Q: When did you first learn about ARTA, what do you think is important for our audience to know about the organization, and why did you want to become a member?
Rayetta and Stacy:
“We’ve known about ARTA for many years and have long admired the organization’s commitment to raising the standard of care for adults living with mental illness. Until recently, we weren’t eligible for membership since ARTA was exclusively composed of residential treatment facilities—and Help in the Home provides community-based rather than residential treatment. Now that ARTA has expanded to include community programs, we’re proud to join their network.
The member facilities of the American Residential Treatment Association are dedicated to supporting each other in providing extraordinary care to adults with mental illness. ARTA includes more than 25 residential treatment facilities—and now community-based programs—offering four distinct styles of care for adults living with complex mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders.
What makes ARTA special is its close-knit community. The organization’s smaller size enables members to truly know one another’s programs and to provide meaningful guidance to individuals and families searching for effective, long-term mental health support.
We wanted to become a member because we believe deeply in collaboration and shared learning. For decades, ARTA has united program leaders who understand that this work can be challenging but also profoundly rewarding. By joining ARTA, we’re connecting with like-minded organizations to share knowledge, celebrate successes, and strengthen the collective effort to ensure that adults living with serious mental illness have access to quality, long-term care and support.”
Q: What was the process of being inducted like?
Rayetta and Stacy:
“We were officially inducted into ARTA during the October conference, where we had the opportunity to give a presentation to the member organizations. We shared who we are, the work we do at Help in the Home, and how our community-based model supports adults living with serious mental illness. After our presentation, members were invited to ask questions and learn more about our approach.
Once the Q&A concluded, we stepped out of the room while the membership voted. It was definitely a nerve-wracking moment—but also an incredibly meaningful one. When we learned we had been accepted, we felt both honored and grateful to be welcomed into such a respected and supportive community of peers.
The ARTA conference is held at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA in mid October. Stockbridge is known for being the home of Norman Rockwell. The Red Lion Inn is infamous for being one of the most haunted inns in the world! The quaint town of Stockbridge and the inn provided an intimate setting with lots of interesting conversations about bumps in the night!”
Q: How do you think being a member of ARTA will benefit Help in the Home?
Rayetta and Stacy:
“Becoming a member of ARTA connects us with a network of programs and professionals who share our dedication to providing exceptional, long-term care for adults living with serious mental illness. One of the greatest benefits is the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with leaders across the country who understand the complexities and rewards of this work.
ARTA’s community offers a wealth of collective experience—from clinical best practices to program development and sustainability. By participating in this network, we can both contribute our own perspective as a community-based program and gain insights that will strengthen our services and enhance outcomes for the individuals and families we support.
Most importantly, ARTA reminds us that we are not alone in this work. Being part of an organization that values connection, shared learning, and innovation will help Help in the Home continue to grow while staying grounded in the purpose that started it all—creating lasting community and meaningful recovery for the people we serve.”
Q: What strengths do you bring to the group?
Rayetta and Stacy:
“We believe that Help in the Home brings a unique perspective to ARTA as a community-based program that provides long-term, individualized support outside of a residential setting. Our experience in helping adults with serious mental illness live independently and thrive in their communities adds an important dimension to ARTA’s network of knowledge.
By sharing our successes, challenges, and innovations, we hope to contribute to the broader conversation about effective mental health care and long-term support. We also look forward to collaborating with other members, exchanging ideas, and helping ARTA continue to evolve as an inclusive association that reflects the full spectrum of high-quality care options.
In short, our membership allows us to both learn from and give back to the organization, strengthening the network and supporting ARTA’s mission to connect programs, improve practices, and ultimately enhance outcomes for adults with mental illness.”
Q: Is there anything else you think we should know?
Rayetta and Stacy:
“One of the things that sets Help in the Home apart is our commitment to long-term, individualized support for adults with serious mental illness. Our small size allows us to know each of our clients deeply and tailor services that help them live meaningful, independent lives in the community.
Joining ARTA is an exciting opportunity not only to connect with like-minded programs, but also to highlight the importance of community-based care as part of the continuum of mental health services. We hope our membership encourages dialogue about innovative approaches, demonstrates the value of collaborative learning, and reinforces the idea that effective care comes in many forms—residential and community-based alike.
Ultimately, we’re proud to contribute our perspective, share our successes, and learn from others, so together we can advance ARTA’s mission of improving outcomes for adults living with mental illness across the country.”
Congratulations again on this momentous achievement! We would also like to congratulate fellow inductees, Step by Step Support Services who were also accepted into ARTA with us last month. We are so excited to continue to learn and grow together.
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If you or your loved one could benefit from partnering with mental health experts who have experience in supporting individuals and families with complex mental health needs, please call 866-967-9994 to schedule your free consultation.