Part 3: I’m a firm believer that the energy you put into something is what you get out of it and that’s how it is at Harmony. I was at Harmony Place for 5 months and it was honestly the most beautiful, terrifying and life transforming experience of my life. The program, for me, was rigorous. I worked every angle. Talked, thought, read, experienced and received from early morning till late at night.  Even the group meals were a place for deep conversation and further processing. Harmony Place in Monterey is by far a leading industry treatment center in both level of treatment provided as well as the most caring staff around. The small client to staff ratio at Harmony offers an array of individual therapy sessions and very small groups led by extremely knowledgeable and qualified therapists. Harmony provided everything they said they would and my experience exceeded any expectations I had. I truly could go on about this place but if you’re looking for help and are considering Harmony. Do it. You won’t regret it. I don’t think you know how much Harmony Place has changed my life. An infinity of thank yous would never be enough. But a simple thank you for empowering me, for inspiring me, and for guiding me into being the better, happier, healthier, person I am today, will have to do.

My experience at Harmony Place Monterey was life changing. I give this place my highest recommendation. All the staff are very professional and warm. The group therapy and individual therapy are very effective and progress comes quickly. My individual therapist was Mark Schwartz. His treatment techniques are on point and healing comes quickly and continues until discharge. Harmony Place will meet individually with other family members, as well, as part of the process. Thank you Harmony Place.

I have been in treatment here for some time and the difference is nothing short of life changing. You're going to experience all the hesitations that everyone before you has felt, "I'm uncomfortable doing group therapy. I don't deserve treatment, I'm not that bad. No one can help me, I don't want to give up my addiction." I could tell about the staff and how skilled and phenomenal they are. And they are all of those things. But the magic of harmony is in the people you share your theraputic journey with. Hearing other people's stories and experiencing validation, feeling less alone, and to be given the space to safely express and share will do more for you than once a week in a therapist office ever will. If you are contemplating what to do, and that fearful part of you is what has you reading reviews, at the minimum call them. Talk to them and take that first step in being vulnerable. You won't regret getting yourself the treatment and the love you deserve.

PART 2: You have your alone time along with so much therapy and group sessions. We had THERAPY three times a week which is unheard of. You really have a profound opportunity to build a well rounded relationship with every therapist there. Under Harmony’s care I was able to comprehend, believe and accept how desperately I needed help. I felt incredibly safe in their hands. I honestly had no idea who I was before coming here. It’s an ongoing journey, but today I have a healthy sense of self. I know what I like and what I don’t like, I show up and am present for my life today. I have discovered new and old hobbies. I used to be a chameleon, being whomever I thought others wanted me to be.Today, I have my own opinions, style, and perspective. One of the most important things I’ve learned is to set boundaries. Learning how to identify what I will and will not tolerate, learning how to say “no,” is a profound act of self-love. Knowing how to say “no” tells the world—and yourself—that you are worthy. Taking care of yourself, loving yourself—and not allowing people, places or things to make you feel bad—reaffirms that one of your biggest responsibilities in life is making sure you are able to live your best life. Each of us deserves inner peace, serenity, harmony and the opportunity to live our best life. To JOSH, MEGAN, MICHELLE, LEE, MARK, and LORI, The first day I met you all I honestly did not know what to expect. I was so nervous and embarrassed because I was ashamed of my own thoughts and behaviors. You all welcomed me into your spaces and encouraged me to be authentically myself. When I would tell you my darkest secrets and deepest fears, you did not judge me, but instead you wanted to help me work through them and come up with rational solutions. From anxiety and depression to OCD and eating disorders ect, you all helped me to understand how it is okay to have these problems and that it does not make me "crazy" because I do. You all would always push me to stop making harsh judgements and be more compassionate towards myself and others. It is when I realized that it is okay to make mistakes and it is possible to learn from them is truly truly when began to feel better. You helped me to realize that while I might have mental health problems, it does not define who I am as a person. I am still just as capable as other people. Without your support, I truly don't know where I would be today and I am forever grateful. HARMONY PLACE made me learn. Gave me healthy coping mechanisms and tools for my brain. Pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me learn better. When I thought I was dumb, everyone at harmony made me feel like the smartest person in the world. When I thought I was a failure, Harmony picked me back up to feel like a rock star. Harmony helped me face my mental illnesses in a positive light. Everyone there weren’t just people who listened to me talk about my life every week for a few hours but Harmony became my SAFE HAVEN. Harmony taught me a recovery design that went to the root of my pain so I could face it and begin to heal. My time at Harmony was the first time in 28 years that I had felt safe. A place where I looked forward to going into every day for weeks on end. Somewhere I couldn’t WAIT to tell about the previous days’s events, but most importantly, somewhere I could trust. I was really given the chance to clarify what I was dealing with and reframe things in a more accurate way, a way that was truly more authentic. Once that was settled I was given new coping mechanisms from every therapist that served me better and made it a no brainer to get rid of old coping mechanisms, drugs, that were destroying my life.

