Next Session Starts September 8th, 2026

Tuesday Evenings 6:30 - 8:30pm In-Person (dinner served) or On Zoom

11-Session Skill Building Workshop for Families & Friends of People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar Disorder or Major Depression (Often Co-occurring with Substance Use Disorders). 

This workshop is FREE if either you or your loved one lives, works, or receives services in Philadelphia

This workshop is held Online with Live instructors.

  • Interactive discussions
  • Slide presentations 
  • Guest Speakers  
  • Role play demonstrations 
  • Practice exercises 

that combine Lived experience with evidence-based skills that will help you cope, heal, and be well. Classes will be co-facilitated by a licensed clinician a certified peer specialist and a graduate facilitator. 

Workshop sessions are held weekly every Tuesday evening from 6:30pm-8:30pm. You can attend in person (dinner served) or live on Zoom!

Training Location

Fairmount Behavioral Health, 561 Fairthorne Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Conveniently located in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia. Free Parking and at SEPTA bus route 9.

Access the Class Today

Join us for dinner or online for an empowering, skill-building journey that will improve your wellness and your relationship with your friend or loved one.

Access Course and Materials

Your Facilitators

3 Facilitators: a licensed Therapist, a CPS in Recovery with lived experience with severe MH challenges, and a Family member graduate of this course!

Peer Specialist

Denice Buzzetto

Hello, I'm Denice! I've been a Peer Specialist here at Mental Health Partnerships for over 10 years. I have been in active recovery for over 20 years of my mental health diagnoses. My struggles are now silver linings to share with you. I hope my experiences of successes and setbacks will shed light on the relationship with your loved one. I sincerely look forward to sharing valued information and tools with you in the Roller Coaster Class.

Program Manager, Family Education and Support

Lydia Cooper, CPS, ADHD-PC

Lydia Cooper is the Program Manager of Family Education and Support and brings over 40 years of experience in the Social Services field with over 25 years of training in adult education. Most recently Lydia served as a lead trainer and content developer in the child welfare field with a focus on Kinship Foster Care and for Caregivers for children with Special Behavioral Health needs. Lydia is a State Certified Peer Specialist and a QPI Champion for the Quality Parenting initiative; her other certifications include ADHD Parent Coaching, Effective Black Parenting, Family Group Decision Making, CSEC, The ABC Method, and the American Red Cross.

Group Therapist

Nicole Bennett, MSW, CCBT

Nicole graduated from Saint Joseph's University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Social Work degree in 2022. Her professional journey began as an adoption coordinator in the city of Philadelphia and transitioned to assisting teens within the Philadelphia School District. She continued to expand my expertise by working at the Philadelphia Children's Crisis Center, where I provided critical mental health support to children and adolescents experiencing crises. She currently works with CBH as a clinical care manager coordinating care for individuals with complex mental health needs. She also holds certificates in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is ASAM certified.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I might miss a few dates, Can I still attend?

    Yes, you can. You can miss up to 3 sessions and still earn full CEUs. We also offer one-on-one make-up sessions scheduled at your convenience.

  • Can I come to class on some dates and Zoom in on others?

    Absolutely. Please let one of the facilitators know if you are coming in person so that we can make sure that we have enough food.

  • I started this before but didn't finish. Can I pick up where I left off?

    Yes you can! Please register again and you will be contacted. Just let us know that you would like to take the classes that you missed.

  • Will I need to print out course materials?

    All course materials can be viewed online but they can be printed if you wish. The materials are available through once you click the link to enter the learning platform. If you feel that internet access is too complicated, our Technical Learning and Development Specialist is available by phone or email to assist.

  • Can I talk with you or other class members in between class sessions?

    Yes, you can. Participants and facilitators communicate throughout the week using the course message board and the facilitators are available through email.

  • What if I feel like I need more help after the course is over?

    There is an online support group for graduates of the Rollercoaster course that meets weekly. Once the course is complete you will be provided with the link to join.