Richard P. Smith

What drives Richard

Richard specialises in addiction and mental health care, with a focus on methadone-to-abstinence programs, residential treatment, and family counselling. His work has earned recognition through media features and global program success, including Seasons Bali.

Areas of expertise

With nearly four decades in addiction recovery and mental health, Richard P Smith has pioneered transformative rehabilitation programs that have helped thousands reclaim their lives. His expertise spans clinical treatment, program development, and family interventions, making him a respected leader in the field.

Addiction rehabilitation and recovery

Residential AOD treatment services

Family counselling and interventions

Mental health and substance use disorders

Workplace health and safety with AOD

Executive and bespoke treatment programs

awards

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Interests

interests

Richard is deeply committed to advancing addiction recovery through innovative, evidence-based programs and holistic treatment models. His work continues to shape the industry through education, mentorship, and advocacy.

Long-term recovery models and success rates

Addiction treatment program development

Holistic and abstinence-based recovery approaches

Mental health advocacy and harm minimisation

Family and community-based rehabilitation

Policy reform and public education on addiction

Affiliations

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Read Richard’s Insights on Rehab Funding & Industry Trends

Published works

Richard Smith, Program Director & Founder, breaks down rehab affordability, funding options, and key industry insights to help individuals access treatment.

client stories

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Richard’s vision for lasting recovery

Richard’s approach to recovery is deeply personal and rooted in his belief that true healing requires addressing every aspect of a person’s life. His programs are designed to go beyond treating the symptoms of addiction, focusing instead on uncovering the root causes—whether trauma, family dynamics, or life stressors—and empowering clients to rebuild their lives from the ground up. This holistic philosophy delivers real results: clinical audits reveal that 75% of clients who complete a 90-day program remain clean and sober after a year. With shorter programs achieving 50% and 35% success rates for 60- and 28-day programs respectively, Richard’s vision proves that with the right support, lasting recovery is possible for everyone.

Dyahayu S

My brother in law was an ice addict for 5 years. We found The Hader Clinic through searching online on google. We called the clinic and made an appointment. The staff was helping us a lot to understand better about an addict. My brother in law did the ninety days program and has been cleaned ever since. The staffs are very helpful and I really recommend The Hader for your love one.

Graeme A

Over the past 2 years I have referred 3 clients to The Hader Clinic and all of them successfully completed the program and are now back and getting on with their lives. The team are caring professionals who understand addiction.

Peter E

I struggled with drug addiction and many other addictive behaviours for the majority of my life and I couldnt see a way out of that life style, I thought I was destined to be like this for ever. This wasn't until I went to The Hader Clinic 22 and half months ago where they provided me with a safe environment to deal with my drug addiction and life struggles I had been experiencing. Having other clients who have go through similar struggles as I was experiencing, this really helped me identify that there are people out there with the same struggles I've been having who could help me.The constant support I received from the professionally trained support staff and professional counselors I was able to see a new way of life for the first time in my life, A life without out drugs and alcohol seemed possible. Thanks to The Hader Clinic after doing 1 year of treatment which consisted of 3 months of residential treatment and 9 months of a half way program Ive got a new out look on life and I've been clean from all mood and mind altering substances since entering treatment 22 and half months ago.

Jake M

I learnt at The Hader clinic that i needed to set boundaries with my loved one and their addiction. I could stop enabling and being part of their addiction, separating my love for them and my disgust in the addiction. the Hader clinic gave us as a family a clear pathway to recover as an entire family and my partner who spent 10 years slowly destroying himself and his family - is now 3 years clean, working full-time and most importantly a great dad. Thanks to the team at the Hader Clinic. We are all very grateful.

Anonymous

The Hader Clinic taught me how to maintain recovery not just get clean. After 15 years battling addiction I’d given up on treatment services and I’d given up on myself. I’d been in several reputable rehabs which helped me to clean up for a while but it never lasted. When I got to Hader I was out of ideas. Their program saved my life. And helped me fundamentally change my life. Through a tough program, led by staff who’ve all lived the horrors of addiction, I was forced to finally confront my demons. They loved me through the pain and then showed me a way out of the isolation of my addiction. Most of all I got a new perspective on the journey of recovery and what it really takes to live life again after addiction. Forever indebted to the Clinic for its gift of recovery.

