I strongly recommend this fabulous treatment center. The combination of group and individual therapy was instrumental in discovering the origins of my mood disorder that I can honestly say are being well managed today thanks to their effective integrative approach. Lori, Mark and their staff treated me with immense dignity and compassion. I’m no longer paralyzed with fear and shame that I’m damaged. Instead I wake up with joy in my heart to continue creating authentic connections with my family, friends and colleagues no matter how complex these relationships may be at times. My wellness and recovery is a daily practice made easier thanks to the skills and tools taught here.
Elisa R.
Santa Cruz, CA
This program saved my life in so many ways. I got way more than I dreamed of and I am so grateful. The entire team was extraordinary. I left with tools to support me through my severe PTSD after surviving the Vegas mass shooting on Oct 1, 2017. The place of true healing is fierce. It is an art, it takes courage, it takes time, it takes patience, and it takes love. Thanks to Harmony Place for giving me so much love and hope.The group therapy, one on one therapy and all that goes along with this healing program was above and beyond what I had wanted to overcome my circumstances. I highly recommend Harmony Place & plan to return for more care.
Lisa F.
Rocklin, CA
As a Retired Disabled Army Veteran I have been in Mental Health programs at the VA since 2011. I have personally been treated for my military service connected PTSD, Depression, Chronic Pain, Core Self Cognitive Distortions weekly. Recently I had opportunity to go through intake and treatment at Harmony Place Monterey. I went through the Intensive Occupational Therapy Program (IOP) Trauma treatment raging from core self beliefs, self negation, compassionate self, fight or flight, and Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorders and the Pre and Post distortions from reliving these assaults just to name a few!
I found my Therapist and the entire staff their to be extremely competent and knowledgeable on traditional and ground breaking treatment modalities and schemas for sustainability of improving the desired recovery outcomes. In particular I found core groups, one on ones including EDMR sessions to be utterly transformative in my personal recovery and systemic treatment. A special shout out The Marina VA and Veterans Choice Community for the consult referral.
Thanks Harmony Place Monterey
Roland W.
North Las Vegas, NV
Great doctors, safe environment. A very good place for anyone to go for any mental heath and substance issues. Compassionate doctors, great groups, and a general safe space for you to do any and all work necessary. Trust the process and they’ll take you where you need to be.
Dane P.
Aptos, CA
My time at Harmony Place was hands down one of the best experiences I’ve had in a mental health program. All the staff are amazing, friendly, and welcoming. It is a great environment for healing. I highly recommend the programs here.
Matt C.
Salinas, CA
Dr. Mark Schwartz is definitely the greatest therapist with Johns Hopkins University training. I highly recommend him and his knowledgeable and supportive staff for counseling.
Barbara K.
Coming to Harmony Place Monterey has been one of the biggest blessings in my life and the best decision iv’e made for myself and my recovery. It really is a harmony place.
Evelyn R.
Monterey, CA
Harmony Place Monterey saved my life & helped me learn how to deal with difficult situations.
R. M.
Monterey, CA
Eating disorder therapy within driving distance of Santa Cruz, CA.
Shelter Murphy
Santa Cruz, CA
I believe the step to find a counselor is challenging for many people. Some continue to hope that the painful circumstances they’re in will just pass and tomorrow will be better – until it isn’t. Some are reluctant to trust their deep emotions and details about their troubled relationships with a “stranger”. Some are just scared. I sought Mark for help with a troubled marriage and a lost sense of self. I had worked on both, alone, for a year, yet and found myself just repeating unproductive patterns and feeling empty. Mark’s approach was direct, yet nurturing. His questions were spot-on and provided insightful guidance for me to learn more about myself. His environment became a refuge to engage in quiet, thoughtful exploration, a safe place where he made me do the hard-developmental work while encouraging me to accept my true self. If he were still in my city, I would seek him out again, both for his professional expertise and just his good company.
Kathy L.
Monterey, CA
Mark Schwartz and Lori Galperin provide individualized and evidence-based recovery interventions to their patients in a comprehensive and effective approach. You will be hard-pressed to find a clinical team that works as seamlessly together as they do, while simultaneously staying current on research and training. While their approach integrates evidence-based clinical interventions, you will always find expressive modalities such as yoga, art and drama therapy in their programming. Recovery at Harmony Place Monterey blends all of their skills and expertise in a beautiful healing setting.
Katie T.
California.
