Peace River Center history

A significant growth period for the Center came after the 1973 passing of the Baker Act, which is Florida’s Mental Health Act, enabling them to establish a community mental health center as an alternative to treatment at the State Hospital.

1987 Forensics Program CreatedPeace River Center’s Forensic Program, which offers competency evaluations and other services to individuals experiencing a mental illness who are involved in the justice system, was launched.

1989 Bartow Crisis Stabilization Unit OpenedPeace River Center’s certified inpatient receiving facility was opened in Bartow.

PRC has been accredited by the Joint Commission since May of 1993.

1994 Drop-In Center OpenedThe Drop-In Center, a precursor to Club Success and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services, was opened.

1995 1995 Short-Term Rehabilitation Treatment Facility OpenedThe Short-Term Adult Residential Treatment (SRT) facility is a secure 30-bed specialized residential unit.

2001Florida Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) BeganFACT is a comprehensive, community-based treatment, service delivery model provided to people who have been diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness (i.e. schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder). 2001

2006 Substance Use Program CreatedPRC began offering substance use treatment and recovery-focused services for individuals, families, and affected others.

2013 2013 Family Intensive Treatment (FIT) CreatedThe FIT program integrates substance use and mental health treatment for substance-using parents who are involved in the child welfare system.

Our Lakeland Crisis Campus opened in January 2018.