SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER | |
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. | |
Adolescent Residential Treatment | |
Turnbridge Adolescent Residential Program Highlights
Turnbridge gender-specific Adolescent Residential Programs provide integrated behavioral healthcare for teens 14 - 17. Our Boy's Residential Treatment Program in Woodbury, Connecticut, and Girl's Residential Treatment Program in Killingworth, Connecticut, offers safe, supportive, beautiful, and comfortable environments in which skilled psychiatrists, psychometricians, psychotherapists, nutritionists, case managers, recreation and wellness experts, and other specialists provide coordinated care and collaborate with clients and families to achieve diagnostic clarity and initiate optimal treatment plans that improve long-term outcome trajectories.
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Supporting recovery involves tending to both the mind and the body. For clients grappling with eating disorders, the journey to nourish oneself can be laden with shame and anxiety. At Turnbridge, Julianne Kaphar, our Dietitian Nutritionist, plays a pivotal role in helping clients rebuild their relationship with food. Her experience with an eating disorder as a young adult, combined with her professional expertise, allows her to offer unique and compassionate support.
“A lot of clients come in with misleading messages from social media, like ‘you shouldn’t eat carbs’ or ‘you should never eat sweets.’ My role is to educate them about the reality of carbohydrates and sugar and explain why they are important for overall health,” Julianne explains.
In an age where social media often perpetuates food myths and unrealistic beauty standards, clients frequently encounter confusing or triggering information. To address this, Julianne focuses on providing clients with evidence-based nutritional education and debunking prevalent myths.
Restricting foods or avoiding essential nutrients due to misinformation can hinder clients’ treatment goals. Julianne often puts it this way to clients: “If you don’t consume enough food, your brain lacks the essential nutrients needed to produce neurotransmitters, which are crucial for your medication and treatment to work effectively.” In other words, proper nutrition is essential for the brain to rewire and heal, making it a fundamental component of successful treatment.
In addition to providing basic nutrition education, Julianne encourages clients to try “challenge foods” and use their “wise mind” when in spaces where unrealistic beauty standards and the promotion of unhealthy food relationships are present. Julianne’s approach is centered on empowering clients with practical skills to navigate food myths, triggering situations, and eating disorder thoughts as they arise. By equipping them with this knowledge and practice, she helps clients make informed decisions that support their recovery and align with their treatment goals.
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Adolescent Extended Care Program | |
Turnbridge Adolescent Extended Care Program Highlights
Turnbridge Adolescent Extended Care meets the needs of teens 15-17 who require more time and space in a structured environment. Modeled closely on the renowned phased programming of Turnbridge Young Adult Programs, our Adolescent Extended Programs deliver integrated behavioral healthcare, specialized curriculum, and extensive recreational and wellness programming to treat root causes and address every aspect of client life.
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Sam Cohen, Director of the Adolescent Extended Care Program | |
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Sam Cohen began his journey with Turnbridge 13 years ago as a case worker. Over the years, he has grown alongside the organization, contributing his skills and insights to enhance our programs.
Now serving as the Director of the Adolescent Extended Care Program, Sam plays a crucial role in helping young adults get back on track academically, engage fully in their treatment programs, and find meaningful volunteer or part-time work opportunities within the community.
Sam’s passion for this work is deeply rooted in his own experiences as a young adult grappling with substance abuse and mental health challenges. His involvement in the recovery community gives him a unique perspective and an exceptional ability to connect with clients on a personal level.
“When I was young, I was making a lot of poor decisions, and I was closing doors that I didn't necessarily see. Helping a young person open some of those doors again and start to see what opportunities are out there is very rewarding,” Sam shares.
He believes that one of the most important aspects of working with young people is helping them find the language to articulate their internal struggles and develop an emotional vocabulary. “It’s about helping them pass the mirror test—getting them to really see themselves and their inner dialogue,” he explains.
Sam’s commitment extends beyond his work with clients; he also spearheaded Turnbridge’s professional development program, dedicating himself to helping his colleagues enhance their skills. “Watching my colleagues grow professionally and develop their skills is almost as gratifying as seeing young people thrive in their recovery,” Sam reflects.
Sam’s unwavering dedication to supporting others and his belief in their potential have made him an invaluable member of the Turnbridge team. His passion and commitment continue to inspire and drive growth both within the organization and among the individuals he serves
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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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Recreational Spotlight
Lake Compounce
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This month, our Phase I boys embarked on an exciting trip to Lake Compounce Amusement and Water Park in Bristol. The day was filled with thrilling experiences as they enjoyed a variety of carnival games, exhilarating roller coasters, and the water park. Several clients faced their fears head-on, taking on adrenaline-pumping roller coaster rides, while others showcased their carnival game skills, winning stuffed animals. True to their generous spirits, they decided to give these prizes away to younger children at the park, spreading joy to those around them.
