Harmony Recovery, a 43-acre residential treatment center in Estes Park specializing in substance use disorders, was established in 1969 by Bob Dean. Bob sought to create a “sanctuary” for individuals like himself seeking to overcome substance use disorders (SUDs). In an effort to serve more people and to expand the array of treatment options available to its clients, Harmony merged with AllHealth Network in July of 2024. To better align the center’s name with its mission, it is now called Harmony Recovery. The legacy of Harmony Recovery is a tribute to its visionary founder, and today, I would like to share my thoughts on what makes Harmony unique and why I am so passionate about the care provided there.
The first thing one notices when approaching Harmony Recovery is the outstanding beauty and serenity of the location. In a valley between two mountain ridges and directly adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, the property inspires hope, contemplation, and the idea that each individual is part of a greater whole. As I stepped out of my car during my first Harmony visit and took in the surroundings, the first thought that entered my head was, “I could find myself here!” We now hear similar comments from clients in treatment. The setting conveys a sense of transformational well-being, oneness with nature, and a return to one’s original and intended natural state.
Over the course of my career, I have supervised a wide variety of psychiatric treatment programs and over 15 residential treatment centers for substance use disorders. As I compared my interactions with Harmony staff members and members of the Harmony Board of Directors with other locations, I recognized the second element distinguishing Harmony from other centers: The people. Whereas many treatment centers today are managed on a for-profit basis by large, national corporations, many individuals working at and serving on the Harmony Board of Directors are program alumnae – meaning they found recovery and a second chance at life on the campus of Harmony Recovery. This connection to the program and the recovery process creates a unique environment of lived experience, heartfelt gratitude, and lifetime dedication. During my 43 years of professional experience, I have never met a workforce more committed to its clients’ recovery than the staff at Harmony Recovery.
Since the merger, AllHealth Network has worked to enhance care at Harmony. Staff have received additional training in treating the mental health needs of clients that often co-occur with substance use disorders, e.g., depression, anxiety and trauma. Later this year, measurement-based care will be implemented, where clinical symptoms are assessed continuously throughout treatment to ensure ongoing progress in treatment. And in addition to private pay and commercial insurance, Harmony Recovery now accepts payment from Medicaid, making recovery from substance use disorders more accessible for many more Coloradans. We believe these and other changes will add to the strong legacy of care at this exemplary “sanctuary” care center while maintaining its inspirational beauty and staff’s “heart and soul” commitment to its clients.
I invite you to experience Harmony Recovery yourself and welcome you to schedule a tour by contacting Nate Denning, Harmony’s Business Development Representative, at ndenning@harmonyrecovery.org.
Bill Henricks, MBA, PhD
President and Chief Executive Officer
To support Harmony Recovery’s mission consider donating to AllHealth Network Foundation!