Meet Recovery Cafe
Welcome to Recovery Cafe, a beacon of hope and transformation located in the heart of Athens, Georgia. More than just a facility, Recovery Cafe is a community—a nurturing environment where individuals on their recovery journey find support, professional guidance, and a path to personal growth. Founded by Larry Walton, a trailblazer in addiction therapy with five decades of experience, Recovery Cafe has become renowned for its innovative approaches and highly effective recovery models.
At Recovery Cafe, we believe in empowering individuals through a holistic, person-centered approach. We utilize a unique “Learning to Learn” model that equips professionals with not only effective therapeutic methods but also the ability to apply them innovatively in practice. Our team, led by the experienced Steve Patterson and supported by the multifaceted Juliana Tabares, combines traditional and holistic methodologies tailored to each client’s needs.
We are proud to have partnered with respected institutions such as The Banyan Tree, Serenity Grove, and Kind Recovery, further enhancing the comprehensive services we offer. These partnerships allow us to be a cornerstone in Georgia’s addiction recovery landscape, providing both conventional therapy and alternative, holistic options for healing. Whether you’re seeking guidance on a traditional recovery path or exploring new therapeutic modalities, our team is here to support your journey of recovery and self-discovery.
Your path to wellness begins here. We invite you to meet our dedicated team and explore the transformative services offered at Recovery Cafe.
Larry Walton
Founder, Clinical Director, Visionary
“Retired” but still with us.
L.C.S.W, M.A.C., MSW/UGA
Tommie L. (Larry) Walton, III is Recovery Cafe. A fixture in behavioral healthcare since 1973, Larry celebrated his 50th anniversary in substance misuse therapy in 2024. Known for his early adoption of harm reduction strategies in the 1990s, Larry’s progressive and compassionate approach has transformed countless lives and shaped the landscape of addiction treatment in Athens, Georgia.
Larry’s visionary spirit led him to establish Recovery Cafe in the late 1990s, marking the first time he used the name for his private practice. His approach—holistic, client-first, and steeped in innovation—quickly made Recovery Cafe a symbol of transformative care. Over the years, Larry has worked closely with institutions like The Banyan Tree and Serenity Grove to build a collaborative, therapeutic community dedicated to excellence in recovery services. His long-standing relationship with the University of Georgia further reflects his commitment to training the next generation of social workers and therapists. Additionally, over the years he has spearheaded many initiates involving mental health issues over the many decades.
A certified MINT trainer, Larry teaches the Prime for Life Instructors course and has used Carlo DiClemente’s Transtheoretical Model of Change since the 1970s. Today, Larry considers himself a “change coach,” helping individuals and professionals alike adapt and grow. Even as he steps back from daily operations following his retirement in September 2024, his legacy and advisory presence remain integral to Recovery Cafe.
Larry’s “Learning to Learn” model continues to inspire professionals, emphasizing adaptability, continuous learning, and innovative applications of therapeutic methods. Outside of his professional achievements, Larry’s passion for breeding and training Catahoula Leopard Dogs, along with his love for outdoor leadership, reflect his belief in holistic healing and personal development. A MINT instructor, Larry has held licensure in Georgia, Idaho, and Wyoming, Larry’s expertise runs deep, and his influence will be felt for years to come. Inactive but still involved day-to-day.
Steve Patterson
Programs Creation and Management
CCIT/GACA, CLC, Alternative Medicine
Steve Patterson, a U.S. Army veteran and transplant survivor, brings over a decade of experience in addiction recovery and program development. He began working with Recovery Café founder Larry Walton in 2015 and now carries forward that legacy as Program Director. Steve’s journey—from a terminal diagnosis and liver transplant to becoming a certified counselor just eight months post-surgery—reflects the same resilience and purpose he brings to his work today.
Steve oversees all ASAM Level One programming and is currently developing two telehealth-based group therapy manuals to expand access to evidence-based care. His work ensures Recovery Café remains at the forefront of ethical, client-centered treatment.
An author and former tech entrepreneur, Steve wrote This Is How It Feels to Heal, a shamanic account of cancer, recovery, and personal transformation. He is currently finishing its sequel, alongside several group therapy guides. For program inquiries or collaboration, contact Steve at steve@recoverycafe.com. (On loan from Valkyrie Counseling Group (valkyriecounseling.com)
Allison D. Hardy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist – LISW-CP, LCSW, MSW/UGA
Allison D. Hardy is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Behavioral Health Therapist. With over 12 years of experience, Allison provides clinical counseling and therapeutic services to adolescents and adults, specializing in mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and more.
Allison utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Her approach is warm, non-judgmental, and deeply client-centered, ensuring that each individual feels supported throughout their journey.
Currently accepting new clients, Allison offers both in-person and telehealth sessions, with a commitment to making therapy as accessible and comfortable as possible. Her goal is to help clients navigate challenges, transform their lives, and achieve long-term wellness.
Juliana Tabares
Recovery Coach, Mindfulness Teacher, Executive Coach
M.B.A. – Ecole supérieure de Commerce de Rennes (Rennes School of Business, France)
Juliana Tabares is not only a skilled business professional but also a dedicated Recovery Coach and Life Coach at Recovery Cafe. With over 15 years of experience in business consulting and executive coaching, Juliana transitioned from the corporate world to follow her passion for holistic recovery and personal development. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Juliana’s multicultural background enhances her ability to connect with clients from diverse walks of life.
Her coaching philosophy draws from a rich blend of Jungian analysis, mindfulness, and recovery coaching, offering clients a transformative approach to personal growth. Juliana is soon launching bilingual sessions, expanding Recovery Cafe’s reach to Spanish-speaking communities. Juliana and Steve hope to one day open a satellite office for Recovery Cafe in her hometown of Pereira, Colombia.
Originally from Colombia, Juliana’s international experience and holistic perspective allow her to guide individuals towards self-discovery and life alignment. As the wife of Recovery Cafe’s Program Director, Steve Patterson, Juliana is committed to fostering a supportive community that nurtures growth and healing. Juli’s (pronounced Who-Lee) first book “One Life To Be You, An inner self journey to reinvent your job, your corporate career and your life” is available on Amazon. She is currently working on her second book in which she explores relationships.
Our Collaborative Ecosystem
Recovery Cafe collaborates with a network of local therapists, all of whom are integral parts of the Recovery Cafe ecosystem. These partnerships ensure that clients receive comprehensive, individualized care tailored to their unique recovery journeys. Many of these therapists have been part of our community for years, helping us build a cohesive, trusted support network that strengthens our collective efforts.
Clarification: Not Affiliated with Recovery Café Network
We are not affiliated with Recovery Café Network, a peer-led support organization based in Seattle with locations nationwide. Recovery Café Athens was founded by Larry Walton in the 1980s as a professional outpatient treatment practice. Our website, RecoveryCafe.com, has been online since 1998 and has continuously operated as a structured, evidence-based recovery program.
While we respect the work of Recovery Café Network, our focus is different—we provide ASAM Level 1 outpatient treatment and clinical counseling services to individuals seeking structured recovery support. For more information about Recovery Café Network, visit recoverycafenetwork.org.