Turnbridge continues a mission established in 2003 to effectively assess and address the root causes of adolescent and young adult behavioral health conditions. Today, more than 500 professionals collaborate to deliver levels of clinical excellence, programming individualization, treatment innovation, and client and family alliance that make Turnbridge the referral choice for professionals nationwide. | |
Turnbridge clinicians, executives, and outreach professionals continuously work with families, colleagues, and communities to learn, connect, and share so that we may better serve and support clients, families, and recovery in all its forms. This newsletter highlights some of the people, programming, and partnerships that inspire us. | |
Proudly Serving Our Community Through Continuing Education
Turnbridge Director of Family Relations Lauren Springer and Outreach Representatives Mallorie Schwartzman and Jon Feldman had the honor of presenting "Supporting Families Experiencing Mental Illness" to assembled professionals in Chevy Chase, MD. We thank all attendees for their participation and dedication to serve!
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Turnbridge Young Adult Program Highlights
Turnbridge Young Adult Programs provide extended treatment for young men and young women experiencing mental health and dual-diagnosis conditions. Offering some of the most comprehensive care available, the Young Adult Programs are distinguished by numerous treatment innovations including, non-arbitrary lengths of stay, care models that address every aspect of client life, phased programming to promote resilience, use of behavioral metrics to objectively gauge client progress, and more.
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Young Men's Program Resident Spotlight
Jared S. is a Phase III Young Men's Program client who was initially reluctant about Turnbridge. After struggling with depression and anxiety from a young age, Jared turned to drugs and alcohol as a freshman in high school to cope. Jared's grades plummeted as his substance use disorder intensified, eventually leading to his withdrawal from school. Jared was asked to leave home when his familiar relationships reached a breaking point.
Everything changed when Jared woke up in the emergency room after being revived from an overdose. The near-death experience helped Jared decide to seek treatment.
Jared's first treatment experience left him feeling out of place.
"Because everyone there was much older than I was. It seemed like they had been through a lot more than I had, and I didn't feel like I fit in there," shared Jared.
Jared eventually found his way to Turnbridge, where he felt a stronger connection and belonging. Despite this, Jared struggled to embrace treatment fully, and he made several attempts to run away. With time, Jared finally experienced a shift.
"At one point, I came to the realization that this is my life, it's the only one I get. I saw the path my life was heading down if I didn't put in the work now, and it wasn't a pretty place. So, I decided, this is my chance, this is my opportunity."
Jared acknowledges the crucial role Turnbridge staff played in his recovery.
"The staff members being there for me and allowing me space to figure things out while also guiding me. The staff members have been a big reason I'm still here."
After embracing Turnbridge as an opportunity for a complete change, Jared has turned his life around. Jared intends to transition to a sober living environment and pursue a career that fosters continual learning and personal growth after completing Turnbridge.
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Young Men's Program Family Spotlight | |
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On Thanksgiving day, instead of being seated at the dinner table surrounded by family, Hillary and Charlie Kunda found themselves in the emergency room, anxiously hoping for their son Becker's recovery. Becker narrowly survived a suicide attempt.
When Becker's mental health did not improve following treatment at another program, Hillary and Charlie decided to send Becker to Turnbridge.
Although Becker was initially resistant to treatment at Turnbridge, he acclimated after receiving consistent support from Turnbridge Team members and his parents. Through support groups, family therapy, and the advice of Turnbridge staff, Hillary and Charlie discovered how to best support their son, even when it meant relinquishing some control over his treatment.
“I think for parents getting on the same page is more important than anything else,” shares Hillary.
When Hillary and Charlie empowered Becker to take responsibility for his own recovery and entrusted Turnbridge staff to manage their son's treatment process, they witnessed a significant transformation.
“He has now exceeded everybody's expectations. And my husband and I have a better relationship now than we ever have because we're on the same page,” shares Hillary.
“Unlike his conversations six months ago, where he expressed feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, Becker is now realizing his value and recognizing the friendships he possesses,” adds Charlie.
Having kept up with his schooling while at Turnbridge, Becker returned home for the first time since Thanksgiving and proudly walked at his high school graduation.
