This group may be appropriate for you if you:
- Have recently completed inpatient or partial hospitalization treatment and found the peer support and information helpful.
- Have been struggling with mental health problems to the extent that you and your therapist have discussed the possibility of attending the partial hospitalization program.
- Could benefit from meeting with supportive and affirming people that understand what it is like to struggle with mood problems and can support you in your efforts to get better.
- Are committed to learning and practicing means of maintaining and improving your mental health care so as to prevent future hospitalizations or significant mental health problems.
What you can expect to learn
- Assertive communication skills
- Coping with stress
- Handling uncomfortable emotions
- Impact of diet/nutrition on mental health
- Relational skills
- Sleep hygiene
- Dealing with guilt, shame and stigma
- Identifying and living out your values
- Relapse prevention planning
- Addiction / Compulsive behavior
The benefit of learning in a group format is that you not only have access to a trained mental health therapist, but also to peers that have been through similar experiences and can offer insight and support that is hard to get any other way.
The group meets once a week for 12 weeks. New group members can join at any time. Group therapy is a covered service for most insurance providers. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
If interested, talk to your case manager or therapist to set up an orientation meeting with one of the group facilitators or call Pine Rest Central Access at 866.852.4001.
Printer-friendly Adult Healthy Living group flyer
About the facilitators
Mark Steenwyk, PsyD, is a licensed Psychologist who created the Healthy Living Group in 2013 to provide a supportive community of healing for those struggling with depression,anxiety and bipolar disorders. Dr. Steenwyk runs the group at the Caledonia Clinic where he also works with individuals struggling with a broad range of mental health concerns. Dr. Steenwyk is a Grand Rapids native and is passionate about caring for the mental health care needs of his community.
Tom Karel, MA, CAADC is a masters level psychologist who has 25 years’ experience in treating mental health and substance use disorders. He has been with Pine Rest for 16 years and is the facilitator of the two Monday evening groups at the Campus Clinic. When not at Pine Rest, you might not recognize him without his bowtie!
Annie Yakes, LMSW is a licensed clinical social worker at the Northeast Clinic, and has a wealth of experience from working as a social worker in various levels of care from outpatient, inpatient psychiatric, home-based, and medical settings. She identifies as a general practitioner and enjoys working with adolescents and adults. Her areas of interest include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, relationship issues, and adjustment and life transition issues.
What past participants had to say
“The HLG gave me a place to share what I was feeling without judgment. I feel that the HLG and therapy over the past few months has given me my life back.”
“I’m so glad group was recommended! It really helped me along with my treatment. I always felt comfortable. I would strongly recommend the group to others!”
“Peer support helped me to push beyond what I thought I could handle.”
“The coping skills I learned helped me to not relapse into depression.”
