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 partner 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
Owner, Founder, Retired but still with us
Tommie L. (Larry) Walton, III is Recovery Cafe. A fixture in behavioral healthcare since 1973, Larry celebrates 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.
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. Licensed in Georgia, Idaho, and Wyoming, Larry’s expertise runs deep, and his influence will be felt for years to come.
Steve Patterson
Program Director
As Program Director of Recovery Cafe, Steve Patterson carries forward Larry Walton’s holistic, client-centered approach to recovery. Steve met Larry in 2010 and worked directly under him from 2015 until Larry’s retirement in 2024. Larry’s influence has profoundly shaped Steve’s philosophy. Their close professional relationship allowed Steve to immerse himself in the methodologies that have made Recovery Cafe a leader in addiction recovery.
Steve is responsible for developing and implementing evidence-based recovery programs aligned with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria. His expertise in telehealth and over nine years of experience enable him to integrate ethical and technological advancements in healthcare. A member of the Georgia Addiction Counselor’s Association (GACA) since 2015, Steve is a Certified Emerging Technologies Ethicist and holds several specializations in AI and IoT technologies in healthcare through selections from Stanford University, the University of Milan, Lund University, and others. Steve remains committed to enhancing client outcomes while ensuring privacy and equity in care.
Steve, a US Army veteran, is particularly dedicated to supporting veterans in recovery. His approach emphasizes ethical standards, from direct counseling to community collaboration, fostering a supportive, inclusive environment at Recovery Cafe.
Currently, Steve is spearheading the development of two new group therapy manuals for telehealth delivery: one focused on ASAM Level One care and the other on psychedelic-assisted therapy. These manuals combine traditional evidence-based practices with emerging therapeutic approaches, ensuring that Recovery Cafe remains at the forefront of innovative recovery pathways. Steve’s leadership ensures that the foundation Larry built remains strong, adaptable, and infused with modern therapeutic techniques. Over the soon-to-be-decade, he has been with Recovery Café; he has been a Recovery Coach, Certified Clinical Recovery Support Specialist, Recovery Coach Trainer, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, as well as most office functions.
For inquiries regarding Recovery Cafe’s programs or the ethical use of AI in healthcare, contact Steve directly at steve@recoverycafe.com.
Allison D. Hardy
Therapist
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
Director of Operations
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.
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.
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.