PART 1: I originally started treatment at HARMONY PLACE in Woodland hills, CA to get me sober. I realized I couldn’t do the heavy work until I got my substance abuse under some control. So I did their 30 day program with a one week extension because I didn’t want to leave the first place I’d ever felt SAFE. Fast forward to being approved to go to HARMONY PLACE MONTEREY. I was instantly welcomed with non-judgement and compassion from Garret, and Jessica who both made the whole process and transfer as seamless and easy as possible. The first person I got to see every morning was MANA who is a Godsend and was everyones north star at the program. When I had arrived there was so much sadness and anxiety inside of me that screamed for my attention, but all I was doing was running away from it. At HARMONY I learned how to lean into it with my entire being. Everyday was a new and different experience with new challenges to face. I acted like a detective in my mind, asking questions to deeply investigate and discover the source of my problems. MARK and LORI introduced me to the IFS model which stands for Internal Family Systems; the underlying concept of this theory is that we all have several parts living within us that fulfill both healthy and unhealthy roles. Life events or traumas, however force us out of these healthy roles into extreme roles. Some of my extreme roles are The perfectionist, the people pleaser, Mrs. defiant, the Inner Critic, the Procrastinator, the manipulator, the lazy one and so on and so on. This model was the perfect one more me. The team and IFS taught me SELF-AWARENESS and how to take RESPONSIBILITY for my actions. I also learned to allow the self to take on a leadership role. They taught me how to take care of myself and have SELF-COMPASSION and this is coming from someone who didn’t know how to be an adult. I could not trust myself to make any decisions for myself. I had been recklessly pushing my body and mind with dangerous excess when I had finally pushed myself too far. It was during 2021, after another night blindly focused on the pursuit of escape and pleasure that I found myself on the floor, thinking my heart was going to explode. I was both scared I was dying and embarrassed that i’d let myself get to that point. I was lost. In working the program I reduced my anxiety and depression, improved my relationships, and allowed myself to hone in on my problem solving skills. Every group felt like my very own THERAPY session. From COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL THERAPY with MEGAN and MICHELLE, learning that when we come to terms with the negative behaviors we’ve developed over time that limit our happiness and well being, we realize that we need to intentionally build new habits with HEALTHY COPING SKILLS. CORE GROUPS with MARK and LORI where I was able to go deeper with any and all of my problems. ATTACHMENT AND RELATIONSHIPS in which MARK and LEE focus on early attachment and/or Trauma, neglect issues from past and influences on self-schema. FACING SHAME and EXPRESSIVE THERAPY with LORI were to very transformative groups! Learning that shame can impact the trajectory of someones life. I was feeling like at my core I was a bad person. My shame was linked to feelings of unworthiness and low self esteem. I feared exposure and was worried that others will reject me when they see my truth. Everyone there reminded me that I am not a bad person and that it is safe to speak my truth, drop my facade and be my authentic self. The whole team, literally, the entire team deliver their knowledge, experience and talents in a way that is caring, compassionate, and clear. When you get to the root issues of what isn’t making you feel whole, then it’s time to start learning how to treat you mind, body and soul.

