Overview of family interventions

The family members of a patient with a psychiatric disorder can benefit from support or therapy themselves, to help manage the effects the psychiatric disorder may have on them and the family system.

Family interventions can range from psychoeducation about the patient’s psychiatric disorder, supportive counselling for family members, practical advice on how to support the person experiencing the disorder, and family therapy. Family interventions can be provided by a general medical practitioner, therapist, or other clinician, or as part of a clinician-led group or community support group.