With the increased awareness on mental health, a recent visit to Kinder in the Keys became an enlightening experience to learn more about this incredible private women’s residential treatment center located in Key Largo.
Kinder (KIND) celebrated its third anniversary this past summer. Kinder offers non-substance disorders women the opportunity to heal from their trauma in a relaxing holistic environment. Treatments can be based around anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, depression, grief or childhood trauma, as a few examples.
The facility treats six women maximum at a time and offers various levels of care, from residential to partial hospitalization. The average stay is four to six weeks. Women’s ages can be between 18 and older, and they come from all over the U.S. The demographic mix of women helps the healing process as they share semi-private rooms and are on structured schedules that do not allow for outside influences.
The Kinder team consists of a clinical director, psychiatric nurse practitioner and medical director, yoga instructors and many other important team members whose goal is to build the women back up.
When asked more specifics about the entering program, staff shared that “We are very proud of our screening program. Kinder best helps women who want to receive help and are ready to do the work. Intervention doesn’t work for the program.”
The holistic approach is essential as the women learn to eat healthier — meaning all organic and non-GMO food. Processed foods can lead to inflammation and depression.
The facility offers yoga, water aerobics, hammocks, sand volleyball and art therapy, to name a few. In addition, the women also participate in guided off-property group activities such as visiting the bird center, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and aerial yoga.
The women cook dinner together, have active daily living tasks that are independent skill-building to help them heal and sleep schedules, which are in line with full participation in the counseling and programs.
Kinder has contributed to healthy relationships, positive job search results and confidence-building. They even had an alumni program where they still get support and stay connected.
Staff said “Once they are a ‘Kinder Girl’ they are always a ‘Kinder Girl.’ It’s forever a relationship.” And to some, it’s a sorority with the combination of women bringing out wisdom and healing.
Kinder in the Keys Treatment Center, Inc. is licensed in the state of Florida and JCAHO. They are open to taking insurance and administer all safety protocols in line with the CDC in response to coronavirus.Check out their website at www.kinderinthekeys.com for more information.
