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.
August 27, 2020
5:30–6:30 PM: Opportunities for New Families: Overview of Terms & Concepts
6:30–8:00 PM: Support Group Only
September 3, 2020
No meeting (Labor Day)
September 10, 2020
Diet and Mental Health with Caroline Burkholder, RD, LD
September 17, 2020
Impulse Control with Luke Smith, LMSW
September 24, 2020
5:30–6:30 PM: Opportunities for New Families: Overview of Terms & Concepts
6:30–8:00 PM: Support Group Only
October 1, 2020
RESPECT Institute and Recovery Stories with Emily McFarland, CPS
October 8, 2020
Sleep with Yolando Wade, MD
October 15, 2020
Perfectionism with Rachel Butler, MS, NCC, APC
October 22, 2020
The Impact of Psychiatric Disorders Have on Families with Carlyle Bruce, PhD
October 29, 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.