At Montare, our central priority is to deliver the most excellent, effective, and enduring, recovery programs available for those struggling with mental health issues. And we know that once clients leave the safety and serenity of our treatment centers, life can be challenging, especially now, in these uncertain and chaotic times.
So, we are investing in building a robust alumni program which will provide a solid continuum of care for clients once they are discharged from our treatment centers. In addition to weekly support groups, our Alumni will participate in local community events. The first official in-person community gathering will be to walk as a team, in the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk. https://supporting.afsp.org/team/274927
Biehl Heads Newly Created Program to Support Clients’ Continuing Recovery
Montare is thrilled to welcome Lynne Biehl in the newly-created position of Director of Alumni Activities. Biehl comes to Montare with over a decade of experience in the field of mental and behavioral healthcare, and a passion for building community. Previously, she worked in business development at Michael’s House Treatment Center in Palm Springs, and created and ran the alumni program for the Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders in Santa Monica for four years.
“There are tons of meetings,” Lynne observes, “but with primary mental health issues, it’s more isolating—there isn’t the same network of support. I want to show people they are not alone, and that they can have mental illness and move forward with their lives in a positive, productive way.”
Being back in their home environments, and facing the challenges of work, family, and financial issues, it is often difficult for clients to follow through on discharge plans. Having had her own personal experience with mental health issues, Biehl knows how important ongoing support is to healing and recovery.
The chance to build a program from the ground up, combined with having direct client contact, drew Biehl to take on this newly created position. Bringing her creativity, genuine care, and enthusiasm with her, Biehl makes it a point to visit clients while they are in treatment so that once they are discharged, she can act as a bridge between Montare’s ecosystem and the outside world. The alumni programs are optional, and if clients choose to participate, they have the choice whether to do so remotely, via online platforms, or in person.
From weekly peer support groups to educational events, volunteer opportunities, and a private Facebook group, we hope to create a cushion to support clients in the often anxiety-provoking life transitions they face after leaving intensive treatment.
“In her first week, Lynne has already demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to making personal connections with our clients and giving them the comfort of knowing they are not alone in the ongoing work of recovery. I have no doubt her warmth, enthusiasm and creativity will foster dynamic engagement with our alumni, and we are thrilled to be able to offer this service at no additional cost.
–JD Kalmenson, CEO
