Family resources
Family members, friends and other caregivers play an important role in recovery. Here are a few resources to help you support someone in your life who is experiencing early psychosis.
Psychosis REACH
Psychosis REACH is a training developed by the University of Washington SPIRIT Lab that offers concrete, evidence-based skills for relatives and friends of individuals experiencing psychosis, so they can better care for and relate to their loved ones. Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the training has been modified specifically for family members, friends and caregivers.
A sibling's guide to psychosis by the Canadian Mental Health Association
This long-form PDF guide from the Canadian Mental Health Association provides information, ideas and resources for those who have siblings experiencing early psychosis. It includes information about understanding psychosis and the impact it can have on one's family, how to cope with one's own feelings, and how to move forward.
NAMI Family-to-Family
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. Research has demonstrated that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition.
Watching for signs of psychosis in teens: Article by Child Mind Institute
This online article provides an overview of the earliest stages of psychosis, including early warning signs and treatment options.
Family tip sheet: Helping families understand services for persons with early serious mental illness by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This 5-page guide offers a quick overview of Coordinated Specialty Care services, so families can understand what to expect and how they can offer help and support to their loved one.
Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. It offers courses for different age groups, including children and adults, as well as in multiple languages.
How to support someone in the midst of psychosis by Living Well with Schizophrenia
In this video, Lauren talks about her experiences with psychosis and offers advice for how to navigate.
Informed care for serious mental health conditions: a workshop series by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
This series of workshop materials, focused on cognitive behavioral therapy for early psychosis, was developed by Douglas Turkington, MD specifically for NAMI Marin. Douglas Turkington is a major research figure within the history of the development of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for schizophrenia.