Zara M

12 months ago our family had run out of options. Our daughter had been addicted for years and we had tried everything to help her. We feared the worst was going to happen at anytime. A late night phone call to The Hader Clinic changed all our lives. Our daughter was admitted the next day and spent 3 months in The Hader program. 12 months on and we just celebrated a year clean and sober!! Thank you to the team at The Hader Clinic.

Trish

I came into the Hader Clinic emotionally & physically exhausted & at my lowest point in life. With the love & support of my family especially my brother they wanted the best possible treatment for me as a struggling addict and found the Hader Clinic. I did intensive treatment for 3 months at the Women’s retreat & continued therapy at a transitional accommodation for another 3 months. It was tough because I dealt with raw emotions & feelings that I usually would suppress with my addiction. In the 6 months that I was at the Hader Clinic I participated in my treatment with the support & help of the staff & the community. It’s not easy & there will be many challenges where it will bring the best & the worst in you...however it’s worth fighting the demons within you. It’s a life changing experience. I’ve learnt to build a solid foundation & been clean 2 years & 10 months continuing...no amount of money can replace that. My loved ones have me back in their life’s.. more understanding with gratitude in my heart. Thank you again to the staff & community at the Hader Clinic.

Jade M

This place saved my life. 7 years clean today!! Couldn't have done it without starting out at Hader. It may seem challenging at first, but this program works - long term! I am living proof of this. Thank u again

Renee R

I cannot recommend The Hader Clinic enough. This is the rehab I chose when my husband was struggling with drug addiction. The support, professionalism and respect shown to both my husband and I is second to none. I cannot thank this place enough. 2 years on, not only has my husband gained a clean start at life again but has also found lifelong friends and a fantastic support network to help him continue on this path. Well done to all the staff. Results and success rates speak for themselves.

S K

A fantastic Rehabilitation Program aimed at targeting all the main factors that contribute to addiction - Mental, Physical and Spiritual. The program provided is run by a highly trained and professional staff. The retreat at Bacchus Marsh provides clients with a calm and serene atmosphere to carry out their healing journey with others in the Therapeutic Community. They also have another community in another major centre of Victoria, which is closer to the central hub. All staff who work for Raymond Hader have personal experience with addiction - which means that they bring to the table a depth of empathy and understanding that it is hard to find anywhere else. Treatment outcomes are extremely good and the Clinic provides extensive family support so that the clients and families affected can all heal together. One of the most important factors relating to any treatment of drug and alcohol addiction is after-care. Specifically - the period immediately after the 90 day stay at the retreat. Raymond Hader offer various exceptional after-care treatment options to suit the needs of everyone. The 12 step model of recovery has been proven to be extremely effective world-wide. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous both have a worldwide cultivation of meetings - creating a network of support for any recovering addict/alcoholic to draw strength from anywhere in the world. On top of all of that, your initial consultation is free. If you or someone you know wants to use drugs - that is their business. If you or someone you know needs help to stop - Hader can help.

meet our team

Program Director & Founder

Meet Richard P. Smith

Richard’s qualifications

qualifications

Graduate Diploma in Social Science (Drug Dependence)

Diploma in Counselling

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology Major)

Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Certified HIV Counsellor

Cert IV Train the Trainer

What drives Richard

Areas of expertise

Areas of expertise

awards

Interests

interests

Affiliations

"Recovery isn’t just about getting clean — it’s about rediscovering who you are and rebuilding a life you’re proud of."

Read Richard’s Insights on Rehab Funding & Industry Trends

Published works

Do you have to pay to go to rehab?

What to do if you can’t afford rehab

How Long Does Rehab Take?

Drug and alcohol rehab statistics in Australia

Can private health help pay for detox?

client stories

Richard’s vision for lasting recovery

Hear from our patients

Dyahayu S

Graeme A

Peter E

Jake M

Anonymous

Zara M

Trish

Jade M

Renee R

S K

Company

Programs

Drug addiction

Alcohol addiction

Mental health

INTERVENTION

Treatment and Support

Detox

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