Research has shown that the best treatment results are achieved when the consumer, their family, friends, other affiliated professional partners and everyone concerned in the care of the consumer work together as a part of the treatment team.  In the case of a serious mental health problems and addiction the involvement of families in treatment consistently reduces relapse rates and greatly assists in the recovery process. Community Advancement Agency works hard to include families in the clinical treatment processes, from intake to completion of the case.

The Role of Family in Mental Health Treatment, Addiction & Developmental Disabilities

Consumers and their families who receive a service or multiple services from Community Advancement Agency can expect dynamic  engagement, active participation, collaborative care planning and targeted, clinical, evidenced-based treatments that promote recovery and early intervention whenever possible.

To achieve active and meaningful family involvement, the treatment needs to consider and address the needs of the family as a whole and their role in caring for the person who has been referred to our office. We will work actively to reduce the impact that this has on the family as a whole.

What Does This All Mean

Families should expect to be included as part of the treatment team. Recognition of the psychological and social impact of psychiatric disorders, developmental disabilities or even addiction is an essential part of planning treatment for recovery in the hopes of reducing the likelihood of relapse.  Ideally, the family will be involved in this process and should also expect to have explained to them the nature of their loved one’s situation so that they can better participate in treatment and recovery. This includes families being given the skills to manage life in the home more effectively and confidently, helping reduce stress and impact on family life.

What If This Is Happening To You

If you are a friend of someone affected by a form of mental illness, understand that your support is very important to them. Ways you can help include:

• ask the family how best you can support them as a whole.
• talk with the parent about their illness and ask if it’s OK to find out more.
• discuss any symptoms and warning signs and how you can support them.
• be understanding and let the parents and children know that they don’t have to manage on their own.
• assist the family by helping to work out a network of people and emergency numbers they can contact if they feel afraid or alone, and
• most importantly, be patient and non-judgmental.