This place changed my life! I was there for three months and can only say positive things about it. It was the best decision I could have made. They have a holistic approach; they think of all aspects to overcome traumas and addictions. I have been to several intensive care centers and other places for mental health help, and I have only found that they work on the symptoms. In Harmony, they go to the bottom to find the reasons and childhood situations that triggered mental illnesses and maladaptive coping mechanisms. From the therapists, the psychiatrist, the staff members, and the group therapy sessions, everything is methodically designed to provide comprehensive treatment. I was going through the most challenging time of my life: terrible PTSD symptoms, major depression, and compulsive and destructive behaviors. Thanks to my treatment at Harmony, I could process complicated parts of my childhood traumas, significantly improving my symptoms. I have new tools to handle crises and my depression. I received the best psychiatric care and had the best therapists anyone could wish for. I left in tears because I will miss them, and I am deeply grateful for their help.

I was admitted on April with a 10/10 anxiety, 10/10 Depression, 7/10 PTSD. Working with Mark helped me understand my PTSD after he moved form Massachusetts to California his speciality on The field helped me to grow internally. Lori has MAGIG, she is the best of the best deal to be here. Her assignments helped me grow in a manner in wich my self doubt, lack of trust on self, and child traume became tools to be a outspoken healthy person I am trying to continue to be. Administration is on top of things and they are helpful with anything that is needed. Harmony I will miss you! You changed my life to the best. Thank you for all the support by your staff and for allowing me to build a GREAT support system of healthy people who now are my Tribe.

Deciding to get treatment at Harmony Place was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I am just wrapping up 2.5 months in the program and it has done wonders for my mental health. Mark and Lori have created something very special here and it has been great to watch others heal alongside me. The process takes time and involves some hard work, but it has all been worth it. I had a positive experience with every therapist in the program and learned a great deal about myself in the process. I still have work to do, but I will forever be grateful for my time at Harmony Place. I would recommend Harmony Place to anyone looking to better their mental health.

I am in the AA fellowship however I had somethings deep in my soul that I just couldn't put my finger on so I figured I would give harmony place a shot I was amazed with the structure there. The group settings really opened my mind and hart it let me put my guard down and be with people like me. All the staff was so kind my therapist Josh found in me what was going on inside me I had suffered a lot of trauma in my life and bringing it to the surface and dealing with it was a game changer for me. Having a open mind and giving it all I had on my part made it possible to change some things. I have some tools that I can use for the rest of my life. Thank you Harmony place. ✌️

Attending Harmony Place was one of the best things I could have ever done for myself. They offer three different tracks: mental health, eating disorders and chemical dependency. They will place you in the track that best suits you, but you will benefit from all the tracks by attending the various group sessions they offer. I have suffered from anxiety/depression and an eating disorder most of my adult life. Harmony Place provided me with the tools needed for me to live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. ALL of the therapists that work there are top notch. My personal therapist, Dr. Mark Schwartz, co-founder of Harmony Place, is an expert in his field and I always felt very supported, heard and genuinely cared for...not to mention how much I learned about myself and how much better I would feel after our sessions. Mark is very dedicated to helping his clients. He happily took the time to meet my immediate family members one on one to get an insiders view of who I am and how I grew up. We did a lot of work together including EMDR which was extremely powerful and enlightening. Lori Galperin, LCSW and co-founder, is absolutely amazing at what she does. She, too, helped me deal with issues by using Expressive Therapy...I'm still in awe of her unique abilities. It's really incredible. I felt very safe and secure in this environment created by these brilliant and genius individuals! They have an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP/full day) available and then level you down to their Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP/half day) when they feel you are improving and ready for a less intense level of care. They offer a combination of group therapy and individualized therapy. In IOP, I saw my therapist for a one on one session three times a week. I found that to be particularly beneficial. I also had access to a MD once a week and a one on one session with their dietitian every week. (I was placed in the eating disorder track.) Harmony Place isn't just a treatment center. When you are there... you're like family. It's a very tight knit community with a friendly professional team that goes above and beyond to help in any way possible. I will definitely be attending their Alumni meetings twice a month to continue seeing my "family" and to talk about any issues that I may need help with. I highly recommend Harmony Place to anyone struggling with their mental health or any type of eating disorder. Thank you to all of the therapists and staff (Jessica & Courtney 😘) that made my time there extremely helpful, pleasant and worthwhile! 💕

