Psychiatric and Dual Disorder Programs
The Family Forum at Silver Hill Hospital is a comprehensive, supportive and educational program for families coping with the effects of mental illness, substance use disorders, or both. Family members learn about the patient’s illness and are taught skills designed to improve understanding and communication. They will gain insight into the illness and learn to assess and enhance family coping skills.
Acute Care Unit
     Time: Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
     Location: Acute Care Unit
General Psychiatric Unit
     Time: Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
     Location: Martin Center Gymnasium

Substance Use Disorders Treatment Program
Alcoholism and drug addiction are illnesses that affect both individuals and family members. As the disease progresses the family becomes more emotionally involved and consequently the lives of family members become compromised as well. The more education a family member receives about the illness, the greater the chances of recovery for the addict and family members.
     Time: Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon
     Location: Jurgenson Building

Adolescent Program
The Family Forum plays a special role in the treatment of adolescents. The Family Forum, a weekly series of educational and group discussions coupled with individual meetings with the treatment team, is a comprehensive, supportive and educational program for families seeking to achieve recovery from the effects of their adolescent’s mental illness or addiction on their lives. This specialized program helps families develop and enhance good communication skills, coping skills and problem solving strategies. The Family Forum works to meet the needs of the family caregivers and forms a support system for patients and their families.
     Time: Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
     Location: Grey House

Transitional Living – Family Program
At Silver Hill Hospital, we recognize that the entire family can be affected when one family member suffers from a mental illness and/or becomes addicted to a drug or alcohol. The new Transitional Living Family Program will assist family members to regain stability in their lives and develop concrete coping strategies.
This four-day program is conducted Saturday through Tuesday, from 8:30am – 4:30pm. The first two days of the program are for family members only and include education regarding a review of the assessment and diagnosis of addictions and mood disorders, treatments, relapse prevention and aftercare strategies. Groups to explore individual experiences, to dialogue with other families in similar situations and to provide opportunities for personal goal setting and reflection are an integral part of this program.
The last two days of the program are conducted with the patient and family members working together on family dynamics, communication and conflict resolution. Information on the neurobiology of addiction and mood disorders, medication management and discharge planning will also be included. Family members are strongly urged to participate in this valuable program. There is no additional cost for the Transitional Living Family Program (for up to two family members). For more information, contact Kathleen Thompson, LCSW, Family Program Manager at (203) 801-3418 or by Email.