The adventure didn’t end there. Upon returning to the parking lot, the boys had the opportunity to apply their “life skills” by helping to fix a flat tire on one of the vehicles. This practical task provided a valuable learning experience and allowed them to work together in a real-world scenario.
Overall, the outing was a great success. The clients not only enjoyed themselves but also demonstrated kindness and responsibility, from sharing their prizes with others to tackling a hands-on problem with enthusiasm. It was a memorable day that highlighted their growth and the positive strides they are making in their treatment journey.
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Young Women's Program Resident Spotlight | |
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In her early years of high school, Stella Wass became involved in the local club scene. Struggling with depression and low self-esteem, Stella felt her negative thoughts lift while out at clubs. Her nights became filled with partying, drinking and drug use, leading her into a world of drug dealers and club promoters. As she spent more time with this group, her substance and alcohol abuse became her new normal.
Stella reached a pivotal moment during her senior trip to Europe when a mix of alcohol and drugs resulted in a traumatic experience and a severe breakdown on the very first day. The incident cut her trip short and sent her home with her mom, marking a sobering end to what was supposed to be a memorable adventure and celebration of her high school graduation. Recognizing her need for help, Stella turned to her parents and sought their support in finding treatment.
When Stella arrived at Turnbridge 14 months ago, she initially struggled with the transition into treatment. Despite her desire for change, she resented losing her previous freedom. She lashed out at her housemates and resisted engaging in treatment. Over time, however, Stella began to embrace the process as she built connections with others in the program. Her close friend Ellie and her case manager helped her open up and fully engage in her treatment.
Now in Phase III of the program, Stella has taken on the role of mentor for Phase I clients.
“They all remind me of myself,” she reflects. “I love interacting with the girls when they first come in. I understand them completely and try to offer the support I wished I had in Phase I—validation, a listening ear, and reassurance that they will get through this, and it won’t be long.”
As her graduation from Turnbridge approaches, Stella eagerly anticipates moving into a sober living house, starting college, and continuing her journey of personal growth.
“My life has changed completely. I am genuinely happy now and feel better about myself than ever before. My relationships with friends and family are stronger, and I’ve made amends with those I’ve hurt. With 14 months of sobriety, I’m going to meetings regularly, and things have been really great.”
Stella can look back on her journey with a sense of accomplishment and hope. The challenges she faced have been transformed into a source of strength, guiding her towards a brighter future. Her experiences have not only reshaped her own path but have also empowered her to inspire others facing similar struggles.
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Wheeler and Robyn, like many parents with a child facing mental health challenges, found themselves overwhelmed and unsure of how to help. Their daughter, Megan, began experiencing severe social anxiety in middle school. Despite regular therapy sessions, her situation deteriorated rapidly upon entering high school. Turning to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, Megan's academic performance suffered, and her behavior became increasingly problematic. Wheeler and Robyn were desperate to support their daughter but didn't know where to turn for help.
“It can be really hard to make that decision,” says Robyn. “You don't want to be an alarmist, but you certainly don't want to backtrack. You want to do it right the first time.”
After completing a 30-day program, Megan was admitted to Turnbridge, which had become Wheeler and Robyn’s top choice due to its holistic approach to treatment.
“We were both surprised at how long the process takes. If anyone asks for advice, my biggest suggestion is to trust the process. You might think you know better or that your child will be done in three months, but it takes time,” Wheeler shares.
As Megan worked through Turnbridge’s program, Wheeler and Robyn made a conscious effort to stay involved. They educated themselves about their daughter’s challenges and committed to their own growth as parents.
“They can't come out of rehab without you,” Robyn emphasizes. “So, you have to be as educated as they are, and everyone needs to be on the same page. That’s my biggest piece of advice as a mom.”
Wheeler and Robyn also found solace in attending support groups with other parents who were navigating similar struggles with their children.
Two years after Megan graduated from Turnbridge, Wheeler and Robyn are immensely proud of the progress she has made. Since leaving the program, Megan has enrolled in a competitive design program in Cincinnati, where she presents her work to peers and professors for critique. Though it’s a high-pressure environment, Megan is thriving.
“Before her time at Turnbridge, public criticism from her peers and professors would have made her crumble,” Robyn notes. With the skills she’s gained from Turnbridge, she’s able to handle the pressure of standing up in front of a class and accepting feedback.
Megan continues to see her therapist and take her medication, fully aware of her needs and committed to her well-being. “She knows what she needs to stay on track. She’s not going back to the person she used to be,” Robyn adds.
Wheeler and Robyn’s journey with Megan is a testament to the power of perseverance, support, and the right treatment. As parents, they learned to trust in the recovery process and the invaluable role of their involvement in their daughter’s recovery.
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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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