Pacific Quest

03/03/2026

What if anxiety and depression weren’t just something to medicate but something to understand?

At Pacific Quest, our medical team looks deeper: inflammation, nutrition, sleep, metabolism and how they are all working together to influence mental health.

Medications like SSRIs can be helpful. But they work best when the body has what it needs to naturally regulate serotonin.

That’s why our care model blends psychiatry with integrative medicine — creating treatment plans that are precise, personalized, and sustainable.

Because real healing happens when we support the whole person.

How is inflammation considered as part of the treatment experience here at Pacific Quest

02/27/2026

Dr. Britta Zimmer, Chief Medical Officer at Pacific Quest, was featured on The
Freedom to Heal Podcast. In her episode entitled “Healing Families in Hawaii,” Dr.
Zimmer speaks on the role that genetic testing and nutrient deficiencies can play in
medication absorption and overall wellness. PQ’s integrative psychiatric model combines psychiatric care with naturopathic medicine and individualized clinical care, including a medical wellness plan to assess and improve nutrition, sleep, and physical activity as appropriate.
You can watch Dr. Zimmerman’s entire interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMF0nsD8lFc

ABOUT DR. BRITTA ZIMMER:Licensed Naturopathic Physician, Chief Medical Officer At Pacific Quest, Leading Medical Team and SpeakerDr. Britta Zimmer has been l...

02/18/2026

Every growth story has a starting point.

At Pacific Quest, we meet adolescents ages 13–17 and young adults ages 18–24 exactly where they are, then help them move forward with intention and care. Through individualized treatment plans, experiential learning, and clinically informed support, we address internal challenges like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotional disconnection at their roots, not just on the surface.

Surrounded by the grounding power of nature and a compassionate, structured community, participants learn to build self-awareness, resilience, and practical life skills that carry well beyond their time with us.

Here, change isn’t rushed; it’s nurtured.

02/13/2026

We’re honored to have our very own Kellyn Smythe featured on the Healthy Screen Habits podcast, discussing the power of connection beyond screens.
⠀
“After a few weeks of no technology, we see a huge restoration in sleep, creativity soars, and there’s a deeper sense of feeling connected.” — Kellyn Smythe
⠀
At Pacific Quest, we’ve seen firsthand how stepping away from screens and into real-world experiences — in nature, with peers, and with caring adults — can unlock healing for teens struggling with anxiety, disconnection, and overwhelm.
⠀
This episode digs into ways digital detox + meaningful connection help teens discover themselves and others in more authentic and resilient ways.
⠀
Listen to the full conversation — link in bio!
⠀
NatureHeals TeenMentalHealth ResidentialTreatment MindfulLiving

02/05/2026

Pacific Quest has officially earned a renewed 3-year accreditation from CARF International

CARF accreditation isn’t just a badge; it reflects a rigorous, independent review of our clinical practices, safety standards, and outcomes. This distinction recognizes programs that demonstrate excellence, accountability, and a deep commitment to continuous improvement.

For the families and professionals who trust us, this means:
Evidence-based, high-quality care
Strong clinical leadership and oversight
A safe, structured, and supportive environment
Ongoing evaluation to ensure meaningful outcomes

We’re proud of our incredible team and grateful for the opportunity to continue providing transformative care for adolescents and young adults.

Mahalo for being part of our journey!

01/28/2026

We are thrilled to be attending the 2026 NATSAP Annual Conference – Many Voices, One Mission – February 9-12 in San Diego, CA.

The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) focuses on fostering collaboration, providing education, and promoting best practices within the therapeutic industry.
Being a part of the NATSAP community provides PQ with access to research, continuing education, advocacy, and industry-wide discussions about therapeutic methods and safety. Being part of this network also helps us stay informed about evidence-based practices and contribute to broader conversations on youth mental health care.

Pacific Quest is proud to join the conversation about the larger mental and behavioral health environment and share the successes that make this space special.

