Therapy

Note: This program is always taking referrals.

What: Life Skills for Teenagers is a group therapy series for gender diverse youth 13—19 years old who are experiencing anxiety, depression or other challenges in their life. Each multiweek group series will include weekly topics that connect and build on another to help youth improve their ability to manage stress in a safe and healthy way. A safe space for gender expansive, transgender, non-binary  teenagers, to share their feelings, practice teachable skills in session with peers, and develop plans to apply these skills outside of group.  Topics discussed include: Motivation, Conflict Resolution, Dealing with Anger, Time Management, Making Decisions and Gender Dysphoria.
Who is eligible: Patients 13 to 19 years old, who have had an initial assessment/evaluation with a provider in the behavioral health department and/or is an active patient at time of referral. The group is held multiple times during the year; patients may stay for one group cycle and then move on or continue to stay in the group for as long as they would like to continue to practice what they have learned.
When/Where : Wednesdays: 3:45 pm– 4:45 pm, Columbia via telehealth video call

Note: This program is always taking referrals

What: The Depression and Anxiety group is an 8-week psychoeducational and process group focused on coping with depression and anxiety. Through this group, patients will learn to recognize the patterns in their thoughts and behaviors which keep them stuck and how to replace these thoughts and behaviors with healthier ways of thinking and coping.
Who is eligible: Patients may start at any time once they have completed the triage process. The eight sessions will repeat; patients may stay for all eight sessions and then move on or continue to stay in the group for as long as they would like to continue to practice what they have learned. 
When/Where: Wednesdays, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, Glen Burnie

What: ACT for LGBTQ Wellness a weekly, structured 60-minute group (ages 16-25) to address concerns commonly experienced by LGBTQ emerging adults. A safe open space to discuss issues of identity, mental health with peers. A combination of process-oriented, psychoeducational, and mindfulness-based interventions will be employed from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) paradigm. The group is designed as a 12-week, cycling therapeutic program broken up into three modules: Be Present, Opening Up, and Do What Matters.
When/where: Mondays 6:00-7:00 p.m., Virtual

What: Psychoeducational support group providing an opportunity to learn more about treatment approaches for depression and anxiety, reviewing several different coping strategies to include attention to self-care, how thoughts impact mood, the role of medication and a brief introduction to anxiety management strategies. Patients can start at any time and stay in the group until they have completed their 12 sessions, or elect to continue in the next group cycle.
Who is eligible: Patients who have had an initial assessment/evaluation with a provider in the behavioral health department and/or is an active patient at time of referral.
When/Where: Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Mt. Vernon Center 

What: This rolling, 12-week series is for the parents and caregivers of transgender, gender diverse, and gender questioning children, for families whose children and adolescents are in care at Chase Brexton. Please join us if your child or teen has invited you along on their “gender journey,” especially if your child is in the early stages of exploring their gender identity and expression. Participants will identify ways to support and advocate for their child within their family, at school, while using physical and mental health care, and beyond. We will identify ways parents can nurture their child in hopes that they will experience more gender EUPHORIA!|
Who is eligible: Parents and caregivers with children or adolescents currently receiving care with Chase Brexton.
When/where: Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30p.m., Mt. Vernon Center

What: An eight-week virtual group for those struggling with grief.
Who is eligible: Eligibility is based on an assessment of established Chase Brexton patients referred by their provider.
When/where: Mondays, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Virtual

What: An ongoing, unstructured, process-oriented group that focuses on the cultural intersection of race, gender, class, and social identity for gender diverse, transgender, and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people. The group focus will be on the interwoven complexity that cultural systems has on social marginalization and gender. Participants will have a safe space to discuss their cultural experiences as transgender and non-binary individuals, while receiving support and feedback from the facilitator and other participants.
Who is eligible: Initial behavioral health assessments are required prior to the start of group. If you are interested in scheduling an assessment for this group please contact 410-837-2050 ext. 8808, or email lgbt@chasebrexton.org.
When/Where: Tuesdays, 5:00-6:30p.m., Mt. Vernon Center

Note: This program is held numerous times throughout the year, continuously taking referrals.

What: Six group "classes" that follow the American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking guidelines. In addition, free nicotine replacement patches are offered to group participants at the fourth session. For more info, contact the Behavioral Health Department at 410-837-2050.
Who is eligible: Current patients who wish to quit smoking. 
When/Where: Wednesdays, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Mt. Vernon Center

What: A 12-week structured therapy group focused on exploring aspects of ethical non-monogamy. Using psychoeducation and processing, we will affirm non-monogamous relationship structures while also building safe and healthy relationship skills.
When/where: Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Virtual

What: An ongoing community support group for LGBTQ adults ages 50+. This unstructured social support and process group speaks honestly about experiences and challenges in a confidential, open, and accepting environment. Topics include healthy relationships, active community engagement, family connections, work, retirement, health and wellness, etc. No initial assessment needed; walk-in or call 410-837-2050 ext. 1049 for more information.
Who is eligible: LGBTQ adults 50+
When/Where: Wednesdays, 3:45-4:45p.m., Virtual

