The community is invited to attend an Open House showcasing Southeast Health Group’s new youth respite care program on Tuesday, September 24th from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at 113 West Elm Street in Lamar. Refreshments will be served. The “Silver Linings” program provides temporary relief to parents and care providers from the physical and emotional impacts of caring for youth ages 7-17 with behavioral health needs.
“Parenting a child with behavioral health needs can be exhausting. We interact with a lot of parents and caregivers who give selflessly to their children every single day, and they deserve a break sometimes,” said BriAnn Appel, MA, LPC, who developed the program. “A little time for self-care can go a long way to help the family.”
Respite care is currently provided as a supplement to outpatient mental health therapy Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at 113 West Elm Street in Lamar. It is open to all families who are members of Health First Colorado—Colorado’s Medicaid program. Respite can be scheduled ahead of time, or accessed during a family crisis.
“We try to add new coping skills to the family toolkit,” said Appel, “including stress management skills, how to talk about emotions, and relaxation training.” The program also offers family therapy, care management, and overnight accommodations.
“We believe families are one of southeast Colorado’s greatest assets, and we want to do everything we can to support them,” said Appel.
For more information about the Silver Linings youth respite care program, call Southeast Health Group at 800-511-5446.
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