The course of mental illness varies broadly from person to person and family to family. From onset of symptoms to receiving a formal diagnosis and developing a treatment plan, this experience is stressful not only for the individual, but also for their loved ones. Engaging a patients’ support system is crucial for a mentally ill person to get better, perhaps especially true for youth and young adults experiencing a new episode of psychosis and during the transitions between inpatient and outpatient care. Despite its importance, we historically lacked designated support services for families challenged with caring for a loved one across the span of their illness.

Our Patient and Family Support services program researches, develops and provides evidence-based intervention and assistance across the entire course of care. Our teams of researchers and clinicians provide multifaceted support to patients, families and caregivers, including information on diagnosis, appropriate treatment modalities, medicolegal guidance, peer support and specialized navigator services. Our teams are constantly analyzing the care system and looking for opportunities to improve the process of care seeking and treatment. We aim to help patients and families make meaningful connections, learn skills, reduce isolation and improve outcomes.