When people picture a wellness retreat, they often imagine plush robes, scented candles, and leisurely afternoons by the pool. At Highlands in Bloom (HiB), we do offer beautiful surroundings, nourishing meals, and rejuvenating complementary therapies. But here’s the truth: real healing isn’t just about comfort it’s about doing the deep, sometimes challenging work that creates lasting change.
Our program is designed to feel safe, nurturing, and restorative but it’s also intentionally structured to guide you through evidence-based clinical care that addresses the roots of your struggles, not just the symptoms.
The Heart of Healing: Intensive Clinical Care
Our clients come to Highlands in Bloom because they’re ready for transformation. That means pairing the benefits of a serene environment with the structure and expertise of an intensive clinical program. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Psychiatric Care – Every client receives individualized psychiatric assessment and ongoing support from licensed professionals who understand the intersection of autoimmune conditions and mental health.
- Psychological Evaluation – Comprehensive assessments help our team develop a tailored treatment plan that reflects your needs, goals, and history.
- Evidence-Based Therapies – We draw from gold-standard therapeutic approaches, including:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you develop psychological flexibility and values-based living.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge and reframe unhelpful thought patterns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for building emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal skills.
- Psychodynamic Therapy to explore the deeper patterns, beliefs, and early life experiences that shape your current reality.
- Specialized Trauma Work – Techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) address trauma stored in the nervous system, making space for new responses and resilience.
- Family Therapy – Healing happens in context. We work with your loved ones to strengthen communication, understanding, and healthy boundaries.
- Group Therapy – Facilitated sessions connect you with others on similar journeys, fostering shared insight and mutual support.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) – Structured practices help retrain the brain’s stress response and improve overall well-being.
The Role of Our “Spa-Like” Elements
Yes our environment is beautiful, calming, and restorative. We’ve intentionally designed it that way. But the reason behind the serene surroundings, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, and whole-foods culinary program isn’t to pamper it’s to support the nervous system so you can do the deeper clinical work.
Here’s how it fits together:
- CAM Modalities like red light therapy, PEMF, cold plunge, hot tub, sauna, vibration plates, and sound baths help regulate the body, decrease inflammation, and improve emotional readiness for therapy.
- Group Wellness Activities like movement therapy, breathwork, and mindfulness provide tools you can take into daily life after discharge.
- Whole-Foods, Seasonal Culinary Program nourishes you from the inside out, with meals mindful of the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP).
- Nature and Environment—our Agoura Hills location offers fresh air, sunlight, and space to ground yourself away from the pressures of daily life.
Why Both Sides Matter
A spa day can help you relax for a few hours. But here, the true transformation happens in the integration when clinical therapy and complementary wellness work hand-in-hand.
The clinical side gives you tools, insight, and structured healing. The restorative side ensures your body and mind are in the right state to absorb that work. Together, they create the conditions for deep, sustainable change.
The Commitment Required
It’s important to know: this isn’t passive healing. You’ll be actively participating in therapy, engaging in self-reflection, and practicing new skills daily. Some days will feel uplifting. Others may feel challenging. That’s part of the process and we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
At Highlands in Bloom, we don’t just help you feel better for a moment we help you build the foundation for a healthier, more resilient future.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re looking for a program that balances compassionate clinical care with the restorative benefits of holistic wellness, we invite you to learn more about our unique approach. Healing isn’t just a spa day it’s the most important work you’ll ever do, and we’ll be with you for every part of it.
Highlands in Bloom
Residential Treatment Center for Autoimmune + Mental Health
Agoura Hills, California
(805) 892-6313
Licensed by CDSS • Certified by DHCS • JCAHO Accredited