At just 14 years old, Kayleigh was facing emotional storms that felt impossible to navigate. Living in Austin, MN with her mom, dad, and younger brother, Kayleigh struggled daily with the challenges of being on the Autism Spectrum, compounded by diagnoses of anxiety, ADHD, and depression. Her world often felt overwhelming, and she didn’t know how to express her emotions in ways that others could understand.
When Kayleigh felt scared, frustrated, or angry, she turned to self-harm or ran away. Her thoughts often spiraled into hopelessness, and she attempted to end her life on more than one occasion. Misunderstanding others’ intentions led to frequent emotional breakdowns, and she began stress eating and neglecting her hygiene. At school, she felt isolated and disconnected from her peers. Her parents were in survival mode—lying awake at night, terrified of what might happen next. They tried everything: outpatient therapy, emergency room visits, hospitalizations. But nothing seemed to help.
Finding help
The turning point came on a bitter winter day when Kayleigh ran from home and made her way to a bridge, intending to jump. Her parents, desperate and determined, fought to get her the help she needed. That fight led them to Nexus Family Healing’s Austin campus, right in their own community.
Being able to access residential treatment so close to home made all the difference. Kayleigh’s parents were able to be deeply involved in her care—visiting regularly, participating in family therapy, and staying connected to her progress. Research shows that family involvement is one of the most important factors in the success of youth mental health treatment, and Kayleigh’s story is a powerful example of that truth.
When Kayleigh was admitted, the staff worked closely with her to create a personalized guidance plan—one that identified her triggers and the strategies that helped her feel safe and supported. Daily emotional check-ins became a cornerstone of her healing. She began learning new coping skills and discovered that drawing, reading, writing, music, and deep breathing helped her recenter when overwhelmed.
Kayleigh found comfort in the life skills programming offered by staff, and for the first time, she felt truly heard and understood. “I always wanted help,” she said. “Being at Gerard gave me that opportunity.” Her time at Nexus Family Healing also helped her realize just how deeply her family loves her—and how much she loves them in return.
Transformation and healing
Today, Kayleigh is proud of who she is. She expresses herself in healthy, pro-social ways and takes pride in her appearance. Her parents have seen a remarkable transformation and are filled with hope for her future. Her younger brother is excited to have his sister back home. Kayleigh will soon be discharged from Nexus Family Healing, and her family is eagerly preparing to welcome her back—not just physically, but emotionally whole.
Kayleigh’s story is one of courage, healing, and the power of family. It’s also a testament to the life-changing impact of Nexus Family Healing in Austin. Through compassionate care, personalized support, and the strength of family involvement, we help young people like Kayleigh—and their families—find their way back to connection, safety, and hope.