Did you know that patients whose loved ones are involved in their mental health or substance use disorder (SUD) treatment often experience improved recovery outcomes? At Horizon, we believe that family involvement is essential to supporting recovery. It can also benefit family members by providing life-saving resources, key education, and more.
Janet Gaskin, Horizon’s Parent and Family Support Liaison, helps families and loved ones receive the information and support they need to encourage recovery in healthy, effective ways. We interviewed Janet to learn more about the services she provides. Keep reading to learn more!
What services do you provide at Horizon?
I work with family members and supporters of patients receiving services at any Horizon location, including, with the patient’s consent, both residential and outpatient mental health and SUD services.
I also reach out to families who have called Horizon’s Patient Engagement Center to help answer questions and provide support to help them navigate conversations with their loved one.
We are currently living through a public health crisis with opioid and stimulant usage. During this time, it’s important to understand how to prevent and how to aid during an overdose. I provide education around using Narcan, testing strips, the signs of an overdose, and linkage to prevention resources like Narcan.
Who should connect with Parent and Family Support Services?
Anyone supporting someone in recovery can benefit from the services I provide. This can include a family member, friend, or anyone identified by the patient. I believe everyone receiving mental health or SUD services should have support from family or another confidant who is involved in their treatment when appropriate and with the guidance of their treatment team.
How can I or a loved one connect with Janet’s services? How should referrals be made?
Referrals can be made through a counselor at one of Horizon’s clinics or through our Patient Engagement Center. If you would like to become more involved with your loved one’s recovery journey, speak with their Horizon counselor or call our Patient Engagement Center at 716-831-1800. I can also be reached on my Horizon cell phone during business hours at 716-245-1933. Calls and text messages are welcome. If you reach out after business hours, I will return your call during the next business day.
How does connecting with Janet help family members of patients?
Often, when a patient engages in treatment, their family members and loved ones need education and guidance on how to provide support. I strive to provide compassionate, unwavering support. I help loved ones develop healthy communication strategies and boundaries. We also discuss topics such as navigating treatment, the recovery process, harm reduction, and more.
Mostly, I want to provide hope. Every day, individuals and their families start their recovery journeys. My goal is to help families feel more prepared and comfortable as they navigate that journey.
Why is it important to connect?
Mental health and substance use challenges affect the entire family. On average, we see a 50% higher success rate when a family is involved in their loved one’s recovery, a 25-30% decrease in relapse rates, and an 87% increase in outpatient program completion.
Learning about what a loved one is experiencing can help them feel supported and less alone throughout the recovery journey.
Are you or a loved one in need of support? Contact Horizon today at 716-831-1800 and ask about our Parent and Family Support services to get connected!