Harmony has literally saved my life! I came here for depression and anxiety and my life was put on hold. The group sessions are super helpful. hearing others’ stories and to get support is amazing. It’s a little scary at first, but everyone is so welcoming and supportive. My therapist was outstanding and she helped me to see the bigger picture of things. I have learned so much and my depression and anxiety is so much more manageable and I feel so happy. Thanks harmony place!!! You’re the best! 😁🥰

Harmony was a great experience that helped me to better understand mental health challenges that were consuming me. The group settings and the one on one counseling , honed in on areas in my life that have kept me ‘Stuck’. Lori and Mark have such a diverse wealth of experience that they are able to coach you through the most difficult obstacles. They also have chosen a great staff that is empathetic and caring throughout your entire process. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to find myself amidst many years of being lost.

I attended Harmony Place for about three months last year and I would highly recommend this program. I cannot say enough great things about Harmony Place. They say your toughest day here is your best day and that is definitely the truth. If you put in the work, you will yield the best outcomes for your mental health. I will not lie it can definitely be a tough program and working through past traumas is not easy in the slightest. However, I have never felt more supported and heard than at Harmony Place. I got to work with Noah for my individual sessions and I really clicked and was able to feel comfortable talking about anything with him. Noah helped me process a lot with my family and my relationships with my family members have never been better. I really appreciate the time both Mark and Noah put in with my family sessions. Even though my mental health will never be “cured” so to speak, I have so many tools under my belt to help me and I can’t thank HP enough for teaching me all these skills and helping me develop a new way of thinking. As a 23-year-old, I feel so lucky I was able to complete this program when I did.

Harmony Place is staffed by experts and professionals. They are a well oiled machine that knows how to handle a variety of mental health and substance abuse clients. I watched them work their magic on many people and myself and without a doubt they are the real deal, workers of miracles.

I had an insightful experience at Harmony Place Monterey. I felt very supported by the staff and also felt that when I voiced concerned they were listened to and change was made. I would recommend this type of therapeutic intervention to anyone that may be ready for it. I say "ready for it" because it pertains a lot of inner work for the therapy to make sense and eventually become life changing. I particularly appreciate the different forms of therapy used in groups (CBT, DBT, IFS, etc.) and the amount of individual therapy provided weekly. Taking the time to be a part of Harmony Place Monterey was one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself.

Amazing staff!!!! Helped me get my bipolar disorder and self harm under control. IFS therapy completely saved me. I haven’t had suicidal thoughts in months, and this is the longest I’ve ever gone without harming myself - will be at two years in October. I’m doing well in school again. My finances are in order again. I’m finally setting boundaries at work and in my interpersonal relationships. I’m in the longest relationship I’ve ever been in, and it’s with someone who actually cares about me. I cannot put into words how much this place means to me. I can’t even say they gave me my life back; they gave me a life I enjoy living in - something I never had before. HIGHLY recommend!!