My experience with Mark Schwartz and Lori Galperin was incredibly positive. Before finding them, I worked with various clinicians and attended several eating disorder treatment programs around the states, where I often made progress but relapsed soon after. Since working with Mark and Lori, I am now able to live the type of life where, when life becomes stressful, I can maintain a strong connection to myself and do not feel pulled to use the behaviors that used to rule my world. I did not believe that this type of life would have been possible for me. They are a brilliant, creative, and ethical team. Any person who works with them can benefit from their expertise, compassion, and above all their willingness to meet you where you are and help you in the ways that your unique personality and life experiences require.”
Katie
Monterey, CA
I have been talking to Dr. Schwartz and his team for a few years now. I cannot thank them enough for taking the time to truly hear me and help me identify some of the emotional blocks which have left me blinkered to myself for many years. I trust their knowledge and the compassionate manner in which it is shared. Thank you, Mark, for helping me uncover a happiness that had eluded me for many, many years. Keep going with your amazing work in this world. Xx
Mark D.
Monterey, CA
Mark Schwartz and Lori Galperin wrote the book on eating disorders. They started with one clinic in Saint Louis, then a second, then added one in Alabama and California. They have recently went on there own again in Monterey California with the awesome Harmony Place. I highly recommend them and their staff!
Leopoldo Morales
Monterey, CA
The therapeutic work Mark and Lori do in their fields of expertise is unparalleled. With patience, compassion, and attuned care they have helped a multitude of people heal and recover. Harmony Place in Monterey is an amalgamation of their combined vision, inspiration and dedication to sustainable healing.
M. G.
Monterey, CA
Mark Schwartz is the best psychologist. The professionalism of Harmony Place staff and the treatment they used is remarkable. They helped us in our marriage crisis.
Mariaeugenia D.
Monterey, CA
Dr. Mark Schwartz and Lori Galperin have really hit the ball out of the park with center. Harmony Place Monterey is more than just another building filled with therapists. I went to there program and was fortunate to be able to see both Mark and Lori on such short notice. I called and asked them if I could come to there facility for a week and get as many sessions in as I could. Amazingly they said come to Monterey and we will get as many sessions as we can in. In the course of a week I saw Mark and Lori five times and one other therapists. I also participated in there day programming. Since going to there program I have made the trek from Los Angeles to Monterey twice on the weekends to have a therapy session or two. Regardless if your interest is to attend there programming or to have individual sessions they are more than accommodating. I have searched endlessly for years to find therapist that really embodied that all around “wow factor” and I have to say I need not to search anymore. I am extremely grateful to have the privilege of saying Mark and Lori are my therapists and I am a better man because of them. My hat is off to these two and I recommend anyone seeking a therapist to call mark and Lori.
Justin H.
Palos Heights, IL
Mark Schwartz is one of the rare few people who have crossed my path throughout my life who profoundly transformed my life in so many wonderful ways. I have worked with quite a few highly qualified psychologists and counselors over the last 15 years and Mark literally redefines what it means to be a highly qualified psychologist! Where other psychologist require numerous sessions to even begin to give you back anything of real value, Mark possesses the unique insight and brilliant observational skills from the very first session to not only assess your psychological profile but to intimately understand where and what you are struggling with and to quickly begin to give you tangible actions you can immediately apply to your life, that produce measurable improvement. I spent numerous hours with Mark in private session and then 2 weeks full time on site in both group and continuing private session. In both private and group sessions it was quite remarkable to witness a Psychologist asking me or the group one simple question and sometimes just saying a single word that profoundly opened up a whole new understanding and insight into what I or the group are struggling with to get well. Truly remarkable! His “bedside manner” if you will, is one of gentle kindness and genuine loving concern for your well being that creates a space of comfort and encouragement that allows us to face the difficult truths we all must face about ourselves in our journey to wellness. Combining that with knowing that he intimately understands what you are struggling with creates that space of empowerment and trust to muster up the courage we all must find to take the even more difficult actions that change our lives and create that new life of wellness for ourselves. The rest of my days I will carry with me immeasurable gratitude for you Mark and for myself for the new life of wellness and new found joy that I now live every day that I never thought possible.
Alan S.
Woodland Hills, CA
Thanks to the help of the very professional “couples therapists,” my wife and I are going to be able to spend a happy new year together instead of heading towards a separation or divorce. We have a new attitude towards the marriage. Thanks Monterey Institute, you’re wonderful!
Nick F.
Los Angeles, CA
Highly recommended, excellent staff. Mark Schwartz has an insightful mind and good heart. The first characteristic enables him to identify the core issue and serve as a wise and creative guide in healing it. The second characteristic insures that his patients are treated with sincere care, concern, and dignity. He’s a trailblazer in the area of cutting edge and highly effective treatment modalities. If one’s current therapy has become redundant or a weekly “activity” with little tangible change, Schwartz and Harmony Place are ideal resources. Get ready to get unstuck.
