Clinical Care Support

Every community member is paired with a master’s-level clinician for up to four hours of dedicated, one-on-one support each week, focused on what matters most to them. Drawing on the 3 C’s—case management, counseling, and coaching—our clinical care model empowers individuals to overcome obstacles, develop skills, and pursue greater independence.

Clinical Care Support begins with an Individual Support Plan (ISP), developed in collaboration with and tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs and goals. Our clinicians work closely with each individual’s family and outpatient team to provide comprehensive and holistic care. In combination with talk therapy, this approach both supports and challenges individuals as they chart their own path to lasting wellness

Areas addressed in individual sessions may include independent living support and executive functioning coaching, developing weekly schedule structure, community-integration opportunities and skill exposure work, symptom management, academic and vocational support, financial management support, developing wellness goals, and assistance with obtaining and maintaining independent benefits and entitlements. Community integration is often a focal point in our work together as we encourage each individual to cultivate social networks within the larger community to work towards their goals.

Clinical Care Support is included in Community-Based Program packages, with pricing based on session frequency.

Therapeutic Groups

Our daily therapeutic group offerings run Monday through Thursday and rotate on a quarterly basis. With a focus on evidence-based interventions and skills, groups incorporate a variety of clinical approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), art therapy, mindfulness and meditation, narrative therapy, psychoeducation, and peer processing. Quarterly therapeutic groups are designed to meet the needs of our community members. Themes explored include interpersonal relationships, life transitions and adjustments, self-compassion, symptom management and coping skills, and gender and sexuality. All groups are facilitated and/or supervised by one or more licensed master’s-level clinicians.

Therapeutic groups are offered on an à la carte basis at a rate of $750 per group per quarter.

Health and Wellness

A nutritious and balanced lifestyle have been shown to have a positive effect on mental health. Guided by a holistic wellness framework, we embrace the powerful relationship between mind, body, and soul as an integral part of mental health recovery.

We offer various types of physical activity, including access to a local gym with staff support, walking groups, chair yoga and stretching, swimming, and other physical recreation opportunities inclusive of all ability levels.

In addition, we offer one-on-one wellness coaching with a member of our Mental Health Worker team. Individuals work collaboratively with a dedicated staff member to identify personalized wellness goals related to physical activity, independent meal planning and preparation, sleep, and other areas of well-being. Together, they develop sustainable habits and practical strategies that promote long-term recovery, greater independence, and improved quality of life.

The Health and Wellness Program is offered on an à la carte basis at a rate of $310 per month.

M.E.A.L.S. Program

The M.E.A.L.S. (Meeting, Eating, and Acquiring Life Skills) Program is an integral component of the Step by Step model, providing participants with opportunities to build practical life skills while fostering connection and community. Four evenings each week, individuals take turns planning and preparing nutritious, balanced meals and hosting a small group of peers for dinner in their apartment or in an alternative Step by Step community space. With support from staff, participants develop skills in meal planning and preparation, budgeting, kitchen safety, organization, and social engagement, while gaining confidence and independence in the kitchen and around the dinner table. Staff also provide guidance with meal preparation and help facilitate meaningful conversation and connection during shared meals.

The M.E.A.L.S. Program is offered on an à la carte basis at a rate of $1,136 per month.

Pathways Vocational Program

At Step by Step, we believe that meaningful work, volunteering, and community involvement play an important role in building confidence, developing autonomy, and creating a fulfilling, independent life. We also recognize that pursuing vocational goals can feel overwhelming, particularly for individuals navigating mental health challenges. Our Pathways Vocational Program provides individualized and structured support to help participants identify goals, develop workplace skills, and gain hands-on experience in the community. Pathways is designed to support individuals at all stages of vocational readiness, including those exploring employment, education, training, and volunteer opportunities. Through a combination of 1:1 vocational coaching, group-based learning, and hands-on experiences, participants can explore their goals, build workplace readiness skills, and gain practical experience in the community. Topics explored in Pathways include goal setting, career exploration, resume development, job applications, interview preparation, maintaining employment, communication, time management, workplace etiquette, professional expectations, self-advocacy, and work-life balance.

The Pathways Vocational Program is offered on an à la carte basis at a rate of $2,650 per quarter.

Social Events

Social connection is an important part of life at Step by Step. We offer regular social programming throughout the week and on weekends, creating opportunities for individuals to build friendships, develop community connections, and enjoy shared experiences. Programming includes weekly Coffee Social Hour, peer-led activities, Friday night dinners and movies, Sunday leisure activities, and bi-monthly community meetings, along with seasonal gatherings, barbecues, holiday celebrations, and quarterly Open Arts Nights.

Every Saturday, Step by Step offers community outings designed to provide weekend structure, encourage exploration, and build confidence using community resources. Activities may include visiting museums, spectating sporting events or live performances, going to the movies, and exploring local businesses and other attractions throughout the Metro Boston area. For those interested in extended travel, optional staff-supervised overnight and day trips offer opportunities for cultural exploration, adventure, and fun. Past destinations have included Newport, Washington, D.C., New York City, skiing, camping, whitewater rafting, and Disney World.

The Social Events Program is offered on an à la carte basis at a rate of $525 per month. Optional overnight excursions and day trips are offered for an additional fee, which varies based on the trip.

​Community-Based

Community-Based