A Review for Harmony Place: A Life-Changing Experience By a grateful client from Georgia I am writing this review to share my experience at Harmony Place, a treatment center for trauma, eating disorder, substance misuse, anxiety and depression, located in Monterey, California. I hope that my story can inspire and encourage others who are struggling with similar issues and are looking for a place to heal and grow. I found Harmony Place through YouTube, of all places. I was browsing for videos about trauma and attachment theory, and I came across some of their clips. I was immediately drawn to their approach, which goes deeper into the effects of trauma and how it impacts our relationships, emotions, and behaviors. I watched a few of their videos and I felt a connection with their message and their staff. I decided to contact them and see if they could help me. I was suffering from a combination of issues, including PTSD, eating disorder, substance misuse, anxiety and depression. I had tried other forms of therapy and treatment, but nothing seemed to work for me. I felt hopeless, lonely, and broken. I needed a place that could understand me and all my comorbid issues, and that could offer me a comprehensive treatment plan. Harmony Place was that place for me. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, supported, and cared for. The staff were not just staff, they were amazing people who treated me with respect, compassion, and kindness. They were also very knowledgeable and experienced in their fields. They helped me with every aspect of my recovery, from the medical to the psychological to the spiritual. My individual therapist was a godsend. She held my emotions for me until I could finally start to feel them - really feel them - for myself. She helped me process my trauma, understand my patterns, and challenge my negative beliefs. She also helped me cope with a new diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which took me several weeks to accept and adjust to. She was patient, gentle, and insightful. She guided me through the ups and downs of my journey and helped me find my inner strength and resilience. The groups were also powerful and helpful. I learned a lot from the different topics and modalities, such as DBT, CBT, EMDR, art therapy, yoga, mindfulness, and more. I also learned a lot from the other clients, who shared their stories, struggles, and successes with me. I made friends with some of them, even though I didn't think that was on my list of things to do in my healing journey. I realized that I was not alone in my experience, and that I could open up and trust others without fear of judgment or stigma. The doctor was outstanding. He was very attentive and responsive to my needs and concerns. He prescribed me the right medication and monitored my progress closely. He also explained to me the nature and treatment of bipolar disorder, and how I could manage it effectively. He was very supportive and encouraging, and he made me feel hopeful and optimistic about my future. Going to Harmony Place was literally the best decision I ever made. I can honestly say that it was a life-changing experience for me. I left feeling like a new person, with a new perspective, a new purpose, and a new plan. I am now back home with my kids, feeling like my old self again, but better. I still have work to do, but I have the tools and the support to do it. I am so grateful and thankful for Harmony Place and everyone who works there. They gave me a gift that I can never repay. They gave me my life back. If you are reading this and you are looking for a place to heal from trauma, eating disorder, substance misuse, anxiety and depression, or any combination of these issues, I urge you to consider Harmony Place. It is a special place, a safe place, a place where you can do a tremendous amount of healing. You will not regret it. I would recommend Harmony Place a million times over, and I would give it ten stars if I could. This place is that special.

I’ve been wanting to write the perfect review in an attempt to reflect the miracles Harmony Place has truly enlightened within my life, but words cannot do justice. To the point: their guidance and lessons provide fundamental knowledge with regard to the reason you are suffering, and knowing is half the battle. I was very heavily suicidal and deeply hopeless upon starting, yet with their brilliant and full-of-heart therapists and support staff and lessons - all within a safe space, Harmony Place has saved my life. I’ve been through over two years of programs that did not work (three psych wards totaling 5 weeks, over a month-long residential unit, a different PHP and IOP program, many [many] different therapists) - and I have always tried to be open-minded to their teachings, but again - rendering no truly helpful result. Most lacked propriety and heart with their patients despite their best efforts. If anything, I would make a strong argument that all of that made me and my symptoms worse, leaving me feeling even more hopeless by seeking help in the wrong places. A continuation of falling down the dark chamber of hopelessness is a deadly place in which to be falling, and I was falling with greater and greater velocity simply waiting to hit the ground. Then I was sent to Harmony Place. I took part in their PHP initially, and finally ending after their IOP. Their facility has a deep vibrancy of safety, warmth, support, and the perfect balance of loving professionalism. All of the personnel working within the facility emit these qualities brightly, most ardently - like angels without wings. The therapist to whom I was assigned and with whom I shared my utmost of vulnerability always responded with deep respect and great wisdom, being a master of his craft - upholding unparalleled exuberance and great care. Harmony Place, amongst their other modalities, uses a teaching modality which unfortunately is not more popular - Internal Family Systems. My therapist - along with his very many safe varieties of therapy, worked wonders on an area of my life I truly believed to be the death of me, especially after trying so hard for so long. His outstretched hand finally penetrated the stubborn and steadfast dome of suicidal hopelessness, helping me to plant a great seed of hope and healing, and a thorough understanding of the why. I cannot overstate how great it feels to have hope again. Many people there had traveled great distances and put their life back at home on pause to invest in themselves at Harmony Place. Regardless of where you are, if you are struggling, I implore you with great conviction to reach out to them - for again, they performed nothing short of a miracle and I will, for the rest of my days, be sincerely grateful to Harmony Place for having helped me out of the very most unfathomable of mental health agony - and for saving my life.

