Ellie Pike, MA, LPC
Director, Alumni, Family and Community Outreach
Mental Health Support for Family, Friends & Caregivers
Supporting a loved one through treatment for a mood, anxiety or trauma-related disorder can bring a range of emotions -- from worry and frustration to optimism and hope. Through it all, you can be encouraged knowing that a fulfilling life is possible with the right support. Your involvement as a family member or friend is a powerful part of the treatment and recovery process and can have a meaningful impact. Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Defining "caregiver"
At Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center (Pathlight) we often use the term “caregiver” to refer to anyone who cares for someone seeking mental health treatment. This includes parents, spouses, partners, other family members and friends.
Importance of the caregiver
As a caregiver, you are a critical resource for your loved one’s long-term recovery. By learning advanced caregiver skills, you’ll be best prepared to play an instrumental role in your loved one’s healing process. By participating in family programming, you will be empowered as a key support figure, both during treatment and far beyond.
On this page, you’ll be able to:
- Sign up to participate in mental health support and education groups designed specifically for caregivers
- Better understand the mental health treatment process at Pathlight and how you can support your loved one throughout their recovery
- Access helpful mental health resources, including events, reading materials and more
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Caregiver involvement
What does the ideal extent of involvement in your loved one’s care look like for you?
It may include:
- Attending virtual education sessions for family and friends
- Participating in family therapy in person or virtually
- Attending a virtual caregiver support group
- Exploring recommended reading and listening materials at your own pace (scroll down the page to find our favorite online resources and podcasts)
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Caregiver empowerment
Our goal is for you to feel empowered in your role as a support person. You’ll be surrounded with supportive clinicians who will help you:
- Gain insight into mood, anxiety and trauma-related disorders so you can understand what your loved one is experiencing
- Build confidence in your ability to support your loved one’s mental health needs and treatment plan
- Learn and practice advanced caregiver skills such as emotion coaching, validation, behavior coaching and relationship repair
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Caregivers: Key figures on the treatment team
You're an expert on your loved one. We’re experts on the treatment of mood, anxiety and trauma-related conditions. Together we can create an incredible support team and plan.
At Pathlight, our collaborative treatment teams -- including therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, case managers and alumni liaisons -- work together with family and friends when possible to provide the best possible care.
Join us for upcoming family events!
The treatment and recovery journey can be overwhelming and emotional for everyone involved. That’s why you’ll have access to our specialized family and friends education and support programs, providing you with the tools to confidently support your loved one. These programs also connect you with a compassionate community where you can find validation, empathy and support for yourself.
View our weekly schedule and click to join the sessions that fit your schedule.
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Monday
No national family programming
*Take a moment to explore our events, podcast and other family resources for more great ways to learn and grow.
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Tuesday
10-11:30 AM MT
Pathlight Virtual Family & Friend Education Series
*Attend weekly
PathlightBH.com/
FamilyFriendsSeries
6-7 PM MT
Mood & Anxiety Family and Caregiver Support Group
*Attend weekly
PathlightBH.com/
support-groups -
Wednesday
9-10 AM MT
Orientation for Family & Friends
*You only need to attend once
PathlightBH.com/Events/
Pathlight-Orientation -
Thursday
No national family programming
*Take a moment to explore our events, podcast and other family resources for more great ways to learn and grow.
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Friday
No national family programming
*Take a moment to explore our events, podcast and other family resources for more great ways to learn and grow.
Note: The programming listed above is accessed virtually (online) and offered nationally to all caregivers with loved ones in treatment at Pathlight. In-person resources vary by location. Connect with your loved one’s treatment team for location-specific resources.
Pathlight Orientation for Family & Friends
We encourage those with loved ones who are about to admit to treatment, or who have recently admitted, to join the Pathlight Orientation for Family & Friends. In this session you’ll have an opportunity to hear answers to frequently asked questions including:
- How can I get involved in supporting my loved one throughout care?
- What are the different levels of care?
- What does the “step-down” process look like and why is it important?
- Who is on my loved one’s treatment team and what roles do they play?
- What does a typical day in treatment look like?
- What does life after treatment look like?
