2024 Journeys Magazine
Programs Update
Learn more about new services and program enhancements in our adult and adolescent treatment programs.
Patient Outcomes
Learn more about how our patient outcomes research efforts contribute to excellence in patient care. Hear highlights from Alex Rothbaum, PhD, MPH, Director of Outcomes and Research, including:
- role of measurement-based care on individual progress and outcomes
- impact of Prolonged Exposure Therapy on treatment outcomes for adolescents with PTSD
- success in addressing treatment-resistant depression in adults with severe depression scores at admission
- ensuring excellent care through DBT program fidelity measurement in the adolescent program
RO-DBT, New Therapy Offered for Adults with “Overcontrol” or Inhibited Emotions Challenges
Recently, our adult clinical team determined that, among clients participating in our foundational dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (DBT) programs, some clients had different emotional and behavior challenges - challenges that are more difficult to address through a standard DBT or CBT approach.
Sometimes considered “overcontroled,” these individuals may struggle with perfectionism, rigid thinking, an intense need for structure, and inhibited emotions. Overcontrolled clients also exhibit a lack of openness that can make meaningful relationships, as well as personal introspection and growth difficult.
To better serve the unique needs of these clients, our clinical team began workiing to incorporate a new evidence-based therapy into our adult treatment program called radically open DBT, or RO-DBT. Skyland Trail began referring appropriate adult patients to the new RO-DBT group in (year). Currently clients participate in RO-DBT as an additional layer on top of our CBT or DBT foundational curriculum. The adult treatment team plans to establish RO-DBT as a full core group, on level with our DBT, CBT, cognition & psychosis, and dual diagnosis programs in the near future.
Spravato, Nasal Esketamine, Offered as Treatment for Depression and Suicide Ideation
Skyland Trail began offering SPRAVATO, esketamine nasal spray, to adults with depression enrolled in our residential or day treatment programs in summer 2024. SPRAVATO has been proven safe and effective for adults with medication-resistant depression or depression with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
Says Dr. Ben Hunter, Charles B. West Chief Medical Officer, "SPRAVATO can be a treatment accelerator, helping patients with depression or with suicide ideation experience quicker, more robust results."
Some studies suggest that SPRAVATO can be more effective for treatment-resistant depression than some commonly prescribed medications. SPRAVATO can be administered onsite in the Skyland Trail Glenn Family Wellness Clinic when clinically appropriate and prescribed by a Skyland Trail psychiatrist.
SPRAVATO can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and antidepressant medications or TMS to help patients with persistent depression.
Additional Adolescent Staff Trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is an evidence-based therapy for individuals diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
To date, five Skyland Trail adolescent clinical team members have completed the Emory University School of Medicine Prolonged Exposure Consultant Training Program. Two additional Skyland Trail clinical team members are scheduled to complete the training by December 2024. In addition, two adolescent clinical team members will have completed specialized training to serve as a consultant for the program by the end of 2024.
Increasing the number of staff trained in PE as supervisors (i.e. therapists) and consultants allows Skyland Trail to treat adolescent patients with PTSD and more complex treatment needs.
Skyland Trail Participates in Three Studies to Improve Mental Health Treatment
A hallmark of the Skyland Trail treatment program is individualized, evidence-based care. Each person experiences mental health disorders differently. And treatments that are effective for some are less effective for others. More research is needed to help identify the best treatments for individuals based on biological and environmental factors.
Skyland Trail is currently participating in three research studies.
- Improving Sleep and Cognition for Adult Patients with Depression: Sumitomo Pharma/University of Miami
- Understanding the Role of Hormones for Adult Female Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder: Emory University School of Medicine Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics
- Understanding the Unique Needs of LGBTQ+ Teens in Psychiatric Treatment Programs: Georgia Clinical Translational Science Alliance; Emory University School of Medicine Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Adolescent Campus Life
“Your cracks don’t define you!” Adolescent clients recently worked with our horticultural therapist to create “eggheads.” Clients were encouraged to style their eggheads to represent how they see themselves. Therapeutic discussions centered on how our “cracks” make us unique. #campuslifeadolescent
“Your cracks don’t define you!” Adolescent clients recently worked with our horticultural therapist to create “eggheads.” Clients were encouraged to style their eggheads to represent how they see themselves. Therapeutic discussions centered on how our “cracks” make us unique. #campuslifeadolescent
Such a fun day at the adolescent campus! ☀️ #campuslifeadolescent
#campuslifeadolescent
Check out these fun spring murals created by adolescents at our J. Rex Fuqua Campus! #campuslifeadolescent
Check out these fun spring murals created by adolescents at our J. Rex Fuqua Campus! #campuslifeadolescent
Hallway art from our J. Rex Fuqua Campus for adolescents: "Fall shows us how beautiful it is to let things go" #campuslifeadolescent
Hallway art from our J. Rex Fuqua Campus for adolescents: "Fall shows us how beautiful it is to let things go" #campuslifeadolescent
Check out this incredible mural created by a client at the J. Rex Fuqua Campus for adolescents ages 14 to 17. #campuslifeadolescent
Check out this incredible mural created by a client at the J. Rex Fuqua Campus for adolescents ages 14 to 17. #campuslifeadolescent
Clients at the J. Rex Fuqua Campus for adolescents ages 14 to 17 use art to remind themselves and others to keep fighting for the life they want while in treatment. #campuslifeadolescent
Clients at the J. Rex Fuqua Campus for adolescents ages 14 to 17 use art to remind themselves and others to keep fighting for the life they want while in treatment. #campuslifeadolescent
As part of a back-to-school event adolescent clients released biodegradable balloons, symbolically letting go of words like fear, perfectionism, and not enough.
