2021 Summer Groups
Anxiety Monsters Group
Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
June 14th – July 26th*
Mondays 1:00pm -2:15pm
By giving anxiety a monster identity, we will work on minimizing its scariness. Group members will define their anxiety and learn skills to help manage the emotions and behaviors that come along with heightened anxiety. With a better understanding of why we have anxiety, group members can normalize the feelings and take back control.
Location: 2750 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek
*Will not meet the week of July 4th
Life Leadership Skills Group
4th – 5th Grade
June 15th – July 27th*
Tuesdays 11:45am – 1:00pm
We will be focusing on social-emotional learning in a group setting where mindfulness will be a key in learning to focus on awareness and feelings in the body. The group will progress in practicing emotion management skills, interpersonal effectiveness strategies, and decision-making skills. We will be learning these skills through activities and game play in the room to help focus attention and have fun! Life leadership skills are best learned through modeling, practice, and awareness of self, so throughout the group we will be able to process the learned skills. Our goal is to lessen emotional dysregulation and provide lasting tools to use in home and at school.
Location: 2750 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek
*Will not meet the week of July 4th
Social Skills Group
3rd – 5th Grade
June 14th – July 26th*
Mondays 11:00am – 12:15pm
This group is to teach kids how to interact appropriately with others their age. It will help kids learn conversational, friendship, and problem-solving skills.
Location: 2750 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek
*Will not meet the week of July 4th
Preparing for Middle School
6th Grade
June 14th – July 26th*
Mondays 1:00pm – 2:15pm
Transitioning to Middle School can be anxiety inducing. We will focus on helping students to cultivate healthy and effective coping skills and positive self-talk, preparing them for 6th grade and some of the middle school challenges that can arise. Students will learn to manage emotions and build resiliency in a safe space where they can talk about their feelings and express their emotions surrounding starting middle school.
Location: Virtual Group
*Will not meet the week of July 4th
DBT Skills Group
6th – 8th Grade
June 7th – August 2nd*
Mondays 12:00 – 1:15
DBT Skills training for emotional problem solving. Designed to help students develop emotion management, interpersonal effectiveness, and decision-making skills. Perfect for students who may be struggling with impulsive behavior, peer rejection, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Location: Virtual Group
*Will not meet the week of July 4th
Grief Group
6th – 8th Grade
June 21st – June 25th
Monday – Friday 10:00am – 11:30am
This grief support group will give (pre)teens a place to share feelings with one another and discuss how grief has impacted them. Once they find out they are not alone and that others are also struggling they can begin feeling understood, accepted, and supported. We will explore the stages of grief, healthy ways of coping with each stage, and identify healthy ways of remembering their loved ones.
Location: 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody
Social Skills & Anxiety Group
6th – 8th Grade
June 16th – July 28th*
Wednesdays 5:00pm – 6:15pm
This group is for students who are looking to increase their social skills as well as learn to manage anxiety and stress to help prepare for the upcoming school year. Students will learn interpersonal skills, effective communication, how to manage conflict, and develop coping skills for stress and anxiety.
Location: 2750 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek
*Will not meet the week of July 4th
Preparing for High School Group
9th Grade
June 21st – June 25th
Monday – Friday 11:00 –12:30
A group to prepare rising 9th grade students for their transition to high school, focusing on social skills, motivation, and reducing any anxieties and concerns they may have regarding this next step!
Location: 2750 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek
Managing Anxiety Group
10th – 11th Grade
June 15th – July 26th*
Tuesdays 12:00 – 1:15
This group is for students who are experiencing anxiety or an increased level of stress especially those returning to in-person learning for the first time since the pandemic. Topics will include challenging negative thoughts, mindfulness, managing school stress and creating a “toolbox” of skills to manage these feelings.
Location: Weeks 1-4 Virtual Group and Weeks 5-6 11180 Medlock Bridge, Johns Creek
*Will not meet the week of July 4th
Grief Group
9th – 12th Grade
June 21st – June 25th
Monday – Friday 12:00pm – 1:00pm
This grief support group will give (pre)teens a place to share feelings with one another and discuss how grief has impacted them. Once they find out they are not alone and that others are also struggling they can begin feeling understood, accepted, and supported. We will explore the stages of grief, healthy ways of coping with each stage, and identify healthy ways of remembering their loved ones.
Location: 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody
School-Based Mental Health Groups
The Summit has partnered with private schools and public school districts to offer School-based Mental Health (SBMH) services, conveniently located in the schools. In addition to individual therapy, we also offer groups for students and parents.