My experience at Harmony Place was life changing and one I will never forget. I learned an enormous amount of information and skills to aid me in my journey thru life. I will forever be grateful to the staff for all that they have done and continue to do to help people get back on their feet and become the best versions of themselves. At this unique facility the staff are knowledgeable, kind and supportive and they all work together to provide you with the individual support that you need. If I could give this facility more stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I would!! 💜 Hats off too them!

Harmony Place is the best treatment center I’ve ever been to. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and they provide excellent therapy through the groups and one on one. After attending Harmony Place I have finally been able to get clean and sober for 9 months. I absolutely recommend this place for whatever you are struggling with.

I came to Harmony Place during a very difficult time in my life. I didn’t know what to expect and I was actually terrified as I had never been in such an environment. What transpired over the course of 3 months was truly magnificent. It was like I could feel myself growing and evolving as a person. I felt that I had entered a nest of safety where I could be myself, emote, and deal with hard truths all while being supported and cared for. My heart opened while at Harmony Place. I learned that you must *feel* in order to *heal*. The therapists are so skilled and compassionate. They hold space for anyone who needs it. I am so grateful to Mark and Lori for offering this kind of treatment center. They are incredible humans. And many thanks to Megan as well, who validated my experience with such kindness. I left Harmony Place feeling lighter yet at the same time more grounded. Like I unloaded and processed a lifetime full of baggage. Forever grateful for this place and it’s people.

Harmony Place is THE place for compassionate support on life’s journey. Whether you are overwhelmed from feeling too much at once or numb from no feelings you recognize, Harmony Place can develop for you an excellent personal treatment plan so that you may find some clarity, regain a sense of self value, and achieve the balance required to navigate life. Harmony Place helped me to recognize long term effects of PTSD and how much self perception can inhibit or enhance personal growth. The environment is safe for exploration, curiosity, learning and most of all, growth, a growing back into your self. Harmony Place can help you to save the only life that you have.

My experience at Harmony Place is hard to put into words because it changed the course of my life. I realized I had been living in a shell of myself, and with the help of the treatment team which includes very knowledgeable therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, front staff, and many others I felt as if I was taken care of at every juncture of my journey. It was very hard work, and as my diagnosis, trauma and grief emerged, the team made sure to support each and every step of the way. I became ready to help myself in my depression, anxiety, suicidality, PTSD, and many more things, and without them and their expertise I wouldn't know how to face each day. Thank you Harmony Place and team for your wonderful care.

Harmony Place saved my life, and I absolutely mean that literally. I feel like I have a second home there. This was the first place I felt like I could be my true self in a warm, safe, and nurturing environment. I've been to one other PHP before, as well as a LOT of therapy, and this place is unlike anything I've experienced-- and it's the only thing that's ever actually WORKED for me. All of the therapists are amazing, and the staff are miracle workers. Keep doing what you're doing, Harmony -- saying I'm grateful to have you in my life is the understatement of the year. I feel very lucky and blessed to have found you guys 🙏

Harmony Place offers an exceptional mental health program and is unique from other providers in many ways. It offers clients the option of a PHP (partial hospitalization program) and an IOP (intensive outpatient program), which allows for a transition from intensive to less intensive therapy as the client progresses. In addition to that, it provides out of area clients the option of renting local studios and apartments at very reasonable rates. Perhaps the most important feature of Harmony Place is their staff. From the director, to the therapists, to the administrative and support staff, everyone is dedicated and sincerely invested in supporting and guiding the clients through their healing process. You would be hard pressed to find a more highly qualified, knowledgeable, and experienced group of mental health professionals. This is a comprehensive program that covers mental health from almost every conceivable angle. The only reason that I would give it 4 instead of 5 stars is that, in my opinion, the impacts of diet and exercise (outdoor/nature based) on mental health are not emphasized to the extent they should be. I believe that incorporating those two areas into their mental health programming would take them to the next level. That being said, I am immensely grateful for my time there and very satisfied with the treatment I received!