Provider Resource Guide

Welcome to our Provider Resource Guide, a dedicated hub designed to support and empower those serving children and families in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. Our mission is to connect providers with the tools, information, and community support necessary to enhance the quality of care and services available to our local families. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant future for all.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Beha.Vio Inc

Within our clinic, we apply scientifically-verified, systematic behavior-change interventions that resolve problems to allow for a more fulfilling and meaningful life. We provide intensive ABA services focusing on all areas of development, social interactions, motor skills, and management of problem behaviors. 

Black Swan Counseling Services, LLC

Seeking professional guidance to overcome life's struggles? At Black Swan Counseling Services, LLC, we offer mental health counseling to individuals, couples, and polycules. Our experienced team can provide you with the support and guidance to navigate through life's challenges. Meet our Counselors

BEANS Behavior Analysis Services

BEANS is committed to providing outstanding Applied Behavior Analysis treatments that lead to positive life outcomes to all families we serve. We will work with you via telehealth, at home, & at school.

Bright Start

Bright Start Possibility (BSP) provides applied behavior analysis therapy (ABA) services throughout Florida. We treat children, adults and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome, Attention Deficity Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorder, and other individuals with our without developmental disabilities.

I Love ABA

We are a small Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy company that truly cares about your child.  Each therapist is only assigned to 1-3 clients each in order to be able to focus on their clients needs!

Synergy Health Group

  • Behavior Analysis
    • We serve children with behavioral challenges. It ranges from developing or enhancing language skills to functional skills (e.g., daily living, self-regulation). The goal is therapy will lead to greater independence diminishing problem behaviors such as aggression, self-injury, elopement, and property destruction. To schedule a consultation, please email learnmore@shg.center, or call (786) 332-6632.?

  • Mental Health
    • At Synergy Health Group, we understand that mental health is a delicate issue for us all. That's why our mental health clinicians and specialists are backed by intensive training and experience. If you are dealing with issues that feel beyond your control, know that there’s a welcoming place for you to turn to for counseling.?

Adoptions

Adoptions

Children's Home Society

Hundreds of Florida children are waiting for a family to call theirs forever. You could turn their dream into a reality.

Most of these children are older than age 7 and have brothers and sisters. Many also have special behavioral and/or emotional needs that require steadfast commitment and extra care from their families.

Behavioral & Mental Health Services

Behavioral & Mental Health Services

Adapt Behavioral Services

Services are available via telehealth or in-person at home, school or in office location. Services include:

  • Individual Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Couples Therapy
  • Parent Training
  • Behavior Analysis
  • Consultation

Agency for Community Treatment Services (ACTS)

Licensed Behavioral Health Treatment in Tampa, Florida

ACTS offers treatment to improve health through personal and family centered recovery practices. Our mission is to provide and manage a broad array of human services to include prevention, acute care and stabilization, treatment and supportive services in the arenas of substance abuse, co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness, child protection, delinquency, criminal justice, housing, economic self-sufficiency and health and wellness. By keeping our programs specialized, we establish a solid bond that not only helps those we serve recover from their addiction and improve mental health, but also lays the groundwork for a lifetime of continuing care that gives the best chance of permanent recovery and freedom in supportive setting.

BayCare Winter Haven Hospital Center for Behavioral Health

Winter Haven Hospital, Center for Behavioral Health, provides an array of mental health out-patient services including individual and group therapy, case management and psychiatric services for both children and adults.

  • To receive out-patient mental health treatment, please call (863) 294-7062 to schedule initial appointment.
  • Helping Families Succeed (HFS) provides Case Management, and Intervention to parents in Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties. Families are engaged upon referral so that TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) eligible adults can work towards obtaining family and economic stability. Please contact (863) 291-3611 for referral information. (Information in Spanish)
  • Specialized Community Care Team (SCCT) is a community–based program through a contract with the Polk County Indigent Health Care Division for adult residents of Polk County who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level focusing on working with all aspects of the individual’s life towards the goals of wellness, resiliency and self-sufficiency. To receive services from SCCT please contact us at (863) 294-7069.
  • Additional information:

Behavior Analysis Consultants of Mid Florida

A team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts who are dedicated to best practice, empirically supported behavior analysis services and professional customer service.

