Support for Families and Friends
Mental illness affects more than just the mentally ill individual. If you have a loved one struggling with serious mental illness, it can be very frightening and confusing. Sometimes it helps to know that there are others with the same struggle.
Community Psychiatric Clinic’s Family and Friends Support Program provides education, information, and support to families and friends of those suffering from severe and persistent mental illness. The Family and Friends Support Program is open to the families and friends of both CPC and non-CPC clients. Participation is free and voluntary, and can be either on-going or on a drop-in basis.
The Family and Friends Support Program is made up of a regular facilitator from CPC, a guest presenter, and the group participants. Each meeting will include a presentation topic followed by a discussion. In addition, there will be time for participants to share their own experiences with supporting friends and family members with mental illness.
Participation and information shared is confidential. Discussion topics are presented by experienced individuals from either CPC or the community.
Join us to learn about topics that are important to you, such as:
- Western State Hospital
- Accessing and understanding the mental health system
- Supporting recovery
- Housing resources
- Understanding and working successfully with case management
- Understanding mental illness: depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, etc.
- Suicide prevention and crisis intervention
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Medications and psychiatric services
- Employment and education
- Benefits, entitlements, and resources
- Working with law enforcement
- Dealing with stigma, community perceptions, and integration
- Effects of mental illness on personal relationships
Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, 6:30pm to 8:00pm at CPC’s Wallingford location. For more information, contact the Family and Friends Support Program coordinator at 206-461-3707
Parents and Caregivers of Children/Youth with Mental Illness
Families and/or caregivers with children enrolled in CPC’s mental health services are able to access a new and unique type of peer support. Called a “Parent Partner,” these peer support specialists have successfully navigated the mental health treatment system for a child or youth in their care. They are able to provide support to the client’s family or caregivers, to assist them in getting the best care possible and advocating for their child and his or her needs. This can include tips on working with your child’s school or daycare provider, managing the Child Welfare system, helping your child understand his or her illness, navigating the public mental health system, what to do when your child is in crisis, and more.
For more information on accessing Parent Partner support services, contact the Child and Family Services program at 206-461-4544. Parent Partner services are available at our Northgate location.