clinical technician

therapist

licensed vocational nurse

case manager

program director

AKUA Mind & Body

PROS 
OT is available often as long as it gets approved. 
There is a private chef on site that will cook for food the clients. You are able to eat whatever is left over so free lunch sometimes. 
They are flexible with schedules unless they are low on staff. 
Direct contact with clients which is beneficial for those who seek interpersonal communication and those who desire to help those in need. 
Free water 
They have an employee of the month program called "Akua's Warriors" where you will receive a shirt and small gifts (chocolate, gift cards, etc.) 
Good sense of comradery amongst the staff. 
You get paid an extra 20$ a month for cell phone usage. 
Akua offers a 700$ stipend specifically for those who want to pursue an education with CCAPP (only for low level employees like clinical technicians). 
Reimbursement for initial RADT 9 hour training and credentialing (100$ total).  

CONS
This company is constantly firing employees and is very slow to hire replacements. The employees that are hired are a mix of recovering substance abusers (at least 6 months sober even though it's supposed to be 2 years) or people without addiction problems.
As an employee, you receive 2.2 hours of vacation every 2 weeks. 
There is very little room to progress at Akua unless you enroll with CCAPP and take classes.
You will often be asked to perform tasks out of your title and receive 0 compensation. 
There are no raises unless you are promoted.
You receive "stocks" after a year of employment.
You will not receive any type of compensation during leave for any situation unless you have been employed for 1 year. 
Work environment is under constant stress due to how the company manages the admission department.
Under constant review by the state due to complaints and falling under state regulation. 
The owner cares more about money then helping those in recovery. He takes 0 accountability for his decisions and will blame those he hired instead. 
Poor health insurance. 
You have to find street parking in a residential area. 
They have trouble putting competent people in leadership positions. 
Management is not afraid to throw you under the bus if you make a mistake. 
HR is heavily involved in every aspect of this job. Expect to receive multiple emails about things that are/aren't related to you. 
You will be contacted on days when you do not work. 
You are under constant surveillance, anything you do will be seen, screenshotted, and sent to your supervisors if they deem it bad. 


As a program director with 15 years of experience in the substance use disorder and mental health field, I cannot express enough how much I love working for Akua Behavioral Health. This company truly embodies the values of care, compassion, and professionalism that I hold dear.

From the moment I joined Akua Behavioral Health, I was impressed by the level of commitment and dedication that the entire team had towards providing high-quality care for our clients. The company's focus on treating the whole person, addressing not just their substance use disorder or mental health condition but also their individual needs and circumstances, is truly commendable.

The care and compassion that Akua Behavioral Health offers to its clients are second to none. Each client is treated with the utmost respect and empathy, allowing them to feel supported and understood throughout their treatment journey. The customized treatment plans, tailored to meet each client's unique needs, are a testament to the company's commitment to providing individualized care.

One aspect of Akua that I truly appreciate is the professional support provided by the leadership team. As a program director, I have found that they are always available to offer guidance, listen to concerns, and provide valuable feedback. They foster an open and inclusive work environment, creating a sense of teamwork and collaboration among the staff. This type of leadership is rare to find in the behavioral health field, and it truly makes a difference in the overall atmosphere and success of the company.

In addition to the exceptional care and supportive leadership, Akua Behavioral Health also offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. The company provides regular training and educational opportunities, keeping the staff up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field. This commitment to continuous learning not only benefits the clients but also the employees, allowing us to stay at the forefront of best practices and deliver the highest standard of care.

Working at Akua Behavioral Health has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. Knowing that I am a part of an organization that genuinely cares about the well-being of our clients and has a strong focus on both their mental health and substance use disorder recovery is truly rewarding. The positive impact we are able to make in the lives of our clients is immeasurable.

If you are passionate about helping others, values care and compassion, and are looking for a company that invests in the growth and development of its employees, I highly recommend considering a career with Akua Behavioral Health. It is a great company to work for, and I feel grateful every day to be a part of this compassionate and dedicated team.

 

Akua Malama Residential Treatment Center is an exceptional facility for those seeking comprehensive and compassionate care in a serene and supportive environment. From the moment you step through the doors, it's clear that the team here is dedicated to fostering healing and personal growth.

Environment:
The facility is set in a tranquil location, surrounded by natural beauty, which contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere of peace and relaxation. The accommodations are comfortable and thoughtfully designed, creating a warm and inviting space that feels like a true sanctuary.

Staff:
The staff at Akua are a standout feature. They are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable but also genuinely compassionate and attentive. The therapists and counselors employ evidence-based practices and tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. Their dedication to their work and their clients is evident in every interaction.

