About Bright Path

Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient services allow for time and space to focus on building skills for mental health.

At Bright Path, we are committed to providing high-quality therapeutic care for your teen, based in the belief that they have within them all the strengths they need to successfully manage their mental health. We simply provide access to the tools and skills that will help them develop those strengths into healthy behaviors, so they can get back to their lives.

People on a mission.

We set out to create a place where teens can experience feeling welcomed for who they are, without judgment, and where their ideas and autonomy are honored throughout the treatment process.

We encourage our patients to bring their full selves to programming. Adolescence is all about identity exploration—a time for folks to explore their independence and develop a sense of self. In the midst of mental illness, this process becomes even more challenging to navigate. Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment for that exploration, one that is validating and affirms patients’ inherent worthiness regardless of these challenges.

Where We’re Headed

We value feedback from both our program participants and our community connections, and we integrate that feedback into our strategic planning, program development, and quality improvement practices. We can see the need for services like ours in the community, and we’d like to continue to be a part of the network of resources available to teens and their families.

We are here to provide families and adolescents in our community with access to high-quality therapeutic services that allow them the opportunity to develop their intrinsic strengths into skills and healthy behaviors that last a lifetime.

Everyone at Bright Path, from our directors and clinicians to our frontline and administrative staff, are all committed to providing excellent services, creative solutions, and warm hospitality.

Our organization continues to grow and consider how to turn our vision into actionable steps over the next year. We’d love to hear your feedback on our programs that would help us identify the improvements our community would find most impactful. Please consider joining our mailing list to receive program updates as well as an invitation to complete our annual stakeholder survey.

Conditions We Treat For Teens

At Bright Path Behavioral Health, we provide specialized treatment for a range of mental health issues affecting teens, including depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harm treatment, suicidal ideations, and co-occurring substance use disorders. Our comprehensive approach addresses teen depression, a pervasive issue that impacts mood, behavior, and various aspects of life, by offering therapies aimed at understanding its root causes and developing coping strategies. For teens grappling with anxiety, our treatment plans focus on managing the intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. We also offer trauma-informed care, recognizing that past traumatic experiences can significantly impact a teen’s mental health and behavior. Our skilled professionals are adept at guiding teens through the process of healing and recovery from self-harm and suicidal ideations, providing them with the tools and support they need to navigate these complex issues. Additionally, for teens struggling with co-occurring substance use disorders, our integrated treatment approach addresses both the substance use and the underlying mental health conditions, ensuring a holistic path to recovery. Our goal at Bright Path is to offer a nurturing and supportive environment where teens can find understanding, develop resilience, and embark on a journey towards lasting wellness.

Leadership Team (left to right) Michele Walker, LCMHC IOP Program Manager; Dr. Shantel Sullivan, Ed.D., LCSW, CEO; Jalecia Beatty, LCMHCA, PHP Program Manager

Leadership Message

As leaders, we have a unique opportunity to create a positive impact on the lives of young people in our community. Adolescence is a time of growth, exploration, and self-discovery, but it can also be a period filled with challenges and emotional turmoil. The mental health of our teenagers is something we cannot afford to overlook or underestimate.
Teen mental health is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including academic pressure, peer relationships, family dynamics, and societal expectations. The past few years have shown us that our young people are facing unprecedented challenges, and the ongoing pandemic has only exacerbated these struggles. Rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among teenagers have surged, and it’s our responsibility to respond with compassion and care.
Compassionate care is not just about providing therapy or medication; it’s about creating a supportive environment where our teenagers feel safe, heard, and valued. It’s about recognizing that mental health is as important as physical health and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. As leaders of Bright Path, we are committed to promoting compassionate care for teen mental health by exhibiting:

1. Open and Honest Communication: Create a culture of open dialogue around mental health. Encourage teenagers to express their feelings and concerns without judgment. Listen actively and empathetically.
2. Awareness and Education: Educate ourselves and our community about the signs and symptoms of mental health issues in teenagers. Knowledge is the first step toward understanding and support.
3. Destigmatize Mental Health: Work tirelessly to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health problems. Let teenagers know that it’s okay to ask for help, and that seeking help is a courageous step toward healing.
4. Accessible Resources: Ensure that there are accessible mental health resources and support systems in place. Collaborate with local organizations and professionals to provide easy access to care.
5. Self-Care and Stress Reduction: Promote healthy lifestyles and stress reduction techniques among teenagers. Encourage physical activity, mindfulness, and self-care practices.
6. Lead by Example: Demonstrate compassion in your own interactions and show that it’s okay to seek help when needed.

 

Our young people are the future of our community, and their mental well-being is paramount. By championing compassionate care and supporting teen mental health, we can contribute to a healthier, more resilient, and thriving community. Let us pledge today to be leaders who lead with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to the well-being of our teenagers.