Treating difficult cases in a psychoeducational family support group for serious mental illness

Research findings on family psychoeducation as evidence-based treatment for serious mental illnesses and benefits for families of peer-led family education groups are presented. Because major psychiatric disorders frequently are long term with episodic crises, caregivers have ongoing needs for support to enhance time-limited interventions. This article describes a continuous psychoeducational family support group that gives prolonged assistance and also helps problem families who reject family therapy. Three case examples are given of such families and the contributions of the group in effecting change. It is suggested that mental health systems incorporate psychoeducational support groups for family caregivers in standard practice.