What: Monthly discussions and training centering around essential area of interest to LGBTQ elders. Attendance is free. For more information or to RSVP for the next Lunch & Learn, please call 410-837-2050 ext. 1049, or email lgbt@chasebrexton.org.
Who is eligible: LGBTQ adults
When/Where: 2nd Thursdays, 1:00-2:30p.m., Mt. Vernon Center

What: An open group enhancing the lives of individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers, this group provides a safe and confidential environment for conversation, support, resources, and education. For more information, please call 410-837-2050 ext. 1049, or email lgbt@chasebrexton.org.
Who is eligible: For individuals who are either affected by Alzheimer's disease, or caring for someone who is.
When/Where: 4th Thursdays, 1:00-2:00 p.m., Mt. Vernon Center

What: The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)/Stress Management group incorporates mindfulness to help people reduce or manage reactions to stress and develop strategies to reduce experience of overall stress. Participants are encouraged to practice skills learned in group in between sessions to reinforce learning. People who experience depression, anxiety, chronic pain and/or who are faced with significant life and community stressors could potentially benefit from attending this group.
Who is eligible: A Behavioral Health Initial Assessment/Triage is required.
When/Where: Mondays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Mt. Vernon Center

What: A 12-week therapy group for people whose lives have been turned upside down by the loss of a loved one, friend, or family member. The group consists of education about grief, practical tools to cope with loss including mindfulness and working with memories of the person. The group also offers an opportunity to connect with others and to share emotions around the loss. If the group is closed, no new members will be added until the next session is open. To schedule a screening, contact Paul Lotz at 410-837-2050 ext. 4043
Who is eligible: An initial assessment/evaluation wish a provider in the behavioral health department is required.
When/Where: Wednesdays, 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., Mt. Vernon Center

What: A weekly therapy group for adults who have experienced trauma.  This group focuses on teaching skills for managing PTSD symptoms without the use of alcohol or other drugs while fostering a safe and supportive environment.  Group members are encouraged to offer support to one another, while they are discouraged from disclosing anything that may trigger other group members (e.g. specific details about trauma, incidents of self-harm or alcohol or drug use).  The group offers rolling admission while balancing the need for safety and security of members of the group.
When/where: Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 p.m. (Virtual)

What: A 12-week structured therapy group that explores and navigates aging in our community. Using psychoeducation and processing, members can connect, get support, resources, that contribute to a qualitative life from health, wellness, relationships, to planning and engaging.
When/where: Fridays, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Virtual.

For more information on Chase Brexton's Substance Use Program, please click here.

What: Transcendence is a time limited (12-weekly sessions), psycho-education and skills (i.e. Interpersonal effectiveness, insight oriented decision making, and self-advocacy and self-efficacy skills) based group focused on supporting healthy gender transitions. This group provides a confidential and trans-affirmative forum for individuals to explore topics and access information and resources necessary for a healthy gender transition. For more information, please call 410-837-2050 ext. 8808 or email lgbt@chasebrexton.org.
Who is eligible:   Transsexual, transgender, genderqueer, gender nonconforming, and gender questioning individuals who have completed an initial assessment/evaluation with a provider in the behavioral health department, and/or is an open Chase Brexton patient at time of referral.
When/Where: Mondays, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Mt. Vernon Center

What: T time is a process-oriented group that provides a safe and trans-affirming space for Trans* and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals. Participants will discuss their experiences as binary and non-binary Trans* individuals and receive support and feedback from facilitator and other participants. Participants are provided with the opportunity to be in the community, to provide and receive feedback on topics such as interpersonal functioning, family dynamics, and developing a sense of self, and discuss their lived experiences as TGNC individuals in varied stages of transition.
Who is eligible: Clients do not have to be connected with any other Chase Brexton Health Care services to be eligible but should complete an initial assessment/evaluation with a Behavioral Health provider. All potential members will meet with facilitator for a group screening in order to assess appropriateness of group prior to beginning. For more information, please call 410-837-2050 ext. 8800.
When/where: Mondays, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Mt. Vernon Center

What: An ongoing bi-monthly support group for high school students intended to provide a safe space for teens to connect with peers with similar issues under the guidance of a professional facilitator. This group will discuss issues including virtual learning, substance abuse, safety in the school-setting, mental health, relating to peers, family issues, and more!  In this group, teens will also learn skills to help them deal with stress, relationships, and school while also building a network of resources and external supports.
Who is eligible: An initial behavioral health assessment required prior to joining, high school students grades 9-12 in public, private, or home-school setting. Open enrollment with rolling admission, ongoing group. 
When/Where: First and third Monday of the month from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (biweekly), Virtual.