Central Florida Behavioral Health Network

CFBHN is a not for profit 501 (c) (3) corporation and a CARF International Accredited Services Management Network organization* contracting with community service organizations to provide a full array of publically funded mental health and substance abuse services in the SunCoast counties of Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota. Services include acute care, residential treatment, housing, medical, outpatient, recovery support, and prevention.

Cove Behavioral Health

Our mission is to support our community’s overall wellness by providing accessible and compassionate behavioral health care. From mental health to substance use disorders, our trained and skilled clinicians are here to help you through your journey.

If you or someone you know needs support maintaining mental wellness or treatment for mental illness or addiction, call us today…When life’s journey gets rough, we are your safe harbor.

Families First of Florida

At Families First of Florida, we help children, adults and their families with emotional and mental health needs. With empathy and compassion, we utilize best-practice trauma-informed psychiatric and therapeutic interventions to assist clients and their families with the tools and treatment to heal, grow and develop. We provide assessments, case management and clinical therapeutic services both in the home and office.

Harrell Family Center for Behavioral Health

Out Patient Services for Kids:

  • 2 Child Psychiatrists
  • 2 Child Therapists
  • Accept ages 4 and up; both telehealth and in-person appointments

In-Patient Services for Kids:

Bill and Kathy Pou Pediatric & Adolescent Unit

  • 12 bed unit; accepts ages 8-17
  • Short term/emergency crisis stabilization unit
  • Semi and private rooms, court yard, activity center, dining room, day room, group room, and consultation room

Baker Act and Voluntary treatment for stabilization of mental health crisis that includes:  medication management, case management/discharge planning, crisis therapy, pet therapy, music therapy, psychosocial education, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, family support and much more. 

Multidisciplinary team approach to care - Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, Masters and Licensed prepared social work/counselors, Registered Nurses, Mental Health Assistants, Pharmacist, Chaplain, Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietician, Medical Providers and ability to consult other Lakeland Regional Health specialists if needed.

IMPOWER

IMPOWER offers a continuum of care for children, adolescents, adults, and families focused on addressing mental and behavioral health and child well-being. As an organization accredited by the Council on Accreditation, all of our programs adhere to rigorous professional and service delivery standards. Programs include:

  • Outpatient Mental Health Services
  • Substance Misuse Treatment
  • Telepsychiatry
  • Prevention Programs 
  • Residential Youth Support

Mary Welsh Foundation

The Mary Welsh House shall provide mental health counseling, medical and psychiatric services to children, adolescents and adults who have been severely sexually and physically abused. We will help children to assimilate into a therapeutic foster care home, and adults to find peace with their past.

SEDNET

The Multiagency Network for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (SEDNET) creates and facilitates a network of key stakeholders committed to assisting in the provision of a quality system of care for students with or at-risk of emotional and/or behavioral challenges.

Tri County Human Services

Tri-County Human Services, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization, providing substance abuse, mental health, and co-occurring treatment to residents of Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties. Services include:

  • Multiple residential programs (New Beginnings Women, New Beginnings Men, Rasuw (women), The Florida Center (men and women))
  • Detoxification Services - 2725 Hwy. 60 East, Bartow, FL 33830
  • Outpatient mental health and substance abuse services (Highlands County, Hardee County, Lakeland, Winter Haven)
  • Individual Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Couples and Family Therapy
  • Random Drug Screening
  • PATH program – Housing Related
  • Helping Hands – focuses on Healthcare Access, Navigation, Delivery and Support for Polk County inmates returning to the community from jail.
  • County DUI Program and required classes.
  • Family Intervention Services - The FIS team works collaboratively with the Department of Children and Families to provide assessment, linkage, and case management services to those families in the child welfare system.
  • Prevention Services - Tri-County Human Services, Inc. provides school-based child and adolescent substance use education, prevention, and intervention services in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties. The focus is on identifying risk factors displayed by youth within special school populations.
  • Meadowbrook Psychiatric Services
  • Medication Assisted Treatment Services
  • Intensive Family Centered Care Program (IFCC) - The Intensive Family Centered Care Program (IFCC) provides free in-home parenting and family counseling to families and children that have a relevant future risk and/or history of substance use.
  • BNet Model Childrens Mental Health -  The BNet model is an integrated service delivery approach that utilizes a team of individuals that provide in-home counseling, targeted case management and psychiatric services in outpatient settings as well as thru remote tele-health.

