St. Luke’s Penn Foundation offers mental health and substance use recovery groups to complement the care that it provides. Individuals who participate in groups often feel a high level of validation because they realize that they are not alone. A group environment fosters opportunities for emotional support, compassion and understanding, and encouragement from others who are experiencing the same things you are. You have the chance to learn from other group members as well as to help your peers.
Mental Health Groups
Adult Bereavement Group
When: Tuesdays
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: St. Luke’s Psychiatric Associates | 257 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem
Facilitator: Erica Coyne, LCSW and Daniel Phillips, LSW
More information: Erica.Coyne@sluhn.org or Daniel.Phillips@sluhn.org
Grappling with the loss of someone close to us can be one of the most challenging moments in our lives. Sometimes, we might feel like our emotions will never fade or wonder how we will ever return to our normal daily lives. This group will provide a safe place to discuss, express, and experience grief for a loved one. Participants will gain a toolbox to help them cope in their most challenging moments. Participants will:
- Acknowledge and discuss how the loss of a loved one has affected us – or hasn’t – and explore what this change, or lack thereof, means to us.
- Learn to identify the many faces of grief
- Learn about the non-linear Stages of Grief – denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, and finding meaning
- Gain a toolbox to help in the most challenging moments
- Gain better understanding of the concepts of death, freedom, meaninglessness, and isolation
Anger Management
When: Mondays for 8 weeks
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: St. Luke’s Penn Foundation, Loux Healthcare Center, Red Conference Room, 807 Lawn Avenue, Sellersville
Facilitator: Jonathan Getz, LPC
More information: Jonathan.Getz@sluhn.org
This group will teach adults 18 and older simple techniques for managing anger or developing healthier ways of relating. Using CBT and DBT skills, participants will learn the purpose of anger and the physical and emotional costs. They will better understand their anger and triggering thoughts, learn to identify anger distortions, create coping thoughts, and use problem-solving communication for better outcomes.
Avoid Burnout: First Responder Self-Care
When: Biweekly on Wednesdays
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: St. Luke’s Penn Foundation Psychiatric Associates, 257 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem
Facilitator: Thomas Ritter, PhD, LPC, CAADC, CCDP
More information: Thomas.Ritter@sluhn.org
In this therapeutic, confidential, closed group, we will work through the many emotional stressors for first responders with the goal of reducing burnout and traumatic injury. We will develop self-care strategies specific to this hero population. Police officers, firefighters, 911 and 988 operators, EMS/paramedics, and Coroner’s office staff will be able to share their experiences with others and gain support.
Caring for the Caregiver Group
When: Tuesdays for 8 weeks
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Facilitator: Erica Coyne, LCSW
More information: Erica.Coyne@sluhn.org
Being a dementia caregiver is a unique experience. It can be rewarding and meaningful, but it can also be demanding, frustrating, and isolating at times. We will cover different topics each week including:
- Introduction, welcome, and what to expect out of a therapeutic group
- Feelings of stress, anxiety, negative thinking, depression, and caregiver burnout
- Adjusting to a change in personal identity
- Ongoing grief and loss; “The long goodbye”
- Caregiver self-care and relaxation techniques
- Effective communication and boundary setting
- Challenging behaviors and how to address them
- Self-advocacy, how to identify and learn more about community resources, navigating the healthcare system, and building a support network
DBT Skills Group
When: Thursdays beginning February 13, 2025 for 15 weeks
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: St. Luke’s Psychiatric Associates | 211 N. 12 Street, Lehighton
Facilitator: Tonya Stubits, LCSW
More information: Tonya.Stubits@sluhn.org
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) teaches participants ways to manage difficult thoughts and emotions as well as improve interpersonal relationships. DBT provides therapeutic skills in the four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Group members will work through these key areas, learning a new skill each group session. Group members are expected to be engaged in the group process with regular attendance, implementation of skills outside of group, and the completion of weekly diary cards.
Emotional Regulation for Teens
When: Thursdays
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: St. Luke’s Penn Foundation, Loux Healthcare Center, Red Conference Room, 807 Lawn Avenue, Sellersville
Facilitator: Jonathan Getz, LPC
More information: Jonathan.Getz@sluhn.org
This group will help teens, ages 13-18, learn about emotions, how to attend to heightened emotions, and how to regulate themselves before acting out. Teens will learn mindfulness techniques, assertiveness training, and problem-solving and communication skills.
Healthy Living
When: Thursdays, from May 15 – July 17, 2025 (except July 3)
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Location: Loux Healthcare Center -Univest Community Room
More information: Darlene.Prokop@sluhn.org
This group will cover a variety of health and wellness topics as directed by participants. Topics could include healthy eating, eating healthy on a budget, emotional eating, stress management, neuroplasticity, diabetes, high blood pressure, weight management, the benefits of exercise, and more.
