Welcome to Larry Walton’s Recovery Cafe located in Athens, Georgia. Our team is comprised of highly qualified and experienced professionals who are committed to helping individuals achieve their recovery goals. You can meet our team members, Larry Walton who is the owner and director of the cafe, and Steve Patterson who brings extensive knowledge and experience to his role. Although they are both US military veterans from different generations, their veteran status is not a significant topic of discussion.
Larry Walton
Clinical Social Worker, Master Addiction Counselor, Clinical Supervisor
Tommie L. (Larry) Walton, III has been a cornerstone in the realm of 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 not only a testament to Larry’s visionary approach but also 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 DeClemente 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.