 

Education

Education

Early Learning Coalition of Polk County

The Early Learning Coalition of Polk County offers free Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) to all families seeking quality and affordable child care options and local community resources.

East Coast Migrant Head Start Program

East Coast Migrant Head Start Project is committed to preparing the children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers for success. We do this by providing holistic, high quality early childhood education services for children and families in a nurturing, culturally sensitive environment and by providing services and advocating for children and families in their other areas of need.

Read more about Who We Are

Pace Center for Girls

Pace’s center-based day program provides year-round education, counseling, and life skills training for a comprehensive and individualized experience for middle and high school-age girls.  Pace Reach is a therapeutic and counseling program offering social, emotional, and behavioral health and support services for girls ages 11–17 and their families. Reach therapists provide services in the home, school or community, and also meet with girls online.

RCMA

At RCMA, we make the dreams of children in migrant working and low-income families our focus. That means making sure anything that impacts their learning is taken care of. From early childhood education to health care assistance to supplying WiFi hotspots and tablets for homework, we take a holistic approach that cares for the entire child – including a helping hand for their parents.

Sparrow Academy

Sparrow Academy’s mission is to cultivate conscientious, engaged citizens through a scholarly and artistic study of the humanities, math, and science, grounded in Waldorf philosophy. Read their brochure.

T.A.S.S.E.L.

T.A.S.S.E.L was created to assist students in overcoming barriers to attending school. Read more in their brochure.

Employment

Employment

Heart 4 Winter Haven

We believe poverty has been misdiagnosed; it's rooted in broken relationships. We bring people together through collaborations that restore relationships, build resources and grow community. Read more.

Programs include:

  • Jobs for Life
  • The Housing Partnership of Winter Haven
  • The Center for Well-Being
  • Scholarship House
  • Faith & Finance
  • Employee Care Program

Prolific Learning Corp

Prolific Learning Corp. has been assisting individuals to transform their lives through educational services, mentoring, career development, and obtaining employment for over 10 years. We specialize in serving Floridians with barriers to accessing their communities and employment gain economic independence through career planning and evaluation and career training programs.

Evidence Based Program (EBP) Services

Evidence Based Program (EBP) Services

Charlie Health

  • Evidence-based mental health & substance use 100% virtual intensive outpatient program for ages 11-34. They serve a broad range of individuals, as we are that mid-level of mental healthcare!
  • Immediate availability: There is no waitlist!! Clients can start immediately, scheduling around school and work!
  • Personalized Therapy: They have evidence-based tailored treatment plans based on people's mental health conditions/ concerns, their age, the modalities that would fit best for them, and their lived experiences. These lived experiences can range from someone identifying as LGBTQIA+, a postpartum mom, someone who may be adopted, autism
  • Outcomes: Their research shows significant reductions in suicidal ideation, depression, and a weekly session attendance rate of 91%!
  • Insurance: We work with all major Commercial health plans, TriCare, and Medicaids (Sunshine, Molina, Aetna Better Health, Humana, Simply)?

North American Family Institute (NAFI)

NAFI’s history in Florida began in 1993, as a provider of residential care to high-risk adjudicated youth committed to out of home placement, under contract with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Today, NAFI Corporate manages several programs for adjudicated youth and families involved in the Child Welfare system.