Abbotts Hill Elementary School
DBT Life Skills Group for 4th & 5th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 8-week group is geared towards 4th and 5th graders who need extra support regulating emotions. We will be focusing on social-emotional learning in a group setting where mindfulness will be a key in learning to focus on awareness and feelings in the body. The group will progress in practicing emotion management skills, interpersonal effectiveness strategies, and decision-making skills. We will be learning these skills through activities and game play to help focus attention and have fun! DBT skills are best learned through modeling, practice, and awareness of self, so throughout the group we will be able to process the learned skills. Our goal is to lessen emotional dysregulation and provide tools to use in home and at school.
Led by: Janie Hortman, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Autrey Mill Middle School
Building Confidence Group for 6th & 7th Graders
Dates TBD
This FREE 8-week group will focus on improving confidence in inner strengths and personal identity. We will address stressors that contribute to confidence levels, how to take care of ourselves, and practice sharing our inner voice.
Led by: Madeline Chiarella, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Time to Thrive Group for 7th & 8th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group will focus on strengthening interpersonal effectiveness and stress management. It will include focus on assertiveness training and how to manage conflict with parents and peers.
Led by: Madeline Chiarella, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Relief in the Time of Covid Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week support group for parents will focus on relieving stress for the working and now homeschooling parents. We will focus on skills to manage stress, introducing self-care, and supporting your family.
Led by: Madeline Chiarella, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Barnwell Elementery School
Anxiety and Mindfulness Group for 5th Graders
Thursdays at 1:00pm beginning December 3rd
Anxiety is becoming more and more prevalent in our society today. This 6-week group will help kids understand anxiety, learn how it manifests in the body and in the mind, and provide kids with mindfulness and calming skills.
Led by: Brittany Byrd, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Self-Care & Helping Kids Thrive – Parent Support Group
Friday’s at 11:00AM beginning December 4th
This 6-week online group is created to support parents through stressful times and provide parenting tips on how to build resiliency in their children. The group will focus on self-care tips and allow parents to connect with and support each other. In the group, parents will have the opportunity to practice skills that foster growth and connection in their children.
Led by: Brittany Byrd, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Birmingham Falls Elementary School
Little Anxiety Monsters Group – All Elementary Ages
Tuesdays
By giving anxiety a monster identity, we will work on minimizing its scariness. Group members will define their anxiety and learn skills to help manage the emotions and behaviors that come along with heightened anxiety. With a better understanding of why we have anxiety, group members can normalize the feelings and take control.
Led by: Kate Smith, LAPC
Cambridge High School
Staying Connected Through Covid Group for 9th & 10th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is designed to focus on our relationships with oneself and other people. COVID and quarantine challenged our interpersonal skills and put a strain on all of our relationships that could contribute to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and stress. This group will discuss how to safely connect with others in various environments, foster healthy relationships using boundaries, and manage feelings of anxiety related to relationship stress.
Led by: Megan Barfield, LAMFT, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Self-Care & Self-Compassion for 9th & 10th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is developed to encourage self-care and self-compassion as daily activities. We will discuss how to build compassionate routines, identify and alter the negative ways we speak, and encourage self-care through activities and maintaining boundaries.
Led by: Megan Barfield, LAMFT, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Virtual Reality 101 Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is designed to support parents and provide resources in transitioning to virtual school for the Fall 2020 semester. Virtual Reality will discuss concerns parents may have related to new challenges for this school year, as well as skills and resources to alleviate these difficulties. Topics include how to transition from “school” brain to “home” brain without changing environments, managing anxiety and avoidance, as well as encouraging problem solving and communication in the school environment.
Led by: Megan Barfield, LAMFT, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Chattahoochee High School
Managing Stress & Anxiety Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is for students who are experiencing anxiety or an increased level of stress. Topics will include: challenging negative thoughts, mindfulness, managing school stress, and creating a “toolbox” of skills to manage these feelings.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Navigating Changes Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group is for students who are having some difficulty with the changes that have occurred due to COVID-19 or have experienced a significant change in their life. Topics will include: identifying strengths and supports, gratitude, and challenging our negative thoughts.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
The Connected Family Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group is for parents of high school students who want to feel more connected with their child(ren) and learn about this developmental stage. Topics will include: “Is this appropriate?”, building communication skills within the family, and ways to increase family connectedness.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Crabapple Middle School
Be Your Best Self Group for 6th Grade Boys
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week peer support group focuses on character and leadership development, communication/relationship skills, self-worth and coping skills.