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Recreational Spotlight
Forest Adventure
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In May, Young Men’s Program Phase I clients took to the trees to test their strength and agility at The Adventure Park in Bridgeport, CT. They welcomed the opportunity to spend time outdoors and challenge themselves physically in this month’s recreational event.
The Adventure Park boasts 190 treetop platforms linked together by ladders, bridges, and ziplines. Starting from the base of a tree, clients ascended upwards and chose paths of varying difficulty levels, reaching heights of up to 34 feet above the ground. They navigated obstacles such as tightropes, horizontal ladders, and nets between platforms amidst the treetops.
As some clients navigated courses above ground, their peers cheered them on from the forest floor, supporting their housemates through different obstacles.
“A lot of these guys are coming from substance abuse backgrounds, so it’s a good opportunity to show them that they can have fun sober,” shares Case Manager Kevin Hanley.
Upon completing a path, clients celebrated their success with an adrenaline-filled ride on a zipline back to ground level.
While it might seem like recreational events are all fun and games, these experiences serve a greater purpose than providing entertainment.
“It’s also a great opportunity for the guys to get to know each other and build bonds and rapport,” reflects Hanley, highlighting the opportunities for growth and connection that recreational events provide.
While clients share their experiences in one-on-one therapy sessions or groups, recreational events like the Adventure Park provide a less emotionally charged environment where clients can let their guards down and share more about their experiences in a casual manner.
With each challenge overcome in the treetops, bonds were quietly forged, and a sense of solidarity strengthened. These experiences will continue to be a part of each client’s healing long after the thrill of the Adventure Park has faded.
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Recovery-In-Motion
Therapeutic Programming That Engages the Senses and Connects Body & Mind
Turnbridge leverages the symbiotic benefits of mental and physical well-being by designing Recovery-In-Motion activities that promote healthy body image, improve fitness, and bolster emotional regulation and self-confidence. Recovery-in-Motion, recreation, and mindfulness activities are regular parts of the Turnbridge experience.
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Adolescent Extended Care Program | |
Carrie Tortucci, Turnbridge Associate Director of Adolescent Extended Care | |
Social Media Identity
Turnbridge strives to treat every aspect of client life. Achieving a holistic understanding of each client means delving deeply into their relationships, perceptions, academic and vocational aspirations, mental health and substance use history, and much more. Today, however, gaining broad perspectives with which to help clients also means understanding and reevaluating their relationships with technology and social media.
Social media plays a significant role in how young adults maintain relationships and construct their identities. Clients often arrive at Turnbridge harboring unhealthy attachments to social media and digital devices, which may include exposure to glorified drug and alcohol use, cyberbullying, unrealistic body standards, and more.
In light of growing evidence that social media and connected device use may negatively impact mental health, Turnbridge has begun helping clients learn how to develop healthier relationships with these technologies.
When clients arrive at Turnbridge, their smartphones are safely stored and they receive basic flip phones able to send and receive telephone calls and text messages. Reducing the presence and influence of social media helps clients focus on their recovery and learn to develop healthy boundaries related to their digital device use.
As with other aspects of our phased programming model, clients are gradually exposed to real-world triggers as they gain skills and resilience. Smartphones are returned to clients as they demonstrate the ability to follow their treatment plan, engage in activities, and use their devices responsibly and in support of their wellness and recovery.
Turnbridge senior case manager Carrie Tortorici believes that giving clients education and opportunities to demonstrate learned skills is the best way to prepare them for life outside of Turnbridge.
“The way that teenagers communicate now is very different than when I was a kid. It’s hard to take their phones away from them, but I think once they have a good understanding of what is an appropriate use of social media and communication they will want to make good choices,” shares Tortorici.
When clients regain smart devices and social media, case managers work with them to review their social media accounts and delete content or profiles that may be detrimental, challenge their self-image, or detract from their healthy ongoing recovery.
