At just 11 years old, Tom Rodman made a bold promise to his parents: one day, he would own a summer home on Lake Megunticook, just outside Camden, Maine. Decades later, after a successful 40-year career on Wall Street, Rodman not only fulfilled that childhood dream—he turned it into something far greater. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Fox Hill estate and overlooking Penobscot Bay, Borden Cottage was born: a Luxury Residential Treatment Center in Maine that blends world-class clinical care with the quiet beauty of New England’s coastline.
Founded in 2015 under the original name “McLean Borden Cottage,” the center began as a collaboration with the renowned McLean Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School. For nearly a decade, the program operated with the support of this esteemed psychiatric institution. However, in October 2023, Borden transitioned to full independence—shedding its former affiliation while retaining its reputation as an industry leader in luxury residential care for addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions.
A Vision Takes Shape
Rodman, now CEO of both the treatment program and the property itself, recalls the moment he first walked the estate grounds. “I felt divinely inspired,” he said. “It was clear to me that whatever purpose this place had before, it had a higher calling. There’s no place like this in the world.” That vision has shaped Borden Cottage into what it is today: a Luxury Residential Treatment Center in Maine that caters to clients from across the globe.
While Camden may be a quiet coastal town, Borden is anything but local in scope. Two-thirds of its residents arrive from outside the United States. CEO Rodman and COO Allison Avery both describe the center as a destination—one designed not only to provide expert care, but to offer privacy, discretion, and a true departure from the stressors of daily life. “People come here to step away from the busyness,” Avery explained. “They want space, stillness, and room to heal.”
Individualized Care at Its Best
With a 12-bed capacity, Borden Cottage focuses on early recovery, relapse prevention, and acute psychiatric stabilization. The center emphasizes individualized care through tailored treatment plans based on detailed neuropsychological testing conducted at admission. Clients engage in both one-on-one and group therapy while benefiting from an expansive list of evidence-based services, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), expressive art therapy, and trauma-informed care.
More Than Just Amenities
What truly sets Borden apart as a Luxury Residential Treatment Center in Maine is the environment it creates. Clients live on a secluded estate equipped with thoughtful amenities: a private movie theater, a 1950s-style diner, a retro bowling alley, and a fully outfitted music studio. While these features may feel indulgent, Rodman is quick to emphasize that treatment always comes first. “We’re not location-driven. We’re not facilities-driven. We’re not amenities-driven. This is a residential treatment program, and every letter in the word ‘treatment’ is capitalized.”
Financial Support and Accessibility
Although Borden Cottage is a private-pay program that primarily serves self-pay clients, the center provides financial navigation support at no added cost. Through its partnership with a health insurance advocacy group, clients can explore reimbursement options from their insurance providers—a valuable service that underscores Borden’s client-centered mission.
Independence and Growth
In its early years, Rodman leaned on McLean’s clinical reputation to give the center credibility. “I wasn’t about to put up a sign that said, ‘Come get sober with Tom,’” he joked. “I needed a serious partner to get us started.” But over time, the relationship became limiting. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified logistical hurdles and made it clear that Borden needed room to grow.
Now operating as an independent entity, Borden is entering a new chapter. Plans are underway to expand the continuum of care offered, including the addition of detox services and a step-down program. These enhancements will help transform the center into a truly comprehensive destination for healing. “Our goal is to offer the full spectrum—from detox through stabilization, all the way to sustained recovery,” Avery said.
Looking Ahead
To support that growth, Borden is pursuing Joint Commission Accreditation (JCAHO) and staying agile in its approach to treatment innovations. The leadership team is committed to integrating new evidence-based modalities as they emerge and continuing to build a clinical culture that leads with empathy and expertise.
As a Luxury Residential Treatment Center in Maine, Borden Cottage offers something unique: world-class treatment in a place that feels like a private retreat. It’s where science meets serenity, and where clients are empowered to rewrite their stories away from the chaos of everyday life.
Rodman’s original dream may have been a summer home on the lake—but what he created is a haven of hope, far surpassing what that 11-year-old boy could have imagined. Today, Borden Cottage stands as a testament to purpose, perseverance, and the belief that recovery can happen in a place that feels nothing like a hospital and everything like healing.
For those seeking top-tier support in a secluded, natural setting, Borden Cottage remains a leading Luxury Residential Treatment Center in Maine—and it’s just getting started.