Led by Brady Varga, LMSW, School-Based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Shine Bright Like a Diamond Group for 6th Grade Girls
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week peer support group focuses on empowerment, resiliency and self-esteem.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Tips To Survive 2020 (A Parent Webinar Series)
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week webinar series will provide information and tips to parents on a variety of subjects in order to help parents build stronger relationships with their child while managing their own stress.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Creek View Elementary School
Emotions Are Like Waves: Let’s Learn To Surf
Date: TBD
Tuesdays, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
This FREE 6-week group will teach students magic tricks for their brains (aka coping skills for the adults reading this). The dial can turn up on our emotions quickly, but how do we get those dials turned back down? This group will normalize those BIG feelings while redirecting our children to cope with them in healthier and more proactive ways.
Led by: Mariah Dantzler, LPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
From Chaos to Connection Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group will teach parents tips and tricks to solidify their relationship with their children. We will go over how to discipline without the drama, how to encourage and connect in a way that builds trust, and how to navigate hard topics and hard conversations as they grow!
Led by: Mariah Dantzler, LPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Dolvin Elementary School
Anxiety and Mindfulness Group for 5th Graders
Thursdays at 1:00pm beginning December 3rd
Anxiety is becoming more and more prevalent in our society today. This 6-week group will help kids understand anxiety, learn how it manifests in the body and in the mind, and provide kids with mindfulness and calming skills.
Led by: Brittany Byrd, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Self-Care & Helping Kids Thrive – Parent Support Group
Friday’s at 11:00AM beginning December 4th
This 6-week online group is created to support parents through stressful times and provide parenting tips on how to build resiliency in their children. The group will focus on self-care tips and allow parents to connect with and support each other. In the group, parents will have the opportunity to practice skills that foster growth and connection in their children.
Led by: Brittany Byrd, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Hopewell Middle School
Calm, Cool & Covid Group for 6th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is for students who may be feeling stressed or anxious with the changes related to online/virtual school days. Calm, Cool, & COVID will discuss types of stress and how to manage and reduce these, provide various coping skills that can be used in different environments, and discuss the difficult battle we have with procrastination and avoidance of certain tasks and assignments.
Led by: Megan Barfield, LAMFT, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Self-Care & Self-Compassion Group for 7th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is developed to encourage self-care and self-compassion as daily activities. We will discuss how to build compassionate routines, identify and alter the negative ways we speak, and encourage self-care through activities and maintaining boundaries.
Led by: Megan Barfield, LAMFT, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Virtual Reality 101 Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is designed to support parents and provide resources in transitioning to virtual school for the Fall 2020 semester. Virtual Reality will discuss concerns parents may have related to new challenges for this school year, as well as skills and resources to alleviate these difficulties. Topics include how to transition from “school” brain to “home” brain without changing environments, managing anxiety and avoidance, as well as encouraging problem solving and communication in the school environment.
Led by: Megan Barfield, LAMFT, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Johns Creek High School
Keep Calm & Parent On! – Parent Support Group
Tuesdays 12:00pm – 1:00pm beginning December 1st on Zoom
An opportunity for Northview H.S. & Johns Creek H.S. parents to meet their school-based mental health providers Drop in when you are available or join us each week for discussion and tips on mental health topics.”
Led by:Madeline Chiarella, LAPC & Max Merritt, LAPC
Anxiety and Mindfulness Group for 11th & 12th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group will focus on increasing the understanding of anxiety and improving skills to manage and prevent it. We will discuss and practice using mindfulness skills and DBT/CBT skills.
Led by: Madeline Chiarella, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Building Confidence Group for 9th & 10th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 8-week group will focus on improving confidence in inner strengths and personal identity. We will address stressors that contribute to confidence levels, how to take care of ourselves, and practice sharing our inner voice.
Led by: Madeline Chiarella, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Relief in the Time of Covid – Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group for parents will focus on relieving stress for the working and now homeschooling parents. We will focus on skills to manage stress, introducing self-care, and supporting your family.
