A Path Back to Living: Madisen’s Story of Healing at Alma’s PHP

ALMA, Mich. – Madisen Satterlee of Mt. Pleasant has experienced depression on and off since childhood and has worked with many mental health professionals in her 27 years. Her most recent episode affected her ability to enjoy the things she loved most including a love for photography, movies, beauty makeup and hair styling. She found herself without motivation and reached a point where she wasn’t sure she wanted to live. Thanks to treatment in the Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at MyMichigan Medical Center Alma, Satterlee has returned to her creative passions.

Madisen Satterlee of Mt. Pleasant entered MyMichigan’s Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) after a severe depressive episode. She says the program made her feel welcomed, heard, and never like a burden. With support from PHP staff, she rebuilt her daily routine, regained motivation, returned to the hobbies she loves and plans to attend college.

Satterlee enrolled in Alma’s PHP as a step down from an inpatient stay for depression following a suicide attempt. When arriving at the program, she was anxious and unsure whether the program would help. She remembers, however that, from day one, the staff were welcoming, supportive, and genuinely invested in her well‑being.

She especially appreciated feeling heard and understood and never like a burden. “Nothing I said was too much,” she shared. “I appreciate how everyone was nonjudgmental and willing to help.”

Having received treatment for recurrent depression in many settings, Satterlee describes her experience with Alma’s PHP as a special one. “My experience with the staff and everyone involved was amazing and very professional. I wish more mental health places were as good and helpful. It was a truly healing experience.”

 Recurrent depression kept Satterlee from being able to invest in an education or a career, even though she had long been interested in helping professions. Her depressive thoughts made her doubt her abilities, but her time with the staff at PHP helped her recognize her strengths. The program helped her put together a daily routine. Now she is consistently waking up earlier, taking a morning walk, eating healthier and keeping her home cleaner and more organized. She says being more mindful with her time and keeping better interpersonal boundaries has improved her mood, motivation and energy, allowing her to return her hobbies and personal care. She now plans to enroll in college.

 Satterlee encourages anyone struggling with mental health to consider PHP. She is amazed by how much the experience opened her up to personal growth. Having successfully received help during one of the lowest points in her life, where she no longer wanted to live, she believes others, regardless of the severity of their symptoms, could benefit, as well. “I think it could be helpful to everyone,” she said with confidence. 

 PHP staff worked with Satterlee to develop the tools she needed to continue moving forward in life and transition into outpatient counseling, where she can address the aftereffects of childhood trauma. She now feels she has the energy to do that work. “I am feeling amazing since the program!”   

 Those interested in learning more about the PHP program call (989) 466-3253 or visit www.mymichigan.org/alma-php

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MyMichigan Health, a non-profit health system headquartered in Midland, Michigan, is a leader in providing award-winning, high-quality care across the 26-counties it serves. With two tertiary hospitals in Midland and Saginaw, MyMichigan also has Medical Centers in Alma, Alpena, Clare, Gladwin, Mt. Pleasant, Sault Ste. Marie, Standish, Tawas, Towne Centre and West Branch. MyMichigan Health provides a full continuum of care across a wide array of settings, including urgent care centers, home health, virtual care, as well as medical offices. Their expertise spans 85 specialties and subspecialties, including behavioral health, cardiology, primary care, hematology/oncology, neurosciences, orthopedics, women and children services, and vascular surgery among others. Dedicated to advancing the future of medicine, MyMichigan Health collaborates with leading institutions to offer medical education programs. These initiatives are designed to train the next generation of medical professionals, including medical students, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nursing students and other clinical experts. For four consecutive years, from 2022 to 2025, Forbes has acknowledged MyMichigan Health as one of “America’s Best Employers by State” and, in 2025, was also named to Forbes’ list of ‘America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals.’ With more than 13,200 employees and operational support staff, MyMichigan Health is a significant employer within its service areas and is committed to creating healthy communities and responding to the changing needs of the more than one million residents it supports. In fiscal year 2025, MyMichigan Health provided $243 million in community benefits, as well as supported its patients and families with new equipment, services and programs with funds raised by the MyMichigan Health Foundation and Field Neurosciences Institute.