When & where: Wednesdays at 9-10 a.m. MT on Zoom
Note: Caregivers only need to attend once.
Virtual Family & Friends Education Series
Our Virtual Family & Friends Education Series will give you practical, hands-on knowledge to help you support your loved one during and after treatment. You’ll have an opportunity to connect with clinical leaders at Pathlight, including time for candid Q&A at each session.
This series rotates through four different topics each month including:
- Tools for connection and confident communication with your loved one
- The psychiatric toolbox: treatment approaches for mood and anxiety disorders
- All about anxiety: symptoms and supportive practices
- How to help your loved one after treatment
You don’t have to attend sessions in any particular order. Attend as soon and as often as you can. You’re welcome to continue attending even after your loved one has discharged.
When & where: Tuesdays at 10-11:30 a.m. MT on Zoom
Caregiver support groups
Supporting a loved one through treatment and recovery can be rewarding but also exhausting. As you show up for your loved one by validating, listening to and empathizing with them, you too need someone to show up for you.
Our free, facilitator-led peer support groups are a great place to receive support from other caregivers who can truly empathize and understand. This group is designed for family or friends supporting a loved one with a mood, anxiety or trauma-related disorder. There’s no requirement to join; anyone 18 or older is welcome.
When & where: Tuesdays at 6-7 p.m. MT on Zoom
Meet the national family outreach team
When looking for support, you want to be assured that the folks you’re reaching out to understand what you’re experiencing, truly care and are equipped to help. Pathlight’s family and friends programming is designed and implemented by clinicians and individuals with lived experience, offering a thoughtful and compassionate approach to family support.
Meet the team behind this essential program, who bring professional expertise and personal understanding to our family programming.
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Ellie Pike, MA, LPC
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Katie Bendel, LCSW
National Family Outreach Manager -
Beth Ayn Stansfield, M.Ed.
National Family Advocate, Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Centers
Family therapy
While you are not to blame for your loved one’s mental health condition, you can be part of the solution. For this reason, family therapy is an essential part of Pathlight’s mental health treatment model. In family therapy, we address:
- Family dynamics
- Communication patterns
- Stressors within the family and other experiences that affect you, your loved one or other family members
Note: We respect our patients' autonomy and privacy. Family and friends of adult patients may join family therapy with the patient’s consent.
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Family therapy for adolescents
Family therapy is particularly critical for young patients in our adolescent treatment programs. Pathlight’s treatment approach for patients ages 12-17 is rooted in emotion-focused family therapy (EFFT), which empowers parents or guardians to become agents of change in their loved one’s recovery.
Caregivers of kids and teens can expect to learn more about family therapy during the first few days of treatment. At that time, the treatment team will suggest times for your first family therapy session.
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Family therapy for adults
Family therapy is also instrumental in the healing process for adult patients. Informed by EFFT, family sessions may focus on emotion coaching, behavior coaching and relationship repair.
Family members or friends may be involved in family therapy if their loved one has given Pathlight permission to include them. If family therapy is part of your adult loved one’s treatment plan, the treatment team will contact you directly to schedule sessions.
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Frequency and structure of family therapy
The cadence of family therapy varies based on your loved one’s age and the recommended level of care. Sessions can be conducted in person or virtually, depending on the needs of the patient and family. Family therapy may involve both the patient and their caregivers, or just the caregivers.
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Multifamily groups
Led by trained staff, these support and education groups offer a safe space to share concerns, gain understanding and connect with other caregivers in an intimate group setting. In contrast to our national family programming (orientations, Virtual Family & Friends Education Series), these sessions are center-specific. Multifamily groups may be in person or virtual depending on your loved one’s level of care and the programming location. While some groups may include your loved one, most focus on supporting you as you navigate the recovery process.
Questions? Reach out today.
Getting started with treatment at Pathlight
When someone is hurting, it’s often their family members, friends or other support people who take the brave step of encouraging them to seek help. In this section, we share what you can expect when a loved one starts the recovery process by seeking treatment at Pathlight.
If someone you care about is facing a mental health challenge, please reach out to us at 877-711-1878 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation or fill out the form below.
