KINDER IN THE KEYS

Healing, Renewal, and the Ocean’s Embrace

In the Florida Keys, where turquoise waters meet endless skies, wellness takes on a different meaning. Kinder in the Keys is more than a treatment center—it is a sanctuary for women seeking restoration of mind, body, and spirit. Here, science and compassion blend with salt air and sunshine, creating an environment where healing feels not only possible but natural.

Kinder in the Keys was born in 2018, when a beautiful home at 6 Ocean View Blvd in Key Largo became its flagship. At the heart of this vision were Dr. Laura, a Doctor of Public Health and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Debbie, a former golf professional with a passion for helping others heal.

In the beginning, they did it all themselves—owners, operators, therapist, cook, and even repair crew. It was a true labor of love, and from those first determined steps, something magical began to grow.

Seven years later, Kinder in the Keys has helped thousands of women heal from trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and narcissistic abuse. They now operate four homes in the Keys with 12 residential beds and employ more than 30 people. Kinder continues to expand with plans for a men’s-only program in Key Largo in the near future.

Their approach—"Healing one heart at a time"—is what makes Kinder unique. They are a non-chemical approach center (no substance abuse treatment), focusing solely on mental health conditions. Kinder is one of the only residential treatment centers in the U.S. offering:

• Holistic healing

• Chef-prepared non-GMO organic meals

• Medication management

• 6–8 hours of therapy daily, 7 days a week

• Specialized therapeutic approaches and experiential outings

Clients also participate in therapeutic outings such as kayaking through the mangroves, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and aerial yoga by the ocean, just to name a few. These experiences, combined with the natural serenity of the Keys, help restore balance and joy in ways traditional therapy alone cannot.

DOLPHIN THERAPY

One of the most powerful experiences at Kinder in the Keys is our therapeutic dolphin swim. Unlike a tourist encounter, this guided experience creates a sense of calm, connection, and joy.

Research shows that interacting with dolphins can lower stress and improve mood. More importantly, the experience is woven into each client’s therapeutic plan—helping them process the emotions that surface during and after the swim.

For many, it becomes a turning point. The dolphins’ natural playfulness and empathy mirror the qualities we help women rediscover within themselves, and the ocean becomes both a sanctuary and a symbol of new beginnings.

A PERSONAL STORY

I came to Kinder in the Keys after a failed neck surgery, when long-buried childhood wounds rose to the surface. I carried the weight of fear and uncertainty, and traditional medicine had reached its limits.

At Kinder, I found more than treatment—I found a sanctuary. Through therapy, community, and unique experiences like swimming with dolphins, I rediscovered a freedom in myself I thought was gone. I laughed, I cried, and I remembered what it felt like to be alive.

When I left, I carried not only relief, but strength, hope, and tools to move forward. Kinder gave me back to myself, and for that, I will always believe in the healing found here.

ACCESS AND ADVOCACY

Seeking help can be overwhelming, especially when you are already carrying the burden of trauma or depression. That’s why Kinder is committed to making treatment approachable and accessible. They accept insurance and work as advocates for those who are afraid of the process or the cost.

In addition, a 501(c)(3) foundation was created by a Kinder alumna who wanted to give back to the place that gave her her life back. Through this nonprofit, additional support and resources are available for those in need of help.

Kinder also offers free consultations—a safe and pressure-free way to learn about options and discover what kind of care might be right for you. From the very first call, you speak directly with a member of the intake team, who will guide you through the process seamlessly, step by step.

A PERSONAL NOTE

Even in the brief time I spent at Kinder, the impact was undeniable. After just one hour in group therapy, I was blown away by the immense relief I felt. It wasn’t only the support of the group, but the gentle space created where emotions could rise and finally be released.

And there is something about being in Key Largo itself. Surrounded by water, with only one way in and one way out, you feel safely held by nature. That setting invites you to face yourself fully—to deal with what you’ve come here to work on, and to discover the healing that waits when you do.