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Harmony Hills

A serene clinical residential treatment program in Altoona, Florida, offering compassionate care for adults with severe mental illness in a tranquil, restorative setting.

Harmony Hills is a serene clinical residential treatment center located on a 67-acre campus in Altoona, Florida, at the edge of the Ocala National Forest. We provide compassionate care for adults (18+) with severe mental illness, including conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and co-occurring substance use disorders.


Our program combines evidence-based therapeutic practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma therapy, and life skill development with comprehensive medication management and psychiatric consultations.


Guests benefit from cottage-style housing designed for comfort and community, as well as recreational opportunities like basketball and volleyball. Family education and support are integral parts of our holistic approach, empowering families to partner in the healing journey.


For more information, visit Harmony Hills's website.

Harmony Hills

18121 Boys Ranch Rd.

Altoona FL 32702

Contact: Melinda Marino LCSW, Executive Director

Phone: 352-352-8788

Fax: 321-256-5970

Email »

Information:

  • Program type: Clinical Residential

  • Location: Altoona, FL

  • Environment: Shared Rooms in Cottages on Campus Setting

  • Number of residents: 49

  • Gender: All

  • Ages: 18+

Conditions treated include:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Self Harm / Self Injurious Behavior

  • Schizophrenia

  • Schizoaffective Disorder

  • Bipolar

  • PTSD

  • Trauma

  • Personality Disorder

  • Substance Use Disorder

  • Acute Stress Disorder

Services include:

  • Individual Therapy

  • Family Therapy

  • Group Therapy

  • Medication Management

  • Psychiatric Evaluation

  • Psychiatric Consultations

  • Trauma Therapy

  • Alumni/Aftercare Program

  • Addictions Track

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy

  • Family Support Group

  • Recreational Activities/Outings

  • Gender Specific Support

  • Mental Health Education

  • Grief and Loss

  • Anger Management

  • Life Skill Development

  • Relationship Group

Healing in a Serene, Supportive Environment for Treating Severe Mental Illness

Harmony Hills is a tranquil, healing program nestled on a 67-acre campus in the heart of Central Florida, offering a serene and supportive environment for individuals struggling with severe mental illness. Located in Altoona, Florida, at the edge of the Ocala National Forest, the campus is surrounded by natural beauty, creating a quiet, restorative space where guests can focus on healing and well-being.


This setting allows guests to experience a respite from the challenges they have endured and develop the foundation to succeed after completion of the program. Harmony Hills' cottage-style housing is designed to foster a sense of comfort, privacy, and community, allowing guests to benefit from compassionate, individualized care. Guests can enjoy both an indoor and outdoor basketball court, perfect for exercise and team-building activities, as well as a volleyball court for friendly competition and social interaction.

The expansive open spaces throughout the campus provide ample room for walking, exercising, and other outdoor activities, allowing individuals to connect with nature and engage in physical activities that support their mental and emotional recovery.


Empowering Guests and Families Through Mental Health Education and Support

At Harmony Hills, we recognize the crucial role that mental health education plays in the recovery process, not only for our guests, but also for their families. To ensure the best possible clinical and medical treatment plan, we offer a range of psychoeducational groups designed to educate both individuals and their loved ones about mental health conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies.


These groups help demystify mental health, empowering guests and families with the knowledge they need to actively participate in the healing journey. Additionally, individual family sessions are available to address specific concerns and collaborate on personalized care plans.


For ongoing support, we host Family Support Groups every Tuesday evening, virtually, providing a safe and supportive space for family members to connect, share experiences, and gain insight into how they can best support their loved ones. This comprehensive approach to education and support strengthens the partnership between treatment teams and families, helping create the most effective and holistic path to recovery.


Comprehensive Medication Management and Clinical Support

At Harmony Hills, comprehensive medication management is a cornerstone of our approach to treating mental health conditions, supported by a strong clinical component focused on long-term recovery. The process begins with a thorough initial psychiatric evaluation, followed by a nursing intake to assess the individual’s overall health and immediate needs.


A detailed medical history and physical exam are conducted to ensure all aspects of the person’s health are considered when developing a treatment plan. Based on this assessment, a tailored medication regimen is prescribed, carefully monitored, and adjusted as needed to address the unique needs of each individual.


To ensure the best outcomes, our guests receive ongoing psychiatric consultations twice a week, providing consistent, expert oversight of their medication and mental health progress. In addition to this, our clinical team works closely with guests to develop personalized coping strategies that will support medication compliance and emotional well-being after discharge.


This coupled clinical approach—focusing on both medication management and clinical talk therapy—helps ensure a smooth transition to the next level of care in the continued recovery process.


Outcome-Driven Care and Long-Term Support for Sustainable Recovery

At Harmony Hills, we are committed to providing high-quality, data-driven care that supports lasting recovery. To ensure that our treatment plans are effective, we track key outcome metrics, including PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) and GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) scores, at both intake and discharge.


These standardized assessments allow us to measure the progress of each individual in real-time, ensuring that clinical decisions are based on concrete, objective data. By comparing scores at the beginning and end of treatment, we can assess the effectiveness of our interventions and adjust care plans as needed.


Our commitment to ongoing success extends beyond discharge, with an alumni support system and aftercare planning that helps individuals stay connected and continue their recovery journey. We follow up with alumni to track post-discharge outcomes, gathering data that informs future care practices and helps improve success rates for reintegration into everyday life.


This focus on continuous measurement and feedback ensures that we maintain the highest standard of care and optimize the long-term well-being of our guests.