Programs:
The treatment programs are well-rounded and comprehensive, addressing both mental and physical well-being. They offer a range of therapies, including individual counseling, group sessions, and holistic treatments such as yoga and mindfulness practices. The emphasis on personalized care ensures that each client receives the support and guidance they need to make meaningful progress.

Support:
Family involvement and support are integral to the treatment process at Akua. The center provides excellent resources and guidance for families, helping them understand and engage in their loved one's journey toward recovery.

Overall Experience:
My experience with Akua has been incredibly positive. The center's commitment to creating a nurturing and effective treatment environment makes it an outstanding choice for those in need of residential care. The blend of professionalism, empathy, and individualized attention truly sets Akua apart. I highly recommend this center to anyone seeking a path to recovery and personal growth.

Conclusion:
Akua Malama Residential Treatment Center excels in providing a supportive, effective, and holistic approach to treatment. The compassionate staff, serene environment, and well-structured programs create an ideal setting for healing and transformation. If you or a loved one is seeking a comprehensive residential treatment experience, Akua is a top-tier choice.

I get to work on time, and as i get there i put my stuff away, greet my co-workers, and look at the board in the tech office. It more or less plans out each one of our job duties for the day. I help with client safety checks, talk to clients and check in with them, take them to outside group or gym activity, help bring dinner out, do dishes, laundry, anything that the clients need including but not limited to cigarettes, and cellphone privileges, ( all day long). I believe that i learned patients, how to listen to others feelings, how to be kind but assertive and strong at the same time, understanding, human care, empathy, alertness, awareness, how to multitask, how to move quickly and what community care is all about. Management is outstanding because they go above and beyond to help everyone they can with anything they need. They are kind but firm and strict when it comes to rules, guidelines and compliance. I know i can go to management if i ever have concerns, questions or uncertainties, and they will provide with the best advice or solution to what i need. They recognize when your doing a good job as well as let you know what area your doing not  so good in. They give you tips and plenty of time to let you work on the areas you need to work in order to improve your work productivity. The hardest part of the job is sometimes finding clients for safety checks, (safety checks are time sensitive) sometimes you can't find them and have to spend time checking all over the house for where they could be and it's a lot of running around. Also, when 3 or 4 different clients tells you they need something and all of their needs are different, while your already in the middle of something.  The most enjoyable is working together as a team, seeing the clients engage with one another, observing them start to gain a little more of their health back. Also being someone they can count on to help them with things they need. Team work really is what i enjoy the most because it creates productivity and unity and clients see that and they respect akua more for it i think.  

I love that we do not turn down any opportunities for case management. We have the freedom to make sure that all of our clients become well-prepared for life after treatment. Whereas other treatment centers tell clients they have to wait until they leave to resolve so many of their issues, we help them find solutions within the safety of the cocoon of treatment, with all of the support from every member of our AKUA Treatment team. AKUA is the only place I have ever worked where I am provided the freedom to meet clients exactly where they are and work so closely with them to get as many of their treatment issues resolved before they return to their communities. 
*A typical day at work is a non-stop day filled with action and more action. I lead groups, meet with clients individually, lead the team, schedule time management, lead by example, work hard, and play hard! There is never a dull moment, and no 2 days ever look the same.
*What I have learned is how much I love direct client care and being part of a team that truly saves lives on the front lines of the addiction crisis.
*Management is supportive and growth-oriented. I will always have room to grow. I have already been promoted from within twice.
*The workplace culture is 100% happy, joyful, and free. We all love what we do, and the ones who cannot hang leave.
*The hardest part of my job is watching clients leave before the miracle happens.
*The most joyous part of my job is watching clients blossom before my eyes and become all they want to be. I get to witness clients being restored to their true nature before they ever succumb to addiction.
We do not turn anyone away who seeks treatment because we serve the needs of all people including those with public insurance and most private insurance. We serve the homeless and the gainfully employed, with no difference in level of care. 

I worked at Akua Behavioral Health in Fair Oaks, and while I can say the local team was truly one of the best I’ve worked with—cooperative, egalitarian, and deeply committed to client care—the experience overall was marred by corporate dysfunction and poor leadership at the top.

The Fair Oaks team created a uniquely supportive and effective treatment environment despite limited resources. Clinical staff, mental health technicians, and local leadership collaborated closely, showing mutual respect and a strong commitment to ethical practice. Unfortunately, this culture was repeatedly undermined by corporate overreach and micromanagement from the CEO and upper-level administrators, who frequently made reactionary decisions without insight into day-to-day operations or client needs.

