Skyland Trail provides evidence-based psychiatric treatment for adults and teens, including individuals who identify as LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning) and who are experiencing mental illness.
Treatment Approach
We work with patients to clarify their values and establish individualized treatment goals as part of evidence-based psychiatric care. Our clinical team then collaborates with each patient on strategies for symptom reduction, healthy day-to-day living, and sustained recovery and resiliency. Those strategies include an individualized mix of medications, stress management, skills building, nutrition and healthy living education, cognitive training, and social skills development.
Some patients are stable and secure in their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. In those cases, treatment focuses on the psychiatric symptoms that are causing distress or impairment — such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, impulsivity, or self-harm — while maintaining a respectful therapeutic environment.
Other patients may still be in the process of exploring questions related to gender or sexual orientation. That period of exploration can coincide with anxiety, depression, or other symptoms, whether driven by internal conflict or by stressors in the patient’s environment. In those cases, treatment supports the patient in managing the associated stressors and strengthening coping skills and resilience as part of their overall psychiatric care.
Education and Clinical Expertise
We also regularly review and follow state and federal requirements when treating adolescents in coordination with their families. Clinicians are also experienced in providing psychotherapy for adults who may be receiving hormone therapy through an external prescriber.
Care Environment
All buildings offer all-gender restrooms. Residential programs offer private client bedrooms with private bathrooms rather than separating clients by gender.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is available for patients and may include biological family members or chosen family members. The goal is to strengthen communication, change unhealthy thought and behavior patterns and adopt new skills that can be sustained after discharge. Family therapy can help improve communication so that families can better support one another and prevent conflict and relapse.
Humanitarian Focus
We emphasize empathy, purpose, and contribution as part of recovery for all clients. Practicing empathy and engaging in purposeful activities helps patients redefine their role in community and supports long-term resilience.
Treatment Tailored to Each Client's Clinical Needs
We start with an understanding of each client’s current needs and circumstances and tailor treatment accordingly as part of evidence-based psychiatric care. Each week, patients participate in a structured schedule of evidence-based therapeutic groups matched to your diagnosis and symptoms, as well as groups focused on creative expression, healthy living, social skills, and community engagement.
No matter where a client is with gender or sexual orientation, if they are struggling with mental illness, we help them grow, recover, and live a resilient life.
Adolescents
While in treatment, we use clients’ stated names and pronouns in accordance with therapeutic protocols and applicable law. In compliance with Georgia state law, the adolescent program does not initiate hormone therapy for minors; clients who began hormone therapy prior to July 1, 2023, may continue under the care of their external prescriber. The adolescent residential hall offers private patient rooms with private bathrooms and is not separated by gender. All our facilities include all-gender restrooms.