Waiting times for specialist addiction and mental health support remain a concern across many services, particularly for younger people whose needs can change quickly.
For families seeking alternatives outside statutory provision, residential therapeutic settings can offer a more immediate option. One service doing this very effectively is Holina Village in Cyprus, which provides therapeutic support to overcome addiction in a wonderful residential setting, specifically for young people aged 16 to 25.
Holina Village is a rehabilitation centre that focuses on addiction recovery, behavioural challenges, trauma support and all-round health and wellbeing for adolescents and young adults. The service emphasises a holistic approach, combining individualised care, group connection and a therapeutic community model intended to support longer-term personal development and recovery.
A focus on an under-served age group
The service was developed specifically for the 16–25 age range, because of the lack of alternative treatment options for this group across the UK, Europe and parts of the Middle East. Waiting times for a statutory appointment were just too long and opportunities were being lost – young people need to feel supported and confident to grasp the life ahead of them. The experienced staff team knows that working with younger clients can present distinct challenges, including motivation for change and engagement with treatment, particularly where substance use or mental health issues haven’t yet reached ‘rock bottom’ for them personally.
The service provision for this ‘transitional’ age group means that the only support on offer can fall between child and adult treatment. Holina’s programmes take a different view, being designed to promote healing, personal growth and rebuilding of daily functioning within a structured therapeutic community environment.
Therapeutic community and holistic approach
Central to the model is a therapeutic community framework in which residents support each other while taking responsibility for their own recovery. This peer-based environment has shown to be highly effective in establishing a path to emotional healing, personal growth and social connection.
Treatment approaches at Holina include a mix of traditional psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, alongside innovative approaches including dialectical behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing. Creative and experiential elements, such as equine therapy, art therapy, music therapy and adventure-based activities, ensure everyone can savour and enjoy each stage of their experience.
Alongside therapeutic work, residents are offered educational opportunities and structured activities designed to build confidence, resilience and life skills. The service has a memorandum of understanding with UCLan Cyprus that supports teaching, research collaboration and developing employability skills for Holina residents.
Environment and residential support
Holina Village operates as a fully residential setting, with residents typically staying for several months. The minimum stay is four weeks, with longer programmes often recommended for sustained change.
The setting at Holina has everything needed for a contained therapeutic environment, with accommodation, activities and therapy delivered onsite. The high-grade facilities have en-suite bedrooms, and the outdoor spaces include orchards and animals – a popular feature of therapeutic programmes.
Family involvement is a key component, with family therapy offered to support relationships and recovery outcomes. Visits are generally encouraged from the second month onwards, alongside structured therapeutic family sessions.
Range of needs addressed
The service works with young people experiencing substance misuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioural difficulties, stress and related emotional challenges. It also provides support for issues such as self-harm, isolation and motivational difficulties.
English-speaking services are offered for young people from the UK, Europe and other regions, and the service’s location makes it accessible for families seeking residential treatment outside their home country.
Continuing support and recovery focus
Importantly, Holina’s ongoing support lasts beyond the residential treatment programme. It includes post-rehab programmes and support groups, aimed at sustaining recovery and maintaining connections formed during treatment. The structured environment at Holina makes sure peer relationships and therapeutic engagement play a key role in supporting long-term behavioural change among younger people facing addiction or mental health challenges.
An alternative pathway
For professionals, families and commissioners exploring options outside statutory provision, residential therapeutic communities represent one possible pathway alongside outpatient and community-based support. Services such as Holina Village can provide more immediate access to structured treatment environments, particularly where delays or disengagement risk worsening outcomes.
As with any residential service, suitability will depend on individual need, clinical assessment and ongoing support arrangements after treatment. However, the development of specialised provision for younger adults reflects a growing recognition that age-specific approaches may improve engagement and recovery outcomes.
Holina Village offers flexible pricing options to meet the unique needs of each family. Find out more on holinacyprus.com