Serious Mental Illness: Opportunities for Family Practitioners

Abstract

This article provides an overview of professional practice with families of people who have serious mental illness. Based on the expanding literature in the area, the family experience of mental illness is discussed, as well as the unique concerns of parents, spouses, siblings, and offspring. Five effective family interventions are presented along with a three-step model that can guide service providers. Finally, suggestions are offered for dealing with confidentiality and for enhancing professional practice with these families.