01/26/2026

The Role of Technology in Treatment

We’re proud to share that Dr Rob Gent, Chief Clinical Officer at Pacific Quest, will be joining an important panel discussion hosted by Bark Technologies on how treatment programs can build digital resilience, safety, and recovery pathways for adolescents.

As technology becomes more embedded in teens’ lives, treatment centers are being challenged to move beyond “no phones” toward intentional, skills-based digital integration. This research-backed conversation will explore what actually works—and why.

Jan 28, 2026
11:00 AM (MT)

Panel topics include:
• Screen time, social media, and emotional regulation
• Why teens struggle to self-regulate technology
• Phased and individualized digital access in treatment
• Real-world program outcomes and safety improvements
• Practical frameworks for clinicians and program leaders

Panelists:
• Rob Gent, Pacific Quest
• Ken Huey, Hope Health Group
• Bekah Schuler, Cascade Programs
• Jason Grygla, NeuroDev

Link in bio to register

01/23/2026

We’re excited to have Suzanne McKinney representing Pacific Quest as an exhibitor at the Winter Symposium on Addiction & Mental Health conference next week.

Looking forward to connecting with peers, sharing insights, and continuing important conversations around adolescent and young adult mental health and addiction treatment.

Join us for the 51st Annual Winter Symposium on Addictive Disorders, Behavioral Health and Mental Health in Colorado Springs, Colorado in January 2026.

01/20/2026

What’s our why?

As we celebrate our 22nd year helping families heal, we remain committed to our core focus: disrupting cycles of internalized stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other mental health challenges. By equipping our residents with the tools they need to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, we’re cultivating change and promoting sustainable growth in both adolescents and young adults.

Learn more about how Pacific Quest focuses on long-term progress to foster lasting results: https://pacificquest.org/

Applying decades of expertise focused on one simple goal…healing families. Pacific Quest provides fully licensed and accredited residential mental healthcare on the Island of Hawaii. Our integrative, individualized approach combines specialized clinical care, nature-based experiences and holistic ...

01/15/2026

Latest read on All Kinds of Therapy: A Year of Growth, Grounding, and Healing.

As Pacific Quest marks 22 years of supporting adolescents, young adults, and their families, the past year reflects a period of meaningful growth, strengthened leadership, and continued commitment to whole-person healing. At the core of Pacific Quest's work is a clear purpose: disrupting cycles of i...

01/13/2026

We are excited to share that Mark White, LPC, CDCII, is returning to Pacific Quest this month as a Primary Therapist, working with both our adolescent and young adult clients.

Mark brings more than 17 years of experience supporting youth and families, with an extensive background in residential therapeutic care and integrative treatment models. He is credentialed as both a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor.
His therapeutic approach blends multiple evidence-based and experiential modalities, including solution-focused therapy, Jungian depth psychology, eco-psychology, and DBT.

Learn more about our team at Pacific Quest: https://pacificquest.org/our-team/

OUR TEAMLeadership TeamMike McKinneyCEO & Co-FounderSuzanne McKinney, MACo-Founder/Outreach DirectorChris KaiserCo-FounderRob Gent, PhD, LPCChief Clinical OfficerBritta Zimmer, NDChief Medical OfficerKellyn Smythe, MSAdmissions DirectorClinical TeamBrian Konik, Ph.D.Clinical TherapistMark Storey, MA...

01/10/2026

Today, we honor Mind Body Connection Day and celebrate the beautiful harmony between our thoughts, our physical selves, and our deepest inner experiences.

At Pacific Quest, this isn’t just a concept; it’s a living practice woven into everything we do, recognizing how emotions show up in physical experience and how mindful movement, breathing, nourishment, sleep, and awareness can restore balance.

Pacific Quest provides a whole-person journey, where mind and body aren’t separate paths, but two parts of the same transformative adventure.

Here’s to honoring the wisdom of our bodies, the insight of our hearts, and the strength of our minds…today and every day.