Policy enforcement was wildly inconsistent. Expectations and rules shifted frequently with little warning, and decisions seemed more about optics than actual client care or staff wellbeing. During my time there, clinical and support staff turnover was constant, often due to burnout from poor support and erratic corporate demands. Even when staff like myself worked hard to maintain compliance and go above and beyond expectations—especially during multiple audits—the recognition or stability this deserved was absent.

Akua’s mission sounds great on paper, but in practice, the company is poorly led and lacks the consistency and long-term vision required to retain good people and provide truly ethical care. Unless there is a serious restructuring of leadership and company culture, I would not recommend working here.

As a new Program Director at Akua Mind Body, I can confidently say that the past month has been an incredibly rewarding experience. What struck me most is the organization's unwavering commitment to its core values. Here at Akua, ethical practices and client well-being truly take center stage.
Every decision is rooted in clinically sound judgment. The leadership team prioritizes client care above all else, ensuring each individual receives the most effective treatment. This value-driven approach resonated deeply with me, and has been evident in every interaction with program staff and executive leadership.
But Akua goes beyond just clinical excellence. It fosters an environment of connection, community, and support. There's a genuine sense of shared purpose, collaboration, and a dedication to empower our clients on their recovery journeys.
What's particularly refreshing is the openness to feedback and exchange of ideas. The leaders here are approachable and actively encourage staff input. They're genuinely invested in building a supportive environment where everyone can grow and thrive. This fosters a sense of empowerment and allows staff to do their absolute best work for the clients we serve.
Overall, my experience at Akua Mind Body has been nothing short of exceptional. It's a place where value-driven care meets a supportive, collaborative community. If you're looking for a truly rewarding career where you can make a real difference in people's lives, Akua Mind Body is definitely worth considering.


Working as a case manager at Akua Mind and Body has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The work we do is profoundly meaningful, as we help clients overcome their addiction and mental illness. This aspect of the job is truly fulfilling and provides a strong sense of purpose every day.

One of the standout features of Akua Mind and Body is the excellent work-life balance. The company truly values its employees' well-being, ensuring that we have ample time for our personal lives. Management is particularly attentive to employees' opinions and needs, creating an open and supportive environment.

Job security is another significant benefit. Having worked with Akua for years, I have never had any concerns about job stability or a lack of work. This consistency is a major advantage, especially in today's uncertain job market.

Compensation at Akua Mind and Body is above average compared to similar companies. The pay is competitive and reflects the hard work and dedication required in this field. This financial recognition is greatly appreciated and adds to the overall job satisfaction.

Overall, I highly recommend Akua Mind and Body to anyone seeking a meaningful and stable career. The company offers a supportive environment, excellent compensation, and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. I would confidently suggest this company to any friends looking for a great place to work.

Akua is a fast-paced and dynamic environment that allows staff at any level to challenge, refine, and expand their skill sets in various ways, including case management, crisis intervention, teaching, supportive counseling, and leadership. In addition, Akua has provided me with numerous opportunities to advance my career and take on leadership roles within the organization. Akua also puts a real effort into integrating the mind and body holistically with the client at the center of everything we do. The only downside to working at Akua is related to the nature of the work rather than the organization itself. This type of work may not be suitable for individuals who cannot manage multiple urgent priorities while maintaining a calm and regulated presence. Additionally, one must be willing to embrace discomfort and commit to continual growth. As a Clinical Director, I am dedicated to achieving clinical excellence and providing comprehensive, holistic care. I am also committed to mentoring and teaching the staff I work with, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to excel in their roles. I seek out talent that can think critically, embrace discomfort, and maintain a growth mindset.

Nobody enters the mental health/substance use treatment field because it is lucrative or prestigious or because they've aspired to do so since they were a child. They enter to help people – and the implications of this are numerous. For instance, one must eventually come to terms with the values, principles, and standards that guide the organization they work for. These values determine employee culture, individual and group behavior, and ultimately the quality of care and service an organization provides. After spending a significant amount of time in a leadership role at Akua, I can say with high degree of authority that the top management are steadfast in their commitment to help people live healthier lives above all else. Compassionate care, excellent experiences, inclusion, and support from the top down are matters of routine. When your organizing principles are that of integrity and kindness and all actions come from this place, it is impossible to do the wrong thing. Of course, mistakes are always made at any organization but they are learning moments and contribute to Akua’s organizational growth. Progress not perfection, in all things. I am proud to be at Akua.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Clinical technician 55 salaries reported	$22.47 per hour
Therapist 27 salaries reported	$34.96 per hour
Licensed vocational nurse 11 salaries reported	$36.68 per hour
Case manager 12 salaries reported	$30.25 per hour
Program director 8 salaries reported	$100,625 per year

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