Though recovery is often viewed through the lens of addiction, it also refers to the stages that occur during and after mental and physical health treatment. After successfully working with a psychiatrist to address her mental health needs, Zepf Center Client Traci S. embarked on a new recovery journey to improve her physical health as she faced new challenges.

Many positive changes accompany recovery, but differences in activity, diet and medication may present unexpected hurdles. In Traci’s case, she began experiencing new, persistent knee pain. She suspected her existing arthritis was to blame, but still mentioned the issue at her next psychiatry appointment.

Traci’s provider discovered that weight gain from a new medication was to blame for Traci’s pain, which was now significantly limiting her mobility. After discussing a plan to move forward, Traci’s psychiatrist referred her to Zepf Center’s Adult Fitness Program.

The Adult Fitness Program is a group for adult clients to achieve their fitness, mental health, and recovery goals. Participants receive a one-on-one assessment with a facilitator to set individualized wellness goals and personalized gym orientation. This group focuses on increasing positive coping skills, enhancing client well-being and increasing self-esteem, empowering Traci to regain mobility and significantly improve her quality of life. 

“Our programs allow clients to experience holistic recovery,” said Zepf Center Wellness Services Coordinator Aaron Wilburn. “Without our commitment to integrated care, many of our clients would only have access to a portion of the care they truly need to have a good quality of life.”

Although Traci was excited to take the necessary steps to improve her mobility, the idea of joining this new group filled her with anxiety. Committed to helping Traci achieve success, her psychiatrist partnered with the group facilitator to answer Traci’s questions and give her extra information about how the group operates on an average day. They also discussed flexible options for Traci’s participation and ways to manage her anxiety during group time.

“The extra validation provided by [my psychiatrist and the group facilitator] helped me overcome my anxiety and follow through,” Traci said. “They were so caring and knowledgeable—it really made all the difference.”

After encouragement from her psychiatrist, Traci enrolled in Wellness programs three days per week. In addition to her twice-weekly Adult Fitness Program, she planned to attend the 8-week evidence-based nutrition group, NEW-R, to learn the benefits of healthy eating habits for her mental health.

“Finding a group where our clients feel included and accepted is our priority,” said Wilburn. “These positive experiences contribute to a psychologically safe environment and optimize the benefits for everyone involved.” 

Zepf Center Wellness Programs allow clients to step back from clinical care and address their physical and social needs. Clients also have access to a full-service pharmacy, primary care providers, OB/GYN services, lab services, and hospital liaisons. The unique combination of these resources allows clients to create a personalized integrated care plan. 

Current Zepf Center clients simply need a referral from their provider to participate in Wellness programming. To explore integrated care offerings and Zepf Center groups, contact the Wellness Center team by calling 419.841.7701 ext 3165.

For more information on the Adult Fitness Program, check out our flyer! CLICK HERE

*Based on a true success story. Names and identifying information have been changed to protect client privacy.