Group

We offer a variety of groups in both Virginia and Hibbing that are facilitated by our providers. To join most groups, you must have a comprehensive evaluation completed and be referred for services by a provider.

Group Schedule:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): 18+
Tuesdays 1p.m.-2:30 p.m. Perpich/Hibbing (in person)
With: Jared Sabin & Colleen Port

Tuesdays 1p.m.-2:30 p.m. Main/Virginia (in person)
With: Tod Swenson

Thursdays 1p.m.-3p.m. Main/Virginia (women’s group/in person)
With: Cassandra Kotnik

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy (psychotherapy). It’s based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but it’s specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people understand how thoughts affect emotions and behaviors.

“Dialectical” means combining opposite ideas. DBT focuses on helping people accept the reality of their lives and their behaviors, as well as helping them learn to change their lives, including their unhelpful behaviors.

Dialectical behavior therapy was developed in the 1970s by Marsha Linehan, an American psychologist.

Useful for:

Those with the following diagnosis, including but not limited to:

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Self-harm
• Suicidal behavior
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance use disorder
• Eating disorders, specifically binge eating disorder and bulimia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance, and Emotion Regulation

It’s important to note that the reason DBT has proved effective for treating these conditions is that each of these conditions is thought to be associated with issues that result from unhealthy or problematic efforts to control intense, negative emotions. Rather than depending on efforts that cause problems for the person, DBT helps people learn healthier ways to cope.

* Comprehensive Evaluation is required
*A referral from a Mental Health provider is required.

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Mental Health Wellness Group: 18+
Wednesday 1p.m. – 3p.m.  Main/Virginia (in person or telehealth)
With: Tod Swenso

Definition:  Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) is an evidenced-based practice designed to provide mental health consumers with knowledge and skills necessary to cope with aspects of their mental illness while maintaining and achieving goals in their recovery. IMR is a curriculum in which a trained mental health practitioner or trained peer specialist uses psychoeducation, behavioral tailoring, relapse prevention training, and coping skills training to assist in symptom management and goal formulation.

Useful for:

The goals of IMR are:

• Learn about mental illnesses and strategies for treatment
• Understand the illness, including symptoms, possible course and probable long- and short-term outcomes
• Medication education, medication adherence, and symptom management
• Reduce relapse and re-hospitalizations by identifying early warning signs and developing a relapse prevention plan
• Learn to create networks of social support to enhance recovery
• Learn coping strategies for persistent symptoms
• IMR practitioners use a combination of motivational, educational, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. In this program mental health consumers learn to develop recovery goals as SMART Goals. That is, ensuring goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound. SMART Goals assist clients in formulating specific goals that will build upon their current strengths and implementing a plan of action for goal achievement.
  
  * Comprehensive Evaluation is required
  *A referral from a Mental Health provider is required.

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LGBTQIA?+ Acceptance Group: 18+
Tuesdays 3p.m.- 4p.m. Main/Virginia (in person)
With: Brianna Williams

Thursdays 3p.m.- 4p.m. Perpich/Hibbing (in person)
With: Brianna Williams

This Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) group focuses on learning skills to strive for LGBTQ empowerment. Its goal is to improve mental wellbeing, find your voice, and welcome self-expression. Through the support of the group, members strive for wellness with LGBTQ peers while embracing who they are as whole. The group works through common challenging issues that this community faces and the impact it has on their overall mental health.

Useful for:

• Those that need/want/desire support on their journey
• Resources
• An active ally
• An inclusive space to process concerns
• Skills on how to recognize and validate your own stressors
• Intentional, collaborative and holistic care
• Building connections
  

* Comprehensive Evaluation is required
*A referral from a Mental Health provider is required.

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Mental Illness Chemical Dependency Group: (MICD) 18+
Wednesday 3p.m. – 4p.m.  Main/Virginia Boardroom
With: Cassie McDowell and David Spragg

Those who have been diagnosed with a mental health AND substance abuse disorder.  Treatment program that specializes in addressing co-occurring mental health issues and substance use disorders. The program offers a specifically tailored and integrated approach that addresses the unique challenges individuals face when dealing with both conditions

Useful for:

• Learning to manage symptoms of both diagnoses
• Learning to identify triggers and relapse signals
• Identifying how substances may be used to cope with mental health symptoms
• Biological side effects of substance use
• Learning to manage societal pressures
• Obtaining wraparound care
• Learning relapse prevention and aftercare strategies
• Supportive involvement and education
• Treating co-occurring mental health issues and substance use disorders is a complex task that requires a multidimensional approach — but recovery is possible. By addressing both conditions simultaneously and providing comprehensive care, individuals have a better chance of achieving lasting recovery and improved mental well-being.
  
  * Comprehensive Evaluation is required
  *A referral from a Mental Health provider is required.

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Adolescent Outpatient Program: 12-18 years old
Mondays and Wednesday 3:30p.m. – 5:30p.m.  Perpich/Hibbing
With: Lindsey Hagen

The adolescent outpatient program is for kids ages 12- 18 years old.  It is a Level 1.0 program, which means this level of services is beneficial to adolescents who suffer from a less severe substance use disorder and do not need intensive services.
Treatment goals are:
*To discontinue use of mood-altering substances.
*Provide education and information to clients about drugs, drug use, addiction, and recovery.
*Provide education and information to clients about co-occurring disorders.
*To improve the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual health of the individual.
*Development of coping strategies to triggers and cravings.
*Development in the ability to engage in positive social interactions with others.
*Development of relapse prevention skills.
*To assist families in gaining insight and education on substance use, the family impact of substance use, and how to support their loved ones in the recovery process.

* Comprehensive Assessment is required

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Teen Self-Esteem Therapy Group: Ages: 12-17
June 19^th – August 7th 2024
Wednesday 2p.m. – 3:30p.m.  Main/Virginia (in person)
With: Cassandra Kotnik, Erin Windus & Kathy Eliason-Kupka
Come join us for a group promoting psychoeducation, therapeutic activities, and peer support. This will be a place where you can be yourself, practice self-love, work on identifying strengths, develop your own style, and learn to accept compliments.   Let’s celebrate the wins in your life, enhance self-esteem, build positive self-talk, develop coping skills, and express positive affirmations.  Weekly attendance is essential.  * *Comprehensive Evaluation is required
*A referral from a Mental Health provider is required.

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Medication Education Group:  18+
Monday 1p.m. – 3p.m.  Bell/Virginia (in person or telehealth)
With:  RMHC, Registered Nurse
Week 1: Will be a group discussion on the stigma of medications for Mental Health versus physical health medications.  The importance of taking your prescribed medications every day, and ways to remember to take your medication daily.  Knowledge of your medications, do you know why you are taking this medication?

Week 2: Discussion on medications for anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and stimulants.  How they work in your body.  Side effects that are common, side effects that are ones to watch out for.  Risks of dependance, tolerance, and or misuse.  

Week 3: Anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers.  Side effects from these medications and how they work together.

Week 4: Heath Maintenance.  Some ideas on how to stay healthy on Mental Health medications
* Comprehensive Evaluation is required
*A referral from a Mental Health provider is required.

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ARMHS Education Groups: 18+
ARMHS Education Groups are held at the William J. Bell location at 501 1st St. North, Virginia, MN. To be referred a Comprehensive Evaluation must be completed and list a ARMHS referral, and referrals will need to have ARMHS intake completed. 

Boundary Power- Tuesday’s 1pm-2pm (Aleda)

EIMR- Tuesday’s 12pm-1pm (Deb)

WRAP- Tuesday’s 10:30am-12pm (Julie)