How you can help your loved one
Family members and friends are often the most attuned to their loved one’s needs and want to help them find the best care possible. If you’re a parent or guardian of an adolescent or a caregiver of an adult who has invited you into the assessment process, we encourage you to come prepared with information on the following topics:
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What symptoms has your loved one been experiencing?
Be ready to share both current and past symptoms. We’ll use this information to recommend the appropriate level of support. -
Has your loved one received previous mental health treatment?
Be ready to share details about any past or current treatment, including time frames, level of care and medications tried. -
How has the mood, anxiety or trauma-related disorder impacted your loved one’s daily life?
It can be helpful to know about changes in sleep patterns, self-harm, eating habits, social relationships and/or professional/academic life. -
What are your loved one’s strengths?
Whether it’s compassion toward others, a willingness to embrace new experiences or another quality, we’d like to know what makes them, them.
As a caregiver, you play a vital role in providing the context and information that help the admissions and treatment teams develop the best possible plan for your loved one’s recovery.
Your first call
During our first few conversations, we will meet both you and your loved one where you are by:
- Providing a safe space where you and your loved one can explore the best path to recovery
- Explaining our full continuum of care to you, ranging from intensive outpatient care to residential care
- Listening to your story in a compassionate setting
- Matching your loved one with the level of support that aligns with their needs
Preparing to start treatment
Starting treatment can be a big step, and it's natural to have questions. Whether you're wondering about what to pack, when family therapy sessions will take place or other details, our admissions team is here to support you. We can answer all your questions to ensure you feel as prepared as possible.
For any questions that go beyond what we can address during the admissions process, our treatment team will be happy to provide further guidance once care begins.
Making travel arrangements
We understand that families often travel from near and far to ensure their loved one receives the best possible care at our Pathlight centers. To help ease the stress of travel and being away from home, we offer concierge services for our out-of-town patients and their families.
If you feel it’s important to stay close to your loved one during their treatment, please communicate with their treatment team. We will work closely with you to help make the best decision for your family and, if necessary, assist in finding a comfortable place to stay throughout the duration of care.
What to expect at Pathlight
We’ll get to know your loved one, including who they are outside of their mental health condition. We’ll work toward connecting them back to the things they care most about. The treatment team will create an individualized care plan to meet your loved one’s specific needs and treatment goals. This plan includes a case-by-case approach to determining how long your loved one’s treatment will last.
The first day and week
The first day and week of treatment can be an emotional and overwhelming time. Rest assured your loved one will receive support to familiarize them with the treatment setting and to help them feel safe and supported while settling in.
- For adolescents: If you are the custodial parent or guardian, you’ll be actively involved in the intake process. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with members of the treatment team to discuss your loved one’s care and needs.
- For adult patients: Family members and friends may also be involved in the intake process, though this will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the patient’s preferences and needs.
Supporting you throughout care
Your loved one’s primary therapist will act as the main liaison between you and the treatment team. They will keep you updated on progress and challenges and can help facilitate conversations with other team members as needed.
For adult patients: Please note that adult patients must provide consent for family involvement in their treatment. We will work with your loved one to ensure communication is in line with their preferences.
We are committed to supporting you and your family throughout each phase of the treatment process.
Holding hope for recovery
Treatment and recovery are never easy, though we wish they were. At Pathlight, our treatment teams hold steadfast hope for your loved one’s recovery. It is our role to remind both you and your loved one that healing not only is possible -- it is within reach.
While mood, anxiety and trauma-related disorders are serious, we believe that with the right support, everyone has the potential to heal, manage symptoms and live a fulfilling life connected to what matters most.
"Recovery is messy. It's work. Some days you'll feel like you're back at square one but this fight isn't about perfection-it's about surviving the bad days long enough to see the good ones. The hardest part is believing you are worth saving, and you are, even if it takes time to see it."
Shana, ERC Pathlight Alum
Levels of care and discharge planning
Stepping down through Pathlight’s levels of care is an important part of the discharge planning process. Moving from 24/7 care or 35-40 hours of weekly treatment to one to two hours of weekly treatment is a big shift. With the help of intensive outpatient care, you and your loved one will have an ample opportunity to practice skills in day-to-day life while still being connected to support.