Services in Circuit 10 include:

  • Parenting with Love and Limits
  • Welcome & Respite Support Center
  • Functional Family Therapy
  • Functional Family Therapy - Foster Care

Family Support Services

Family Support Services

Better Together

Since 2015, Better Together has served more than 9,000 children and 42,000 job seekers through two highly successful programs: Better Families and Better Jobs. By empowering people who truly want to help themselves, Better Together is poised to prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens and match employers to employees who simply need a hand up or second chance.

Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD)

Our Mission: The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities provides support and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities.

CARD is a community-based program funded by the Florida Department of Education through an annual grant. Services are delivered at no cost wherever families, professionals, schools, agencies or businesses are located within our 14-county region in southwest Florida. There are seven regional CARD centers in the state of Florida. Visit the state-wide CARD Regional Site Directory.

Center for Independent Living of Central Florida

CIL, in partnership with the community, promotes personal rights and responsibilities among all people with disabilities and strives to eliminate architectural, communication and attitudinal barriers by providing education, resources and training to enhance self-determination through informed choice.

Champions for Children

Champions for Children’s mission is to build stronger families with thriving children throughout Tampa Bay through our child abuse prevention and family education programs. Learn more about their Positive Parenting & Partnership Program.

Children's Home Society

DNA Testing Solutions

Precise DNA testing and forensic analysis since 2001. At-home paternity testing kits, mobile and in-person testing services at 3,000+ locations nationwide.

Grace Care Ser LLC

Grace Care Services provides these non-medically supervised services to the patients and their families in-home:

  • Home Care Services
  • Companion Services
  • Homemaking Services
  • Meal Preparation
  • Shopping, Errands
  • In-Home Support Service (APD Medicaid Waivor Provider)
  • Personal Care Assistance
  • Non-Residential Support Services
  • Respite Care

Guardian ad Litem Office (Circuit 10)

The Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is the best way to represent the legal interests of Florida’s most vulnerable children, the abused, abandoned and neglected based on data and evidence. Florida law requires the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office to represent Florida’s children caught in the complex foster care system every day through no fault of their own. They face a world of temporary living situations and intervening professionals with a high turnover rate.  We are the only agency on the child’s case who focuses only on the child and represents the child’s legal interests in court and their social needs in the community.

Healthy Families

Healthy Families is a free, voluntary, home visitation program designed to promote and enhance the healthy development of children and families. The program (parenting classes, parenting programs) promotes positive parenting and works to reduce negative childhood outcomes, including abuse and neglect.

Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties, Inc.

Offer FREE educational resources, screenings and facilitate connection to help you and your family through pregnancy and beyond.

Heart 4 Winter Haven

We believe poverty has been misdiagnosed; it's rooted in broken relationships. We bring people together through collaborations that restore relationships, build resources and grow community. Read more.

Programs include:

  • Jobs for Life
  • The Housing Partnership of Winter Haven
  • The Center for Well-Being
  • Scholarship House
  • Faith & Finance
  • Employee Care Program

Hope Florida

Uniting communities through Hope Navigators to guide Floridians on an individualized path to prosperity, economic self-sufficiency and hope.

Services offered by Hope Navigators:

  • Identifying goals and barriers
  • Referrals to local, community-based partners
  • One-on-one support to develop a plan to achieve economic-self sufficiency

If you need to connect with a Hope Navigator, call 850-300-HOPE.

Lake Wales Care Center

Lake Wales Care Center is a faith based community service organization which demonstrates Christ’s love by building bridges between people in need and people with a desire to serve. Programs include:

  • Adult Literacy
  • Basic Needs for Short-Term Crisis
  • Bicycle Ministry
  • Choices Pregnancy Care
  • Community Garden
  • Community Kitchen
  • Enterprise Programs
  • Holiday Assistance
  • Home Repairs
  • Lake Wales Free Clinic
  • Leadership Development & Internships
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Transitional Housing
  • Youth Service Camps

Neighbor to Family

Mission is to revolutionize foster care by keeping siblings together while building healthier families and stronger communities.

