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.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Remote Family Services
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all family services are now taking place remotely via zoom video conferencing. Family therapy, family education and support, and family orientation are all taking place remotely via zoom video conferencing.
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.

Upcoming STEP Dates & Topics
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 meets on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Family STEP is offered through zoom only.
Please contact STEP Facilitator, Shelley Danser at sdanser@skylandtrail.org or 678-686-5956 for more information about STEP.
STEP is for families of adult clients. Learn more about the Adolescent Family Program for families of adolescent clients here.
February 23, 2023
No STEP Meeting
March 2, 2023
Support Group Only
March 9, 2023
What to Do Before, During, and After Validation with Debbie Mazur
March 16, 2023
Supporting Transgender Loved Ones with Luca Valentine, BS, LMSW
March 23, 2023
TMS and Treatment-Resistant Depression with Ben Hunter, MD
March 30, 2023
5:30-6:30 - Opportunity for New Families: Overview of Terms and Concepts
6:30-8:00 - Support Group Only
April 6, 2023
No STEP Meeting
April 13, 2023
In Our Own Words with Tera Carter, CPS
April 20, 2023
Applying for Disability with Anna Maki, JD
April 27, 2023
5:30-6:30 - Opportunity for New Families: Overview of Terms and Concepts
6:30-8:00 - Support Group Only
Open to Skyland Trail Families
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.
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."
