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.
The Family and Caregiver Training and Support Program (FACTS) provides information, resources, and skills training for anyone supporting an adult loved one who is living with a mental health condition, particularly those receiving care at UW Medicine.
Supporting a loved one with a serious mental illness can be hard, particularly if they need to be hospitalized. The FACTS Program is here to help by providing evidence-informed, reliable information, resources, and skills training specifically for families and caregivers. The mental health system often overlooks the crucial role loved ones play in supporting people living with mental illness and the FACTS Program aims to change that.
Based on collaboration with patients and families, our support services team seeks to close information gaps families experience as they navigate the mental health system. Our goal is to serve as a hub of resources families can readily discover to meet their information needs.
How to find a therapist (pdf)
Searching for a MH Provider (pdf)
Types of MH providers (pdf)
Types of therapy (pdf)
Receiving a diagnosis of a psychotic spectrum disorder can be stressful for the individual, but also for the family as a whole. Family engagement and understanding is a critical part of recovery. Frequently, however, family members are unsure how to support their loved one. Our SPIRIT Center advocates for caregivers by connecting them with the practical resources, information, and skills necessary to prevent a loved one from falling through the cracks or losing hope. Learn more about Family & Caregiver Support Programs that support families in their care of a loved one with psychosis