Services include:

One More Child

Our mission is to provide Christ-centered services to vulnerable children and struggling families. Programs include:

  • Foster Care Services
  • Anti-Trafficking
  • Single Moms
  • Family Support
  • Meal Assistance
  • much more!

Polk County Teen Court

Teen Court is a juvenile diversion program based on the philosophy that youthful offenders are less likely to re-offend when punishment is decided by a jury of their peers. Juveniles offenders who have little or no prior criminal history, may have their cases tried by local high school students in an actual courtroom. Most of these misdemeanor or minor felony cases are sent directly to teen court by law enforcement. This allows youth to bypass the traditional juvenile court process, thereby eliminating or minimizing a damaging criminal record. The offender must admit guilt, be accountable for their negative actions, and agree to complete any sentence handed down by their peers. Throughout this process, the youths will get a first-hand look at their justice system and an experience in restorative justice. Further, Teen Court helps to decrease the workload and expense associated with formal juvenile court proceedings.

Regional Distribution Center for FAAST

The CIL, in partnership with the community, promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities by eliminating architectural, communication, and attitudinal barriers. In addition, CIL provides education, resources, and training to enhance self-determination through informed choice.

Self-Help (Pro Se) Services

The Self Help Program of the 10th Judicial Circuit was implemented in January, 1995, pursuant to a Supreme Court Mandate requiring all circuits to provide assistance to the public in gaining access to the Court in domestic relations matters. Types of cases involved include, but are not limited to, Dissolution of Marriage, Paternity, Step-Parent Adoption, Name Changes, Custody by Extended Family, modifications and enforcements. The purpose of the Self-Help Program is to assist the self-represented litigant with general information and requirements for compliance in such matters. The Self-Help Program is prohibited from providing legal advice.

The HEARTH Project

Homeless Education Advocates Restoring The Hope. The HEARTH Project and Polk County Public Schools is dedicated to assisting homeless and in-transition families and children by eliminating barriers to school enrollment, attendance, stability and overall academic success. We work to ensure that children experiencing homelessness have the same opportunities for educational success as housed students in Polk County.

United Way of Central Florida

United Way of Central Florida’s mission is to inspire our community to give, advocate and volunteer by identifying needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change. 

Initiatives include:

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Academic Achievement
  • Community Partnership School
  • Financial Stability
  • Health
  • George W. Jenkins End Hunger
  • Basic Needs

Women's Resource Center

Operating for over 33 years, The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) has continued fulfilling their mission to assist families in crisis throughout Polk County.

Services Provided:

  • Independence Program (mentoring, financial literacy, job coaching)
  • Mental Health Counseling
  • Emergency Utility Assistance
  • Housing Assistance (Homeless Prevention, Rapid Rehousing)
  • Food Pantry

Health

Health

Aetna Better Health of Florida

Central Florida Health Care

Central Florida Speech & Hearing

Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center is a premier, world-class speech, language and hearing disorders treatment facility in the beautiful heart of Central Florida and Polk County. Today, as in every day for over half a century, we welcome every patient and celebrate the dedication of our professional staff who have answered the call for outstanding, compassionate care, in an exemplary facility.

Housing

Housing

St. Vincent de Paul CARES

We are passionate about our work and have adopted a “Housing First” principle that guides each of our programs. 

Prevention

Prevention

Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties, Inc.

Offer FREE educational resources, screenings and facilitate connection to help you and your family through pregnancy and beyond.

InnerAct Alliance

InnerAct Alliance, formerly the Drug Prevention Resource Center,  is proud to have provided substance abuse prevention to the Hardee, Highlands and Polk County communities in Central Florida since 1985 with services including science-based education in elementary, middle and high schools, teen-driven social norms campaigns, as well as informative presentations and family-oriented awareness events that touch the lives of youth, adults, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and others in need with an important anti-substance abuse and anti-bullying message.

Residential Care

Residential Care

Florida Sheriff Youth Ranches

Safety

Safety

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Highlands County Sheriff's Office

Hardee County Sheriff's Office

Department of Juvenile Justice

Florida Department of Children and Families