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).
COVID-19 UPDATE
Remote Family Services
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all family services are now taking place remotely via zoom video conferencing. We currently are not permitting visitors on our campuses. Family therapy, family education and support, family orientation, and family enrichment 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 8:30 p.m. Until further notice, Family STEP will only be offered through zoom online conferencing. We are limiting visitors to our campus to limit the spread of coronavirus and protect the health of our patients.
June 18, 2020
5:30–6:30 PM: Opportunities for New Families: Overview of Terms & Concepts
6:30–8:00 PM: Support Group Only
June 25, 2020
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Rachel Waford, PhD
July 2, 2020
No meeting in observation of Independence Day
July 9, 2020
Guide for ESP's (Emotional Support Partners) with Dawn Collinge, LPC
July 16, 2020
Al-Anon with Elaine and Sheree
July 23, 2020
Vocational Planning: How We Can Support Our Family Member's Change Process with Doug Hurd, MSW
July 30, 2020
5:30–6:30 PM: Opportunities for New Families: Overview of Terms & Concepts
6:30–8:00 PM: Support Group Only
August 6, 2020
Thought Disorders in Young Adults with Zack Garner, LPC
August 13, 2020
TBD
August 20, 2020
TBD
August 27, 2020
5:30–6:30 PM: Opportunities for New Families: Overview of Terms & Concepts
6:30–8:00 PM: Support Group Only
People in Your Shoes
Listen as families describe their experiences with STEP.
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.
"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."
Participate in Person, by Phone, or by Video
Family STEP sessions meet Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Goodman Training Room located downstairs in the Dorothy C. Fuqua Center. We are pleased to be able to also offer STEP through video and call conference. Please contact STEP Facilitator, Shelley Danser at sdanser@skylandtrail.org or 678-686-5956 for more information about video and call conference.