Led by: Madeline Chiarella, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Mountain Park Elementary School
Healing Thru Hope Group for 4th & 5th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group focuses on helping children understand their feelings of loss and grief, how to manage what they are feeling and provide an opportunity to share their story and find comfort.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Mind Over Mood: DBT Skills for 4th & 5th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 8-week group will focus primarily on teaching skills to help children regulate their emotions, tolerate distress and live mindfully.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
From Chaos to Connection Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
Feeling tired, overwhelmed, stressed? Do you feel like your patience is low and continuously being tested? This FREE 7-week parenting group will use principles from Garry Landreth’s Child Parent Relationship Therapy model, to re-engage with your child in a constructive way, help you better understand where your child is coming from and how to manage your own emotions when interacting with your child.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Northview High School
Keep Calm & Parent On! – Parent Support Group
Tuesdays 12:00pm – 1:00pm beginning December 1st on Zoom
An opportunity for Northview H.S. & Johns Creek H.S. parents to meet their school-based mental health providers Drop in when you are available or join us each week for discussion and tips on mental health topics.”
Led by:Madeline Chiarella, LAPC & Max Merritt, LAPC
Northwestern Middle School
Building Self-Esteem Group for 6th & 7th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group is a supportive skills-based format designed to develop and improve confidence and self-esteem. Group members will learn and practice healthy ways to interact with others, use assertive communication skills, and navigate challenging social situations. Participates will build and foster self-esteem and a positive self-image through both interpersonal and individual activities.
Led by: Cally Short, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
From Burnout to Balance Parent Support Group
Dates: TBD
Parents will find support and a sense of community through connecting with one another in a supportive group setting. This FREE 7-week group is process oriented and topics of discussion include burnout, stress, overwhelmed, and various changes related to corona virus. Group members will learn, discuss, and practice self-care and stress management skills.
Led by: Cally Short, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Ocee Elementary School
Social Skills Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group is for students who need support with social skills to increase peer relationships. They will learn and practice skills within the group to use with their peers. Topics include: conversation skills, making friends, and managing emotions.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Worry Warriors Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group will work through a series of activities that address their worries and provide coping strategies. Topics include: “what is worry”, coping skills, and circle of control.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
The Connected Family Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group is for parents who want to feel more connected with their child(ren) and learn about this developmental stage. Topics will include: strengthening boundaries, consequences, building communication skills within the family, and ways to increase family connectedness.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Summit Hill Elementary School
Emotions Are Like Waves: Let’s Learn to Surf Group
Date: TBD
Tuesdays, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
This FREE 6-week group will teach students magic tricks for their brains (aka coping skills for the adults reading this). The dial can turn up on our emotions quickly, but how do we get those dials turned back down? This group will normalize those BIG feelings while redirecting our children to cope with them in healthier and more proactive ways.
Led by: Mariah Dantzler, LPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
From Chaos to Connection Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
Mondays, 8:00am – 9:00am
This FREE 6-week group will teach parents tips and tricks to solidify their relationship with their children. We will go over how to discipline without the drama, how to encourage and connect in a way that builds trust, and how to navigate hard topics and hard conversations as they grow!
Led by: Mariah Dantzler, LPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Sweet Apple Elementary School
Healing Thru Hope Group for 4th & 5th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 7-week group focuses on helping children understand their feelings of loss and grief, how to manage what they are feeling and provide an opportunity to share their story and find comfort.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Mind Over Mood: DBT Skills for 4th & 5th Graders
Date: TBD
This FREE 8-week group will focus primarily on teaching skills to help children regulate their emotions, tolerate distress and live mindfully.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
From Chaos to Connection Parent Support Group
Date: TBD
Feeling tired, overwhelmed, stressed? Do you feel like your patience is low and continuously being tested? This FREE 7-week parenting group will use principles from Garry Landreth’s Child Parent Relationship Therapy model, to re-engage with your child in a constructive way, help you better understand where your child is coming from and how to manage your own emotions when interacting with your child.
Led by: Brady Varga, LMSW, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Taylor Road Middle School
Time To Thrive Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group will focus on teaching students skills they can implement in social situations that will increase the quality of their interactions. Topics will include: social filter, character and reputation, and “what makes a friend?”.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Navigating Changes Group
Date: TBD
This FREE 6-week group is for students who are having some difficulty with the changes that have occurred due to COVID-19 or have experienced a significant change in their life. Topics will include: identifying strengths and supports, gratitude, and challenging our negative thoughts.
Led by: Deiona Carter, LAPC, School-based Mental Health Therapist
Call 678-893-5300 To Learn More
Partnerships and Financial Support
These groups would not be possible without our partner schools and the financial support from our funders:
- Dekalb County School District https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/
- Fulton County Government https://fultoncountyga.gov/
- Fulton County Schools https://www.fultonschools.org/
- Greater Atlanta Christian School https://www.greateratlantachristian.org/
DBT Skills Classes
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of therapy that is designed to help adults, adolescents and their families cope with dysregulated emotions and behaviors.