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Adolescent Residential Treatment Program | |
Woodbury Ropes Course
In the expansive forest behind the Turnbridge Boy’s Residential Program home, there's a high-quality ropes course waiting for residents to test their skills and bravery. Situated in the tranquil nature of Woodbury, CT, our site offers a range of activities across its 68-acre property, with the ropes course providing a chance for clients to build trust and confidence with their peers.
Turnbridge staff are trained to safely operate the ropes course, following the principle of challenge by choice. Boys are free to decline climbing if they prefer, but they're encouraged to support their peers by assisting with ropes or cheering on their housemates.
Collaboration is key as boys on the ground help guide their peers through various challenges. With features like a climbing wall, ladders, and other elements, the course offers hours of engaging experiences.
Trust is fundamental for the boys. “It’s a big deal—you've just met someone from Turnbridge a few days or weeks ago, and now you’re entrusting them with your safety,” explains Turnbridge Operations Manager Dave Doheny.
As temperatures rise, anticipation mounts for an increase in activity on the ropes course, offering both excitement and opportunities for personal growth.
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Daily Family Support Groups & Special Family Education Events
Supporting Turnbridge families (and any family experiencing behavioral health disorders) is core to the Turnbridge mission. Turnbridge Director of Family Services Lauren Springer, LMSW, leads daily online parent support groups and hosts special educational sessions and events that help families better understand how to support their well-being and their loved one's recovery. Turnbridge Family Support Meetings have been attended more than 45,000 times.
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Lauren Springer, LMSW
Director of Family Relations
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American Psychiatric Association
In May, Director of Outreach Lisa Frankel attended APA’s Annual Meeting at The Javits Center, in New York City. This is the premier psychiatry event of the year. The meeting theme of 2024 focused on confronting addiction and charting the course from prevention to recovery.
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United Federation of Teachers
On May 14. Turnbridge exhibited at the 5th Annual UFT/Seafield Symposium. Held in NYC, this conference focused on educators and school counselors.
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Independent Educational Consultants Association
In May, Turnbridge was proud to attend the Annual IECA conference held at Mohegan Sun. This conference focuses on Independent Educational Consultants from every state.
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Turnbridge Tour
Matt Rubin, David Rottenberg and Clara Chasse had the pleasure of touring Laura Ezell & Dean Porterfield of ARCH Academy of Cumberland Heights. Topics of conversations included best practices while measuring outcomes and identifying the trends to meet the needs of our adolescents.
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RAM Council
On May 29, Community Outreach Representative Will Testani and Vice President of Clinical Services Jack Britton spoke to the families and teen members of New Canaan's RAM council regarding teen mental health and substance use issues.
Will Testani shared his story of growing up in Connecticut while struggling with mental health and substance use issues, finding recovery, and using his experiences in his professional work today. RAM Council director Joyce Sixsmith and Jack Britton then facilitated a powerful and educational Q&A around topics impacting teens and their families. This discussion involved identifying teen stressors, healthy and sustainable coping skills to deal with them, and how parents and children can work as a team to develop a healthy dialogue and create safe spaces where these issues can be handled proactively.
Turnbridge is honored to work with our Connecticut community on mental health and substance use education and awareness, and to make treatment widely available to those who need it.
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MindWork Group
Turnbridge Director of Outreach Mallorie Schwartzman and Chief Clinical Officer David Rotenberg visited The MindWork Group, a boutique concierge mental health intensive outpatient practice in Baltimore. (From left to right: David Rotenberg, Marina Nikhinson, M.D., Thomas Franklin, M.D., Zac Cordner, M.D., Mallorie Schwartzman)
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Maryland Gratitude Dinner
On May 16, we had the privilege of hosting a gratitude dinner in the Chevy Chase community with referral partners from the mid-Atlantic region.
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ABOUT TURNBRIDGE
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Turnbridge is the nation’s preeminent mental health and dual diagnosis treatment provider for young adults and adolescents. Distinguished by a fully integrated care model that addresses every aspect of client life, phased programming, gradual exposure to real-world triggers, extensive parent support and education, and the collection and use of behavioral metrics to verify self-reported progress, Turnbridge is designed to help young people Build a Life Worth Protecting.
In-network
Turnbridge is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, and out-of-network with all other commercial insurance.
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