients undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy, combining evidence-based practices with emerging therapeutic techniques to support those exploring new pathways to recovery. Therapists and ethicists interested in these projects can reach him below. Seeking input in protocol and data management in preparing for clinical trials.
Steve’s holistic approach to addiction recovery combines a range of therapeutic modalities, including Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in all aspects of care, from direct counseling to program management and community engagement.
For more information about the new telehealth group programs or to discuss ethical AI in healthcare, please contact Steve directly at steve@recoverycafe.com or recoverycafeathens@gmail.com.
Allison D. Hardy
Therapist
Allison D. Hardy is a compassionate and experienced Behavioral Health Therapist affiliated with Align Counseling & Consulting. With over 12 years of experience as a Clinical Social Worker and Therapist licensed in Georgia and South Carolina, Allison specializes in providing clinical and supportive counseling, psychotherapy, and therapeutic services tailored to the individual needs of adolescents and adults.
Allison is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, grief, life transitions, and chronic illness. Her approach to therapy is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental, ensuring that every client feels comfortable and supported throughout their journey to wellness.
Allison utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches to best meet the unique needs of each client, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She also emphasizes culturally sensitive and person-centered care, believing that each client’s journey is unique and deserves an individualized approach.
Now accepting new clients for both in-person and virtual sessions, Allison is committed to making the therapeutic process as accessible and comfortable as possible. She is also open to telehealth appointments and accepts online payments, ensuring flexibility for her clients’ needs.
Allison’s goal is to help clients learn, act, and transform, providing them with the skills and support needed to overcome challenges and improve their quality of life.
Juliana Tabares
Director of Operations
In addition to her professional business role at Recovery Cafe, Juliana Tabares is a dedicated Recovery Coach and Life Coach, bringing her wealth of experience and a unique holistic approach to our online group community and her sessions at Recovery Cafe in Athens, GA. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Juliana is committed to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and personal growth.
With over 15 years of experience as a business consultant and executive coach, Juliana has honed her skills in enhancing organizational efficiency and navigating complex environments. Yet, it is her passion for aligning career paths with life’s purpose that truly defines her work. Transitioning from the corporate world, she has found her calling in coaching, where she integrates her diverse expertise in Jungian analysis, mindfulness teaching, and recovery coaching.
Juliana’s journey into holistic coaching began in 2010, leading her to embrace spirituality and personal growth. Her approach is deeply influenced by her background in science, religion, and Buddhism, offering a comprehensive perspective that fosters profound transformation.
Originally from Colombia and with international experience in France and the USA, Juliana’s multicultural background enriches her coaching practice. She holds an engineering degree and an Executive MBA, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
At our community and the Recovery Cafe, Juliana is dedicated to guiding individuals towards discovering their purpose and achieving their goals. Soon, her sessions will be available in both Spanish and English, provide a supportive space for recovery and self-discovery, empowering members to embrace their journeys with confidence and clarity. Juliana is with wife of Recovery Cafe’s Steve.
Recovery Cafe works with a number of other local therapists and practices to provide appropriate care, some of whom are considered part of the Recovery Cafe ecosystems as we have worked together for some time.