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 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.
STEP is for families of adult clients. Learn more about the Adolescent Family Program for families of adolescent clients here.
September 2, 2021
No Meeting (Labor Day)
September 9, 2021
I'm Not Sick: Basics of Motivational Interviewing with Dawn Collinge, LPC
September 16, 2021
Thought Disorders in Young Adults with Zack Garner, LPC
September 23, 2021
5:30–6:30 PM: Opportunities for New Families: Overview of Terms & Concepts
6:30–8:00 PM: Support Group Only
September 30, 2021
The Importance of Self-Care with Helen Goldberg
October 7, 2021
Enabling with Emily Giattina, LCSW
October 14, 2021
Autism Spectrum Disorder with Molly Smith, M.Ed.
October 21, 2021
Nutrition and Mental Health with Isabel Alvarez, RD, LD
October 28, 2021
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.
STEP is for families of adult clients. Learn more about the Adolescent Family Program for families of adolescent clients here.
"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.