Guidance/Care Center

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. (GCC), was incorporated in 1973 as a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to the provision of high-quality and cost-effective behavioral healthcare services for children, youth, and adults throughout the Florida Keys. Located in Marathon in the heart of Monroe County - midway between Key Largo and K... ey West, GCC offers a comprehensive continuum of mental health and substance abuse services. Currently, a staff of over 100 employees includes licensed professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses), certified addiction professionals, counselors, administrators, and computer, fiscal, clerical, clinical support, transportation, and maintenance staff. In 1974, a residential, substance abuse detoxification unit was added to the services provided by GCC. The inpatient/residential unit was expanded in 1976 to include psychiatric crisis stabilization. The need for residential care increased in Monroe County. Consequently in 1989, GCC built the current facility (14,500 square feet), which houses administrative and outpatient offices and 33 residential beds: 8 substance abuse detoxification beds; 11 psychiatric crisis stabilization beds; 2 long-term, residential psychiatric beds; and 12 long-term, residential substance abuse beds. In 1994, GCC established the Personal Growth Center (PGC) to provide day treatment and drop-in services for the chronically mentally ill. PGC initially was housed in a triple-wide modular unit on the property of GCC headquarters and in 2003 was moved into a permanent structure on GCC headquarters property. PGC has a membership of over 50 individuals who meet the following characteristics: adults (18 years and older) living in Monroe County, diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental health disorder, may have a concomitant substance use disorder, and may be homeless. The facility is used 7 days a week for drop-in services, 5 days a week for adult day ...Read More