We want to make sure that you and your loved one are prepared to keep up the momentum after treatment at our higher levels of care. Discharge planning begins early, ensuring a smooth transition home with relapse prevention strategies, scheduled outpatient care and ongoing support through the alumni program.
Alumni and community support
A strong support system will be critical for your loved one after treatment ends. We are with you for the long term. Our clinician-led alumni and community outreach liaison team is here to help you and your loved one create and maintain a support system.
Email check-ins, with the option to schedule a phone call, will occur throughout the first year after discharge. You are always welcome to reach out via phone or email. Our goal during these check-ins will be to see how you are doing, help you find resources and answer any questions you might have.
Tips for tough days
At Pathlight, we often say that recovery is not linear – meaning that we aim for progress, while also being prepared for setbacks. Your love and support will be crucial to help your loved one navigate rough patches.
You may be tempted to say or do anything to “fix” or “solve” your loved one's discomfort during the treatment process. Yet the truth is that tears, anxiety and anger can all be part of the recovery journey, and there is nothing you can do to “fix” this for them. However, there are some things you can do to help, such as:
- Validate their emotions. Tell them you understand how hard this is.
- Encourage them. Remind them that this is the right place to be.
- Redirect them. Ask them to share these thoughts and feelings with their therapist -- and talk to the treatment team directly if you can.
Treatment is often overwhelming and emotional for everyone involved. It takes time and a lot of work to process these hard changes. One of the best pieces of advice we can offer is that you talk openly with the treatment team and trust their clinical guidance.
Mental health resources for family & friends
You can play a crucial role in supporting your loved one before, during and after treatment by staying informed about your loved one’s condition and finding the best ways to offer support.
To help you navigate each part of this journey, we offer a variety of resources, including articles, podcasts, and educational videos. These materials are designed specifically for families and loved ones, providing valuable insights and practical advice.
Mental health articles
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Understanding Mood Disorders in Children and Teens
Learn the signs and symptoms of mood disorders in teens and adolescents, including depression, bipolar disorder and more.
Learn more
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Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR): A Life-Saving Intervention for Families and Friends of Individuals Who Are Contemplating Suicide
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is an emergency intervention for family and friends of individuals who are contemplating suicide. Using QPR, anyone can offer hope and take action when a loved one is at risk.
Learn more
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Understanding School Refusal: Tips for Families and Caregivers
While it is common for students to want to skip class on occasion, if your child regularly refuses to go, you might be experiencing school refusal. Get tips from our experts.
Learn more
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Can My Child Stay in School While in Mental Health Treatment?
See how ERC Pathlight’s education specialists help kids and teens stay in school during mental health treatment.
Learn more
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Exposure Therapy for OCD: How Does Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) Work?
OCD can be disruptive and distressing. Thankfully, effective treatment exists.
Learn more
Mental health podcasts
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The Basics on Mood & Anxiety Disorders
Welcome to our little one-stop-shop-overview of the basics for anxiety and mood disorders. We’ll spend this episode asking an expert in the field the most common questions about anxiety disorders, mood disorders, the treatment experience, and treatment methods.
Learn more
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Calming Moody Storms - Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
This episode is all about giving you an incredibly practical tool for navigating emotion-focused conversations anywhere and with anyone. To do that, we’ve invited Dr. Allison Chase to walk us through Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT for short).
Learn more
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Depression and Suicide Prevention
We sit down with Kevin to take a wild ride through his story and the serendipitous events that lead to becoming a nationally renowned storyteller. Along the way, we’ll also chat with Dr. Thomas Joiner of Florida State University about depression, suicidal thoughts, and available tools to get help today.
Learn more
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OCD
At first, Mimi Cole couldn’t understand why she was so terrified of going to hell. She did all the right things, prayed often, and continually confessed sins but her fears only got worse. Pretty soon, she also began obsessing about accidentally running someone over with her car - what was going on?!
Learn more
Mental health videos
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Mood, Anxiety and Trauma Disorders
Watch videos
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Caregiver Skills
Watch videos
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Recognizing Caregiver Burnout: Strategies for Prevention and Support
Watch video
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Guided Meditations for You and Your Loved Ones
Watch videos
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