Notes from the Field: Mental Health Trainees and Families Adapt to Virtual Platforms for Sibling Support During COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Before COVID-19, the Sibling Support Program A Family-Centered Mental Health Initiative (SSP) provided a training opportunity for mental health trainees to facilitate support groups for siblings of youth with psychiatric needs with the goal of reducing trauma and building resiliency among siblings. As part of the SSP, caregivers also joined psychoeducational groups led by parent mentors with the goal of increasing parental competency and confidence. The SSP groups were offered in-person for these family members at partnering hospitals and clinics in Massachusetts. With the arrival of COVID-19, the SSP director reconfigured the program as an online offering for trainees and family members using Zoom and Google Meet. Specific aspects of training were adapted to meet the trainees' needs, including a new and virtual orientation tool, as well as a "debrief" style of supervision that was accessed online. Trainees demonstrated flexibility and creativity in their approach to facilitating sibling support groups on virtual platforms and learned that family communication, privacy issues, program accessibility, and participant geographics all impact the group experience. At a time when it is unsafe to meet in person, virtual support groups provide valuable learning opportunities for mental health trainees and critical assistance for families of youth struggling with mental health issues.