Clients in the adolescent program receive at least 3 hours of academic support each weekday. They continue to make progress toward graduation while in treatment.
To learn more about our mental health programs for teens ages 14 to 17, visit the link in our bio for this post or skylandtrail.org/adolescents
#SkylandTrail #OfferingHope #ChangingLives #MentalHealth #TeenMentalHealth #campuslifeadolescent
As part of a back-to-school event adolescent clients released biodegradable balloons, symbolically letting go of words like fear, perfectionism, and not enough.
Clients in the adolescent program receive at least 3 hours of academic support each weekday. They continue to make progress toward graduation while in treatment.
To learn more about our mental health programs for teens ages 14 to 17, visit the link in our bio for this post or skylandtrail.org/adolescents
#SkylandTrail #OfferingHope #ChangingLives #MentalHealth #TeenMentalHealth #campuslifeadolescent
We celebrated #Pride Month at the J. Rex Fuqua Campus for adolescents with symbols of support and inclusion around campus, activities, and… llamas! 🌈 #campuslifeadolescent
We celebrated #Pride Month at the J. Rex Fuqua Campus for adolescents with symbols of support and inclusion around campus, activities, and… llamas! 🌈 #campuslifeadolescent
Last week, Skyland Trail staff at our adult and adolescent campuses participated in spirit week to spread a little joy during the holiday season. Staff were encouraged to take part in themed days for their favorite sports team, Disney characters, a day of wacky socks and hair, superhero day, and decades day. #campuslifeadolescent
Last week, Skyland Trail staff at our adult and adolescent campuses participated in spirit week to spread a little joy during the holiday season. Staff were encouraged to take part in themed days for their favorite sports team, Disney characters, a day of wacky socks and hair, superhero day, and decades day. #campuslifeadolescent
@witsendllamas recently visited adolescent clients at the J. Rex Fuqua Campus. Clients enjoyed petting the llamas` soft fur and leading them around the courtyard.
Did you know that one of the ways llamas communicate is by humming?
#llamas #RecreationalTherapy #RecTherapy #MentalHealth #SkylandTrail #OfferingHope #changinglives #campuslifeadolescent
@witsendllamas recently visited adolescent clients at the J. Rex Fuqua Campus. Clients enjoyed petting the llamas` soft fur and leading them around the courtyard.
Did you know that one of the ways llamas communicate is by humming?
#llamas #RecreationalTherapy #RecTherapy #MentalHealth #SkylandTrail #OfferingHope #changinglives #campuslifeadolescent
Clients and staff at the J. Rex Fuqua Campus for adolescents enjoyed Field Day this week! #campuslifeadolescent
Clients and staff at the J. Rex Fuqua Campus for adolescents enjoyed Field Day this week! #campuslifeadolescent
For Black History Month in February, adolescent clients created posters with information on influential and historical black leaders in music, social justice, the armed forces, and sports. #campuslifeadolescent
For Black History Month in February, adolescent clients created posters with information on influential and historical black leaders in music, social justice, the armed forces, and sports. #campuslifeadolescent
Clients in our adolescent residential treatment program have created some eye-popping 👀 Fescue Rescue Pets—our DIY spin on the famous @chiapetofficial. Made with soil and shade-loving fescue seeds as part of the adolescent horticultural therapy program, these little critters grow so fast!
And now we have the Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pet jingle stuck in our head 🎵 🤪
#campuslifeadolescent #Horticulture #HorticulturalTherapy #MentalHealth #GrowThroughWhatYouGoThrough #FescueRescuePets #Fescue #ChiaPets
Clients in our adolescent residential treatment program have created some eye-popping 👀 Fescue Rescue Pets—our DIY spin on the famous @chiapetofficial. Made with soil and shade-loving fescue seeds as part of the adolescent horticultural therapy program, these little critters grow so fast!
And now we have the Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pet jingle stuck in our head 🎵 🤪
#campuslifeadolescent #Horticulture #HorticulturalTherapy #MentalHealth #GrowThroughWhatYouGoThrough #FescueRescuePets #Fescue #ChiaPets
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
DID YOU KNOW? Skyland Trail is celebrating our 35th anniversary! We opened our doors in 1998.