Solstice East, a residential treatment center for girls ages 14-18 centrally located on the East Coast, is excited to announce the promotion of Mark Dunn to Director of Aftercare Services. With over two decades of experience in behavioral health and training in numerous therapeutic modalities, including EMDR, Brain Spotting, and Trauma-Focused CBT, Mark is well equipped to take on this essential role. As Director of Aftercare Services, Mark will lead the aftercare programming for all Solstice East students.

Making certain each student is prepared for life after Solstice is a continuous part of the therapeutic process. The structure of residential treatment is key to helping students work through issues, but understanding that life outside of treatment may look quite different is critical to being successful post-graduation. “The goal of the Solstice Aftercare Program is to help families consolidate the gains during treatment, and to be a resource and guide for students and parents during the transition process,” reflects Mark. “At Solstice East, we individualize treatment for each student and family to help mend their emotional wounds; I admire our unwavering dedication to providing each family with a healing experience.”

Choosing the appropriate next steps for students leaving residential treatment can be daunting for parents. At Solstice East, the aftercare programming is essential to a student’s successful return to real-world living. Mark works with parents on aftercare decisions leading up to graduation, taking into consideration each student’s needs. He is then available for up to two-months post-graduation for questions and support.

For Mark, this new position seems like a perfect fit, given his clinical background. “I bring over 25 years of experience as a counselor and coach for students and families to the role of Director of Aftercare Services,” he says. “In many ways, this role is a natural extension of what I already do. I am excited to help families practice what they have learned from their time with Solstice East, and remind them of the great progress they have made.”

About Solstice East

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-17 nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Solstice East is committed to treating each student through a combination of individual, family, equine, and adventure therapies as well as treating and diagnosing a range of issues including (but not limited to) trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, attachment, and identity issues. Solstice East assists adolescents and their families in developing excellence in relationships, influence, character, and health throughout their life journey. Our holistic approach acknowledges that mental health diagnoses are only one piece of the puzzle; we strive to help young women succeed in multiple areas of their lives.