About

Release was founded in 2017 by Zac Clark with one goal in mind: help as many people experience the gift of recovery that he was granted.

What began as a personal mission has grown into a full-spectrum recovery community built on compassion, professional expertise, and lived experience. Our evidence-based approach supports individuals and families through every step of the healing process. At the end of the day, Above all else we believe in the power of human connection, which Maya Angelo said best: “ People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Story

Our Journey

2017
We opened the doors to our first transitional living residence in Westchester County — the beginning of a mission dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives through recovery, support, and community.
2018
We began building a team rooted in lived experience, compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to hope and healing.
2019
Identifying the growing need for safe and supportive recovery environments for women, we launched our women’s program in New York City. Our founder, Zac Clark, recognized that financial barriers were preventing many individuals from accessing treatment and established the Release Foundation to provide scholarships for those unable to afford the care they deserve.
2020
We opened our first men’s transitional living residence in Manhattan just before the onset of COVID-19. Even during unprecedented challenges, we remained committed to supporting our clients and community.
2021
Our reach expanded nationwide as we continued growing our presence and connecting with individuals and families across the country.
2022
We expanded our men’s housing services with new locations in Westchester County and New York City.
2023
We launched our first clinical program and treatment space in Westchester County, marking an important step toward becoming a comprehensive behavioral healthcare treatment provider.
2024
We acquired MANUAL Care and rebranded it as Release U — a specialized resource designed to support the mental health and wellness needs of college students.
2025
We expanded into the South through the acquisition of a treatment program in Austin, while continuing to grow throughout New York with the launch of a women’s treatment program in Westchester County. We also expanded our clinical footprint in Westchester County by an additional 8,000 square feet, allowing us to serve more individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.
Today
Today, we are a full-service behavioral healthcare organization with more than 120 employees, 90 beds across multiple programs, a mental health app serving over 30 colleges nationwide, and two treatment programs dedicated to helping individuals build lasting recovery and healthier futures.

Meet Our Founder & CEO

Zac Clark

Zac is a multi-dimensional business executive with over a decade of professional experience in the behavioral health field. As Founder and CEO of Release Recovery and a founding board member of the Release Recovery Foundation, he is dedicated to providing comprehensive, innovative, and individualized care to those in need. His mantra is simple: “Keep going,” and he truly believes this is how people ultimately recover. Having started in direct client care and quickly advancing into senior leadership roles, Zac has developed a strong understanding of the many facets of the recovery industry. One of his favorite parts of the work is spending time with the clients and patients he cares deeply about, grounding his leadership in direct connection to the people the organization serves. His entrepreneurial work, paired with his commitment to high-quality care, continues to expand Release’s growth and impact.

And the People Behind the Purpose

Our team combines strong clinical expertise with lived experience to deliver care that is both effective and relatable. We operate with professionalism, empathy, and a shared commitment to helping clients feel supported and respected throughout their recovery.

Meet the Team