Innovative Programs for Successful Living
Satellite Program
The Satellite Program provides a semi-independent living environment for mental health clients who are ready to make the transition from a highly structured residential treatment setting to independent living. It serves as a viable treatment/living option for clients after their stay in the Sanctuary House Programs, offering a more independent environment and allowing clients to practice living skills acquired while in residential treatment.
The Satellite Program offers shared housing at affordable rates, individual and group counseling, and educational services to aid with issues of group living and other social, practical and emotional issues. The level of support and involvement in the program is flexible according to the needs of the individual. Participation in the Sanctuary Psychiatric Centers Outpatient Services Program is also available to Satellite clients.
In addition to providing direct services to the clients, the Satellite Program Director monitors each client's level of regular activity (in employment, education, day treatment, etc.), assuring compliance with program requirements.
Two specific client groups are appropriate for the Satellite Program. Both groups are comprised of individuals who, after successful participation in the Sanctuary House or Casa del Mural Programs, are ready to move to a less structured environment with the goal of preparing themselves to move to independent living. They are ready to consolidate, refine and apply to a smaller household unit those practical and interpersonal skills acquired while at Sanctuary House or Casa del Mural. This program provides a cushion of supportive and educational services to participants as they learn to function with increased self-reliance and responsibility.
One client group consists of younger persons (approximately 18-30 years of age) whose goals are to resolve basic psychological problems and make a transition to "mental health." The program for these individuals has more clinical content, with opportunities provided for continued work on personal as well as practical issues.
The second client group can be described as individuals whose goal is an acceptable adaptation to a mental disorder. This group is typically older with a lengthier history of emotional problems. For these clients, the program reinforces fundamental living skills with an emphasis on consolidating a routine for self-maintenance. This routine will include utilizing appropriate supportive structures in the community, such as psychiatric consultation for medication management, day treatment and recreational activities, thus minimizing crises that require intervention by costly acute care settings.
The daily activity structure is based on short and long-term goals as determined by the client and the Program Director. Meeting on a weekly basis, they evaluate strengths, weaknesses and progress. Treatment focuses on maintaining skills acquired in the residential treatment programs and formulating goals for a more independent life style.
Shared housing is provided to Satellite Program clients at a low rental cost, which is subsidized by Sanctuary Psychiatric Centers. The shared housing structure also diminishes the potential problem of social isolation.
A weekly meeting of all clients, the Program Director, and the Intern Counselor is held to discuss cooperative living issues and to problem-solve in these areas. Staff are also available to consult with clients on menu-planning, shopping, cooking, house maintenance, money management, and housemate relationships.
Each client who is taking medication is required to see a psychiatrist on a regular basis. Clients are responsible for their own medication management.
A wide range of treatment services are available to Satellite clients at the Outpatient Services Center. Included in these services is an After-Care Group, which is designed to meet the needs of those clients who are more involved in independent living issues. The After-Care Group is held weekly, and the focus varies with individual differences in goals, levels of functioning and treatment issues.
Individual counseling by the Program Director is offered on a weekly basis and by the Intern Counselor and Outpatient Services staff as appropriate to the situation. Clients may seek additional counseling on an "as needed" or "as requested" basis.
Clients are expected to participate in at least 20 hours of meaningful activity each week. This may be school, employment, volunteer work, day treatment, or some other structured activity. The Program Director serves as a resource person for clients and works closely with the Vocational Services Program.
Family therapy initiated in residential treatment may be continued as needed or requested. Such continuity is therapeutically advisable. Family support, education and therapy are important aftercare features offered by Sanctuary Psychiatric Centers on a continuing basis.
The Program Director and Intern Counselor provide assistance in finding appropriate housing for each client leaving the program. Staff provides support and counseling to help the client in making the transition to successful independent living. Each client is assisted in developing on-going plans for treatment, enjoyable and meaningful activities and a list of practical and social resources for future use. Satellite Program graduates are encouraged to continue to attend the After-Care Group; social gatherings are periodically planned which include all current and past Satellite Program participants.
