Our Philosophy
Recovery Cove was founded to guide individuals through their recovery journey. Our belief is that everyone’s needs are unique and should be treated with the personal attention of an individualized program.
Through decades of experience, our team has developed a model of continuum of care which is necessary for the individual to achieve a smooth transition from supervised care to independent everyday living, which is our ultimate goal.
Life at Recovery Cove
Nestled on the St. Lucie River waterfront in the heart of Stuart Florida, clients will be immersed in a city full of old world charm and uncluttered shoreline; a historic downtown with boutiques and chic restaurants; a former silent-movie theater, the Lyric, that has been refashioned into a jewel of a contemporary performing arts center, and waterfront parks boasting large trees and clean fresh air, allowing Recovery Cove to be the best environment for healing.
Our staff will be ready to meet you at the entry of Recovery Cove upon your arrival. We will greet you with dignity and grace welcoming you to our home. Our goal is to make sure that you enjoy your stay and are as comfortable as possible throughout your recovery process.
“Be brave, take the first step. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, you just have to see the first step. ”
Our Facilities
Our sober living residence boasts beautifully appointed gender specific rooms on the serene and rustic St Lucie River, providing a peaceful, quiet and comfortable setting that will enhance the quality of time you spend at Recovery Cove. Together with our modern, well-equipped clinical offices, our atmosphere creates a relaxed setting for group and individual therapies, activities and community.
Our convenient locations are centrally located within a short distance to historic, quiet and free spirited downtown Stuart.
Staff
Our staff is a highly qualified hand-picked group of individuals who have a unique understanding of what it takes to embark on this journey of recovery.
Their tireless work and dedication comes from the feeling that few people ever get to know, crossing over from the darkness and into the light, and helping guide the way to a bright and fulfilling life. By treating our clients with the love, understanding and dignity they deserve, they help bring out the best in our clients and enhance their stay at Recovery Cove.
Executive Director - Bill Schmidt
Bill Schmidt, or Schmidty, as he is known to his friends and colleagues, has been an active member of the recovery community for 23 years, and has dedicated his life towards working with addicts in recovery.
Throughout his extensive career, he has personally overseen the treatment and success of thousands of individuals from around the country.
Well versed in all phases of treatment from detox to sober living facilities large and small, Bill has a thorough and proven understanding of what it takes to help addicts achieve a happy and successful life.
Clinical Director - Valerie Richards, LMHC, CST, MS, EdS
Valerie Richards is the Clinical Director at Recovery Cove. Her goal is to offer a substance abuse program that will equip clients with the tools that they need to recover and to help them learn how to utilize those tools when they face life’s challenges. Specializing in substance abuse, relationships (including both couples and parent/child), and sex therapy (including out-of-control sexual behaviors and sexual abuse), Valerie provides non-judgmental support and evidenced based therapy to help her clients move beyond whatever specific challenges they face.
Recognized by the State of Florida as both a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Sex Therapist (CST), Valerie earned both her master’s (MS) and educational specialist (Ed.S) degrees from Florida State University.
With more than 17 years of experience as a mental health professional, Valerie has provided both inpatient and outpatient treatment in substance abuse facilities, as well as counseling/therapy for clients in forensic, social service and private practice settings.
Primary Therapist - Joe Lima
Since 1990, Joe has been treating addiction in every level of care. Originally from Providence Rhode Island, he has been a licensed addictions counselor and clinical supervisor for over 20 years.
His knowledge and experience brings a seasoned response to this current epidemic gripping the United States. As a primary therapist at Recovery Cove, Joe believes that the clients come first. "As long as we follow that philosophy, we are assured to save lives."