Moms Supporting Moms: A Support Group for Post-Partum Mothers
When: Every other Thursday
Time: 11:00 am
Location: St. Luke’s Baby & Me Support Center, 1425 8th Avenue, Bethlehem
Facilitator: Andrea Breter, LPC, PMH-C
More information: Andrea.Breter@sluhn.org
As a postpartum mother, it is expected that this period is filled with some of the greatest joy that life can bring. Sometimes, it is overlooked that this period can also be filled with a significant number of other emotions that can be difficult. The objective of this group is to help normalize all the emotions and thoughts that accompany the transition to motherhood, whether this is a first pregnancy or perhaps the addition of another child.
Navigating the Challenges of Aging (for women 65+)
When: Every Other Tuesday, for 8 weeks
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: St. Luke’s Psychiatric Associates | 257 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem
Facilitator: Amy Davis, LCSW
More information: Amy.Davis@sluhn.org
This support group is for senior-age women who are experiencing challenges in managing daily life issues. In a safe, supportive environment, women can discuss the challenges they face and how these challenges affect their daily living. They can also share the ways they take care of themselves. Some of the topics to be addressed include medical conditions and pain, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, unresolved relationships, loneliness, decision-making with independent living/transition of care, and consideration of end-of-life issues for self or others.
Older Adult Anxiety and Depression Support Group
When: 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: St. Luke’s Psychiatric Associates | 257 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem
Facilitator: Kim Stone, LCSW
More information: Kimberly.Stone@sluhn.org
This psychotherapy group will focus on life stressors such as transition into retirement, relationships with adult children and changing family dynamics, financial strain, declining health and/or mobility, grief and loss, and more. Learning coping strategies to manage anxiety and depression will be a central part of this group.
OMG! What Do I Do Now Parenting Group
When: Tuesdays | June 17 – August 5, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Location: In-Person at St. Luke’s Psychiatric Associates | 257 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem
Virtual option also available
Facilitators: Morgan McGowan and Audra Matzura
More information: Morgan.McGowan@sluhn.org or Audra.Matzura@sluhn.org
This 8-week therapeutic support group is for parents who are experiencing challenges associated with supporting children with special needs. Each week, we will address a different topic including managing challenging behaviors, learning creative solutions, caring for yourself, and more. It will also include the opportunity to meet individuals with similar experiences.
Recovery from Disorganized Eating
When: Mondays
Time: 3:00 -4:00 pm
Location: St. Luke’s Psychiatric Associates | 257 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem
Facilitator: Jenna Bower, LPC and Hayley Wusinich, LSW
More information: Jenna.Bower@sluhn.org
This therapeutic support group is for adults 18+ who are struggling with body positivity, mindfulness eating, and understanding the importance of nutrition. Finding a love for our own bodies begins at a very young age. This group will focus on the importance of exploring the challenges that we face such as overcoming emotional eating, diet culture, and learning to build a healthy relationship with food.
Relaxation Group
When: Fridays (8-week rotating content)
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Facilitator: Tatyana Todorova, LPC
More information: Call 484-526-2400
This ongoing, weekly group starts with EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping. We will then transition to different types of breathing coupled with progressive muscle relaxation. Guided mindfulness-based stress reduction and meditation with imagery on different topics will follow. We will finish with self-affirmations. This group is a peaceful way to end your busy week, from the comfort of your own home.
Therapeutic Support within the Rainbow Community – LGBTQIA+
When: Every other Thursday
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: St. Luke’s Psychiatric Associates, 257 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem
Facilitator: Jenna Bower, LPC
More information: Jenna.Bower@sluhn.org
This group is for adults 18+ who are finding themselves, transitioning, or who want to help the community and support one another. This group is a safe place to share the positives and negatives to coming out and finally becoming you! We will focus on topics such as how you can come out and how this has impacted your mental health, support system, finding you, etc.
Substance Use Recovery Groups
Art Therapy
When: Wednesdays | 5:00 – 8:00 pm OR Thursdays | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Recovery Center Outpatient – 711 Lawn Avenue, Building 1
Facilitator: Charlene.Michener@sluhn.org
Building Blocks to Recovery
When: Wednesdays | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Recovery Center Outpatient – 807 Lawn Avenue (Building 5)
Facilitator: Jennifer.Seilhamer@sluhn.org
Coping Skills
When: Tuesdays| 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: Recovery Center Outpatient – 807 Lawn Avenue (Building 5)
Facilitator: Jennifer.Seilhamer@sluhn.org
DBT Skills
When: Wednesdays | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Recovery Center Outpatient – 807 Lawn Avenue (Building 5)
Facilitator: Kirsten.Banach@sluhn.org
Executive Functioning
When: Tuesdays | 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: Recovery Center Outpatient – 711 Lawn Avenue, Building 1
Facilitator: Charlene.Michener@sluhn.org
Narrative Therapy
When: Mondays| 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Location: Recovery Center Outpatient – 807 Lawn Avenue (Building 5)
Facilitator: Caitlin.Sutter@sluhn.org
Seeking Safety
When: Wednesdays | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Recovery Center Outpatient – 807 Lawn Avenue (Building 5)
Facilitator: Janell.Sigley@sluhn.org
Suboxone
When: 1st Monday of the month | 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Location: Recovery Center Outpatient – 807 Lawn Avenue (Building 5)
Facilitator: Jennifer.Seilhamer@sluhn.org