From a kitchen table idea to a youth mental health movement.
The Haven at College began with two women in recovery, a deep belief in the power of community, and one simple but radical question:
What if students didn’t have to lose everything just to get help?
Founded in 2012 by Sharon Weber and Holly Sherman—two professionals who met in sober living after high-achieving but devastating paths through addiction—The Haven was built to offer young adults the support they wish they’d had in college.
What started as a small sober living on one college campus became a nationwide program for students, as well as the the addition of our newest PHP program for all Young Adults in Los Angeles (not just students)
How We Got Here
Holly and Sharon didn’t just dream of a treatment center. They envisioned a community. A place where sobriety could feel empowering, not isolating. Where recovery was normal and something to be proud of – not something to be embarrassed by. Where recovery wouldn’t feel like being “sent away,” but rather being welcomed in.
So, in collaboration with local colleges in California, they opened their first sober living residence exclusively for college students. What followed was unprecedented.
2012
The Haven is born – First sober living residence opened near USC, in partnership with university leaders who saw the need for on-campus recovery resources.
2014
By request from local Universities, The Haven opens an on-campus outpatient counseling center—bringing behavioral health care directly to students who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
2015
Licensed Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) opens, expanding The Haven’s clinical services in collaboration with USC and earning state licensure through California DHCS.
2017
Harm reduction track introduced—recognizing that not all students are ready for abstinence. The program evolves to meet students where they are, not where others expect them to be.
2018
Mental health becomes central.
The Haven’s IOP is expanded to treat primary mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and bipolar disorder—further integrating care for co-occurring issues.
2020
COVID-19 pivots The Haven into the virtual space—launching our Virtual IOP, ensuring continuity of care when students needed it most.
2023
The Haven completes a full brand refresh, receives Joint Commission Accreditation, and launches its updated IOP/PHP programming in West Los Angeles, bringing our mission full circle with a modern, culturally attuned program for today’s students.
2025
The Haven opens a totally separate program in Los Angeles, expanding it’s services to offer PHP and IOP to non-students and students alike, treating all young adults ages 18-30 (with the same proven model).
The future? We hope to continue expanding our proven approach to treating young people in California and beyond.
Accredited, yes. Institutional? Never.
Though we might have a unique approach to treatment, that doesn’t mean we avoid industry standards in compliance or evidence-based practices. In fact, we’re proud to have earned certifications from the “Gold-standard” accreditation agencies in behavioral healthcare! These include The Joint Commission, the California Department of Health Care Services, and Conscious Recovery. These aren’t just logos—they’re commitments to excellence, accountability, and your child’s safety.
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