Making the Most of the Summer Season

As the summer season begins, it’s no surprise that the transition into different schedules and activities can make things more challenging. And while seasonal transitions can often stimulate triggers and difficulties, the summer can also serve as a time for additional support, community, and connection.

Without academic obligations and lessened professional commitments, summer can be the optimal time to set achievable and realistic goals – using the time to focus on healing and recovery. No matter where someone is in their individual journey, we offer numerous resources to help providers, patients, and families successfully prepare and plan for summertime. Our resources and events are designed to provide you with ongoing support throughout the journey from treatment to recovery, or simply as a supplemental, educational resource.

Tap Into Your Free Resources

Complimentary Support Groups

Part of our overarching mission at Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center is to help people easily access support, including patients, families, caregivers, alumni, and other community members. We offer free, facilitator-led groups for anyone living with an eating disorder or a mood, anxiety, or trauma-related condition. If you have additional time during the summer, try tapping into this resource and perusing the different topics to determine which works best for you. 
View Our Support Groups

Mental Note Podcast Episodes

Are you more of an auditory learner? Mental Note, the ERC Pathlight podcast, highlights the varied aspects of mental health recovery: emphasizing both the challenges and the beauty. Stories span a variety of mental health conditions, featuring relatable personalities with real-life, in-depth conversations surrounding how to choose health and recovery despite the odds. The podcast provides hope that recovery is not only possible, but also worth it.
Listen to Mental Note Episodes

Alumni & Family Resources

ERC Pathlight additionally offers several resources, including support groups, specifically for our alumni to help provide support and sustained recovery. This allows alumni to connect with others who have similar experiences in a safe, supportive and secure environment. All support groups are facilitated by our Alumni and Family Liaison team, and trained facilitators and clinicians.
Access Our Resources

Learn How to Fit Treatment Into Your Summer Schedule

For those who could benefit from additional support, we now offer virtual treatment across the country. Our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed to help you easily bolster your recovery and get the support you need – because we believe that life doesn’t need to stop when treatment begins. If you’ve struggled with your recovery – or are just looking for a way to enjoy the summer season without pressing pause – we have a solution. Now, with just a computer and internet connection, you can easily integrate treatment into your schedule putting you in the driver’s seat of your recovery. We’ve developed the most comprehensive suite of Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP) services available offering each of the following programs:

• Adult Eating Disorder VIOP
• Adult Binge Eating Disorder VIOP
• Adult Mood & Anxiety Disorder VIOP
• Child & Adolescent Eating Disorder VIOP
• Child & Adolescent Mood & Anxiety Disorder VIOP

Should You Go to Mental Health Treatment this Summer? Factors to Consider

The best part? The program fully models our on-site experience, with the added convenience of receiving treatment from the comfort of your home during the summer months. If you’re not in need of additional treatment but would benefit from additional support, consider joining one of our free support groups. We’ll help you integrate treatment and support into your life, no matter where you are in your recovery journey.

This summer? It’s your time to shine.

Plan for Back-to-School During the Summer

As summer winds down, the idea of starting school again can feel – in one word – overwhelming. Whether it’s anxiety about academic and social pressures, or post-summer comparisons to peers, the beginning of school can trigger numerous emotions. A focus on mental wellness during this transition is critical for a successful transition back to school.

Returning to School After an Eating Disorder

If you’re looking for some extra support, our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a convenient, flexible option for students of all ages. Whether living at home or on campus, you have access to experienced clinicians who specialize in treating students with eating disorders and mood, anxiety and trauma-related conditions. Our compassionate clinicians provide the support and resources needed to achieve academic success and sustain lasting recovery.

Preparation and planning are key, and we’re here to help. Whether you need additional support, community and/or connection, we're here to provide knowledge about available resources so that you can successfully navigate through summer and find the joy you deserve. There has never been a better time to seize the summer.