JC
Quebec City, Canada
I have seen Mark on and off for several years, and a loved one has been with both Mark and Lori for some time now. The difference each of these two competent therapists has made in my life, and in the life of my loved one, is not easy to explain, particularly on a public site like Yelp. I will say, however, that neither of us would be the people we are today without their gentle help and guidance. Recovery and growth is never an easy road, and our human propensity to bury our head and live a numb life can often overwhelm even the most fully-realized souls. Mark and Lori, along with the other Harmony Place therapists, truly inspire, challenge, and encourage their patients, no matter what the root issue might be. Healing happens here.
Ron W.
Pacific Grove, CA
I admitted into treatment at Harmony Place around Feb 2018 and I have experienced significant changes in my thinking, self talk,depression/ anxiety as well as tremendous healing from my PTSD. I had the privilege of having Dr. Mark Schwartz as my primary therapist for the duration of my treatment and I couldn’t be more grateful for his aid in changing my life. Dr. Schwartz has an extremely kind approach and made me feel 100% comfortable from day one. I was the person that saw myself as broken and hopeless and I can honestly say that I no longer feel this way and feel like Harmony Place gave me the jump start I needed to begin my recovery. I can’t begin to explain my gratitude for all of the staff. I will absolutely refer any loved one to Harmony Place!!!!!!
Danielle J.
Ventura, CA
There are no words to describe my gratitude from Ms. Lorie Galpherin, Dr. Mark Schwartz and their collegues and staff. Their dedication to their patients, geniun compassion, insight, knowledge, generosity, and their unique approach along with years of research and experience in the field makes them unique, exceptional and effective. I have suffered from depression, anxiety and PTSD throughout my life for 5 decades and have worked with different therapists using different methodologies for years. The unique approach, the education, the tools introduced to me,the amazing program, the support and love I received at The Harmony Place of Monterey not only saved and changed my life for better it also made a huge impact on my family and friends. I feel privileged to be able to benefit from the program and meet beautiful, loving and dedicated people.
Thankful forever.Guita I.
Monterey, CA
I was struggling for over 15 years to figure out who I was. I came here and learned that who I am, my true Self, was already within me, and I had to learn how to connect with the parts of me internally. It was through being here that I learned how to be emotionally independent, but honestly one of my most difficult struggles was being patient and not rushing myself for something I wasn’t ready for. I learned at the pace that I needed. I’m really grateful to be a client here. Their group environment is a safe place to be honest.
Michael O.
Cupertino, CA
My experience at Harmony Place Monterey was absolutely positive and I am a stronger, more emotionally aware and healthier person because of my time there. I saw Mark and Lori in individual sessions and am incredibly grateful for their genuine care, and I respect their abilities as therapists. They are terrific! I have been to several treatment programs for my eating disorder and this is the first time I have truly felt optimistic about my recovery in the long term.
Erika L.
Sheboygan, WI
Dr. Mark Schwartz is a very insightful, caring, compassionate and knowledgeable therapist. I strongly recommend his services.
R R.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
I was blown away by the depth of care and human dignity that my two friends experienced working with Mark and Lori and the staff of Harmony Place. They had been to four other centers and the interventions were really surface and aimed at very simple behavior modification. With both of my friends Lori and Mark went deeper and engaged root issue and attachment issues in a way that was both deeply kind and skillful. The result for both of my friends was a true transformation which has lasted. Harmony place truly changed their lives. If we had more treatments centers like this it would really be a better world. I cannot say enough good things.
Kristina K.
Pacific Grove, CA
Excellent & effective treatment experience! The groups were awesome and probing, followed up by individual therapy that complimented the group work. I had no idea how important the trauma work was to my sobriety and emotional well-being. I was totally in the dark. Dr. Schwartz and Lori Galperin have put together a solid program that covers areas most programs don’t address. If you have been to other programs and are still challenged like I was, I would recommend you try Harmony Place, Monterey.
Phillip S.
