Families & Serious Mental Illness

• For individuals and their families/friends confronted with serious mental illness (initially limited to severe depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia).
• Based on my doctoral dissertation program design drawing on program models shown in extensive research to cut relapse rates in half. 
• Some of these services may not be covered under current insurance rules and may require negotiating with insurance companies and/or negotiating private pay fees.

Multifamily Problem-Solving Groups (MFG) - monthly groups running for about two years. Participants include individuals with serious mental illness and their family members and friends. Individuals with serious mental illness who currently lack any social/family support may also participate. These groups typically develop into lasting social support networks. 

Family Psychoeducational Workshop - Basic introductory workshop offered on a Saturday at the beginning of work with family network members. Offered more than once for the convenience of family network members.

In Home Network Gatherings - Modeled after Network Therapy done in the 1980's through the then Mt. Tom Institute in Holyoke. The purpose is to mobilize and organize natural social support and improve communication. The number and frequency of these gatherings varies for each family network but usually includes a few gatherings within the first few months of treatment and then a couple times a year after that. 

Special Topics Workshops - Brief monthly Saturday workshops on topics developed from needs assessments and focus groups of families served.

Regional Development of Family Psychoeducation - Networking with area stakeholders to facilitate the dissemination and development of programs for families confronted with serious mental illness. Includes collaborating with a nationally recognized expert to hold a regional training on family psychoeducation.


** The above services will be begin on a limited scale starting in 2016 **