The Garrett’s Space Wellness Program

Focused on restoring hope by promoting connections, self worth and resilience through healing conversations and activities.

What Recent Participants Have to Say About Our Wellness Programming

Since launching in 2021, our programming is making a meaningful difference in the lives of young adults.​

“I've been struggling with depression for quite some time. On top of regular therapy sessions, I was feeling isolated and looking to connect with others my age. It was really great to be able to hear from other people going through similar things. Being part of a group makes you feel like you're part of a community. It really helps you to feel like you're not alone in your struggles. And Peggy was just so warm and welcoming. The tools I learned helped me get out of my head in those moments where my negative self-talk was pretty present. Somebody like myself, young and living alone, I’ve been craving that interpersonal connection with others. This is a great way to do that.”

— Morgan, age 25

“I had been struggling with depression, anxiety and PTSD and my therapist recommended additional support. Because it was people my age, there were some aspects of everyday life that were relatable. I liked being able to support others who were like me and discussing different mental health ideas. In the mood and movement class, I learned about challenges and how to overcome those through movement and breath work. It created this calming space environment where anxiety-inducing thoughts were easy to access instead of frightening. It was more comfortable to do that in a group setting where everyone was going through the same thing. There were valuable takeaways, like the importance of self-compassion. I would give Marly and Nikki six out of five stars. They enforced the fact over and over that you are not alone in this.  I’ve already recommended Garrett’s Space to others.”

— Annie, age 20

Here’s what participants in the Wellness Group can expect:

 

A community of warm and welcoming peers and facilitators

 

You will meet for a support and connect group with peers, and participate in activities that join your mind and body through movement, breathing, and mindfulness. 

 

An environment that invites positive social interactions, feelings of connection, and friendships

 

You will see that you are not alone and that there are others who feel like you do with similar challenges and hopes.

 

Open conversations and positive feedback

 

Garrett’s Space is a judgment-free zone and a safe space for you to share stressors, feelings, worries, and successes.

Healing activities to provide support and help you cope

 

We offer a variety of activities (mindfulness/ movement, music, journaling…)  and encourage you to try out new strategies to find some that work well for you.

 

Weekly Groups offer support, connection and movement

 

Moving your body and connecting with others who understand can lift your mood and promote healing.

 

Support Team Intervention

 

Each enrollee also is eligible for and strongly encouraged to enroll in an exciting support team intervention. Where they can nominate up to four caring people from their family, work or community to be trained by professional staff at the University of Michigan on how to best support the participant through challenging times.

Want to learn more about the Wellness Program or if you would like to refer a young adult?

Please contact our Clinical Director, Peggy Galimberti at (734) 212-6890; email: peggy@garrettsspace.org or our President/CEO, Scott Halpert, at (734) 709-7684; email: scott@garrettsspace.org

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA:  ​

Our ideal group member is a young person between the ages of 18-28 who:  ​

  • Was referred by one of our referral sources (UM Psych ER, Partial Hospitalization, Inpatient Unit and Psychological Clinic, St. Joseph Inpatient Psychiatry and Partial Hospitalization, Washtenaw County CARES, Chelsea Hospital) or another mental health provider for concerns about suicide or severe depression/ anxiety

  • Is engaged in therapy or treatment with a professional mental health care provider or has arranged to do so with a such a provider  ​

  • Can commit to attending our support group with peers each week  ​

  • Can engage in groups in a respectful and collaborative manner  ​

  • Lives within a 50 miles of Ann Arbor​

    We are not able to provide care if a person is:  ​

  • Currently having symptoms of psychosis or mania  ​

  • Is physically threatening or a danger to others  ​

  • Is currently using substances that could interfere with their ability to engage in or attend groups ​

  • Is imminently suicidal with a plan 

FAQs

  • Our programming supports young adults between the ages of 18-28 who:

    • Struggle with depression, anxiety and/ or suicide ideation or other mental health challenges

    • Live within a 50-mile radius of Ann Arbor

    • Can benefit from additional connections and support and from learning strategies and skills for coping during difficult periods

    • Can benefit from being in a safe environment to share their feelings and challenges and from listening to others who are struggling with similar lived experiences

    • Currently are seeing or are willing to see a therapist, psychiatrist, or another mental health provider, in addition to participating in Garrett’s Space programming

    • Can commit to attending groups regularly and engage in groups in a respectful and collaborative manner 

    • May also be interested in movement, breathing and relaxation exercises and exploring the mind-body connection, to improve well-being

  • Please visit our Refer or Join page for instructions!

  • Fall 2023: Groups are virtual for now, plus monthly in-person gatherings. We are moving toward more in-person opportunities in the future.

    Our virtual groups are currently held weekly on Tuesdays from 5- 6:30 pm; Wednesdays from 7- 8:30 pm; or Thursdays from 5- 6:30 pm.

    Additional Groups will be added in the future (Day and time TBD).