The Gardens Expands Mental Health Support Across Arkansas
For many Arkansas adults living with serious mental illness, finding long-term support that goes beyond medical treatment can be challenging. The Gardens, a Community Support System Provider (CSSP), is. . .
For many Arkansas adults living with serious mental illness, finding long-term support that goes beyond medical treatment can be challenging. The Gardens, a Community Support System Provider (CSSP), is working to change that by creating therapeutic communities designed to help individuals build meaningful, independent lives. “Everyone I know has somebody in their life who has struggled with some kind of mental health crisis,” says Georgia Johnston, president and co-founder of The Gardens. “It’s not them and us, it’s we. ”That philosophy serves as the foundation of The Gardens’ approach. Guided by its I-CARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence), the organization focuses on helping adults 21 and older living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder and other mental health diagnoses. Rather than defining people by their conditions, The Gardens emphasizes individualized care built around each person’s strengths, goals and potential. A community, not a hospitalThe Gardens describes itself as a therapeutic community rather than a hospital or medical clinic. Each location follows an evidence-based Therapeutic Community model and is certified by the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL), recognizing its commitment to person-centered care and quality-of-life outcomes. Residents live in neighboring, fully furnished suites while participating in structured daily programming, individual and group therapy, nutritious meals and opportunities to build relationships with staff and fellow residents. “Hospitals are not places to live. Communities are places to live. The Gardens is made up of people who are our friends, our family, our kids. It’s our moms and dads, and our neighbors,” Johnston says. “It’s people who are in college. It’s people going back to get their GED. It’s people who are looking for jobs. We believe that everybody has individual rights. It’s our mission to help support whatever life they want to lead. ”That sense of belonging is central to the organization’s mission. “We push everybody to realize that we all struggle with something,” says Shun Brown, program administrator at the Sherwood location. “So, go about each day being the best person that you can be. ”Everyday life focused on growthResidents are encouraged to participate in activities that foster confidence, independence and connection. Gardening, creating art, sharing meals and attending community events, including Arkansas Travelers baseball games and visits to local arts venues, are all part of daily life. “We know the mind-body connection between good health and good nutrition,” Georgia Johnston says. The organization also regularly plans outings throughout Arkansas that help individuals build life skills while exploring their communities. These experiences are designed to strengthen confidence and encourage greater independence. Personalized servicesThe Gardens offers a variety of services tailored to individual needs, including:Individual and group counseling and therapyGroup educationCase managementMedication assistanceAdult life skills developmentFully furnished suites and amenitiesThe organization accepts referrals from providers, case managers, clients and families, helping guide them through the admissions process. Every aspect of care is centered on helping individuals take an active role in their lives while remaining connected to family, neighbors and their broader communities. “We are not an island, and should not live in silos,” Johnston says. Strengthening neighborhoodsThe Gardens also places an emphasis on being a positive presence in the communities where its facilities are located. The organization maintains its properties, partners with local churches, welcomes volunteers and creates employment opportunities for local residents. Brown says those relationships extend beyond the organization’s walls. “We’re going to look out for one another. We’re going to be there for one another,” he says. “We’re always keeping a close eye on everything, making sure the neighborhood is safe. ”Brown also speaks to the importance of staying connected to everyone in the surrounding area as they continue to “Keep rapport for everyone that’s in the neighborhood about what’s going on. ” That awareness, he says, is what keeps the lines of communication open, ensuring trust exists on both sides of the door. Five locations, and countingThe Gardens currently operates five locations across Arkansas, with a sixth location set to open late Summer 2026:Sherwood – 8900 Hwy 107 | 501-819-6816West Little Rock – 1501 Michael Dr. & 1509 Michael Dr. | 501-480-5520Texarkana – 1625 East 42nd St. | 870-772-0689Garden Villas of Texarkana – 1623 E 42nd Street | 870-648-1540Brodie Creek – 9621 Tall Timber Blvd. | opening soon!The newest addition, The Villas in Texarkana, is already welcoming residents, while the Brodie Creek location is expected to open later this summer, expanding access to therapeutic community living for more Arkansas families. Asthe organizationcontinues to grow, its mission remains focused on helping individuals transform their lives through new opportunities, meaningful relationships and compassionate support. For those seeking services or providers looking to make referrals, The Gardens says its doors remain open. READ ALSO: Arkansas Travelers Promise Summer Fun With Theme Nights, Fireworks and Giveaways