Los Angeles, CA
I followed Dr. Mark Schwartz and Lori Galperin all the way from Saint Louis to Monterey for treatment because I wanted the best treatment I could possibly have and I trusted them. They helped me initially with trauma and an eating disorder at Castlewood Treatment Center around twenty years ago. Through IFS, EMDR, groups and sessions with my counselors, I was able to heal and gain insight to my behaviors and understand why I did the things I did and made the decisions I made. Only then was I able to use the tools they taught me and lead a functional life without being stuck in therapy for ever! I have connected with Dr. Schwartz on several occasions throughout my life when things came up and needed a refresher, so we have a lot of history together! He has so much experience and knowledge in many areas! I most recently flew to Monterey with my partner to attend couples therapy. Mark and Lori worked with us intensively everyday, even adding an extra session in on the weekend just before we left to make sure we were okay and received what we needed before we went home (watch out, they do give homework, though)! The entire staff was amazingly supportive as well! From figuring things out with our insurance to personal tour guides, we felt supported in every way. And what a beautiful environment sitting right on the bay! You can see the ocean as you are in therapy! You could not find a more healing place for treatment or a more compassionate, experienced group of individuals anywhere! Thank you Mark, Lori and Harmony Place!
Shelly R.
St. Louis, MO
Dr Mark Schwartz and his staff have helped me, not only mentally but physically. I have lost 75 lbs since I started seeing them while also making a plan for me too work on under the guidance of Mark and staff on how to enjoy life more, amongst many other positive things. The rest is up to you! Sincerely, Bd
Barry D.
Salinas, CA
I came to Harmony Place Monterey with severe depression. The entire staff was excellent and very caring. I was finally able to do deeper work on my childhood trauma. Since then, I have been remarkably better and made significant changes in my life!! I highly recommend the knowledgeable staff at Harmony Place!
Barbara K.
Marina del Rey, CA
Mark Schwartz and Lori Galperin helped me immensely. The trauma therapy was incredible. At the time I attended the groups at Harmony Place I already had several years sober. The groups allowed me to access problem areas that I never knew existed. I would recommend this program to anyone, but especially to those who have already tried other programs and are still struggling. The program is comprehensive, well designed, and effective. I applaud the addition of the life coaching component that helps recovering people during that very delicate transition period from treatment back into society. Monterey is a wonderful environment for recovery and a nice place to stay post, treatment.
John A.
Los Angeles, CA
Harmony Place provided me a safe place to reset my life during a difficult time. I am stronger and smarter than I have ever been because of their guidance. I highly recommend the program to anyone who feels they could benefit from some understanding of who they are and direction on how they can improve in their life. Harmony is a caring and non-judgmental community that allows people the nurturing environment they need to succeed with the rest of their journey through life.
Will R.
Bellingham, WA
Our family has had incredibly positive experiences at Harmony Place. Mark Schwartz has been professional, supportive and insightful. His individual and couples therapy techniques have been beneficial for personal growth as well as strengthening family relationships. He asks the hard questions and gives his clients the space to reflect on what are often difficult answers. He’s able to help identify issues while maintaining a safe space to be vulnerable in, which can be very difficult to achieve. I have been consistently impressed with his ability to remember and recall details from previous sessions without the use of readily available notes. As a family we have gained better communication and deeper understanding of one another. His methods of mediating conflict, actively listens and helping partners gain better insight into each other’s motivations, fears and needs has been invaluable. I recommend Harmony Place and Mark Schwartz without reservation.
Hlsd H.
Monterey, CA
I remember sitting one day in the waiting room for an appointment with Lori, who was more then a few minutes late. On your third or fourth pass through the room, seeing that I was really wasn’t upset by the delay, you remarked, “your very patient”. You had already left the lobby by the time it occurred to me to say, “so are you”. Your patience with me throughout this process has been unprecedented. I am so grateful that you are in this world, doing what you do, and that I had the opportunity to learn and work with you for this long. Evan the story of how you begin to help individuals with eating disorders is so amazing and comforting to me. Thank you for being a rebel and a revolutionary in all ways, for seeing what about external and internal systems needed to change, for brainstorming on how to change it, and for pioneering new and vibrant ways not only of solving problems, but of thinking about the problems themselves, and of what it means to solve them. Without your curiosity, gentleness, humility, humor, equanimity, (thank you for awakening me to that concept), patience, and persistence. I never would have become as connected to myself and passionate about/creative in my own life as I currently am. I wouldn’t have even known what work was necessary to do. I am more of myself, and my life is more of my choosing and creation, because of you. Your story of what you used to do with the monkeys in the lab coming in at night, thinking it was wrong to keep them in cages, and breaking the rules to scare them out of their cages so that they could go play and explore a broader world is such a brilliant parallel for what you continue to do every day, and I am so grateful that I have been able to act as both a participant and observer in that practice. You have helped to cultivate a newer, greater attitude of more conscious bravery within me something I realized when you sat with me in the lobby (this time I was being too patient!) and encouraged me to open my letter from Chicago. Thank you for being present, in every way, for that moment. I am so fortunate that our paths have crossed, and so happy that they will again, one day.
Amanda G.