Education and Peer Support for Families of Clients in Adult Mental Health Treatment Programs
Families play a vital role in the recovery of a loved one, yet taking care of a relative who has a serious mental illness can place considerable strain on the primary care givers and other family members. Recognizing the important role and needs of families, Skyland Trail offers the family Support, Training and Education Program (STEP).
STEP is for families of adult clients. Learn more about the Adolescent Family Program for families of adolescent clients here.
The group provides family members with the knowledge, skills and support needed to cope effectively with the unique challenges associated with caring for someone with a mental illness.
During the first hour, a mental health professional provides education and training to the group. The second hour is a support group in which families discuss what they have learned, dilemmas they confront or feelings they experience.
Eligibility
STEP is open to family members and important friends of adult clients enrolled in a Skyland Trail mental health treatment program. Families of Skyland Trail graduates and alumni may also attend. STEP is offered to Skyland Trail families free of charge and is made possible in part by charitable donations from the community.
STEP is for families of adult clients. Learn more about the Adolescent Family Program for families of adolescent clients here.
When & Where
STEP meets on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern. Family STEP is offered through Zoom only.
Contact
Please contact STEP Facilitator, Shelley Danser at sdanser@skylandtrail.org or 678-686-5956 for more information about STEP.
Upcoming STEP Dates & Topics
June 19, 2025
No STEP in Observance of Juneteenth
June 26, 2025
NO Support Group, Occupational Therapy and Mental Health with Joann Fleckenstein, MS, OTR/L
July 3, 2025
No STEP - Happy Fourth of July!
July 10, 2025
Borderline Personality Disorder with Danielle Currin, PhD
July 17, 2025
Supporting Siblings with Jessica Ponn, LCSW
July 24, 2025
Support Group Only
July 31, 2025
In Our Own Words with Tera Carter, CPS
August 7, 2025
Executive Functioning 101 with Erica Bland, MS, CCC-SLP, ADHD-RSP
People in Your Shoes
Listen as families describe their experiences with STEP.
"You have gotten him here, and he is safe. Now rest and let Skyland do its work.' That was the kind reassurance we received from other parents and family members on our first night at STEP."
