Summer’s unpredictability can be a challenge for clients managing mental health conditions or in recovery from substance use. From changing schedules and increased social obligations to vacations and breaks in routine, this season often disrupts the consistency that supports stability and progress. For behavioral health professionals, it’s a critical time to help clients stay anchored in their care plans.

While the season offers new opportunities, it also brings common challenges:

  • Missed or rescheduled therapy appointments
  • Higher relapse risk during unstructured or unsupervised time
  • Social anxiety triggered by events or gatherings
  • Reduced access to school or community-based resources
Even clients who are typically steady in their routines may experience emotional shifts due to travel, family dynamics, or a lack of daily structure. For a grounded summer, here are six important steps to take with your clients:
  1. Develop a Summer Mental Health Plan: Help clients anticipate what’s ahead by creating a plan that includes:
    • Personal coping strategies
    • A contact list of trusted supports or hotlines
    • A mood journal or progress tracker
  2. Promote Purposeful Structure: Too little structure can lead to instability. Encourage:
    • Consistent sleep and meal times
    • Daily activities that promote focus and enjoyment
    • Thoughtfully planned downtime
  3. Use the Season to Encourage Wellness: Incorporate what’s available and accessible:
    • Outdoor movement like walks or light exercise
    • Visits to nature spaces for grounding and calm
    • Hydration and healthy seasonal meals
  4. Address Social Triggers Proactively: Social gatherings, travel, and family events can be activating. Support clients by:
    • Role-playing stressful scenarios
    • Practicing grounding or “cool-down” techniques
    • Setting personal boundaries around alcohol and expectations
  5. Adapt Care for Continuity: Offer flexible treatment options such as:
    • Teletherapy during travel
    • Digital tools like meditation apps or check-in texts
    • Brief phone sessions to maintain connection
  6. Explore Modified Therapy Schedules: For clients requesting a summer break:
    • Clarify whether it’s for rest or avoidance
    • Discuss the benefits of brief or spaced-out sessions
    • Ensure they have tools and support while away
Summer can test a client’s coping strategies, but it can also reinforce them. With the right tools and touchpoints, it’s possible to support mental health in the midst of change. Let clients know they’re not alone—and that even during shifts in routine, their well-being remains a top priority.

Staying Grounded This Summer: 6 Ways to Support Client Well-Being