The Program
Family psychoeducation (FPE) is a collaborative approach involving consumers with serious mental illnesses and their families, aimed at supporting recovery through education and support. The focus is on managing the illness rather than family dynamics. FPE provides practical information about mental illnesses, crisis resources, and skills training for coping, communication, and problem-solving. It is delivered in phases—joining sessions, an educational workshop, and ongoing sessions, which can be single-family or multifamily. The approach emphasizes the consumer-family-practitioner alliance and tailors support to each family’s needs to enhance recovery and build social and emotional support systems.
Intended Audience
The program intends to serve individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) and serious and persistent mental illnesses (SPMIs).
Implementation
FPE is primarily implemented in outpatient clinics and community mental health centers, though it was initially developed in partial hospital settings. It has been successfully used in urban and rural environments, but its adaptability to other settings is uncertain. FPE typically involves three introductory “joining sessions” followed by a one-day educational workshop and ongoing sessions, with at least ten sessions recommended for optimal outcomes. The practice is delivered in person, though virtual adaptations were made during the pandemic. Implementation requires a clinical administrator to oversee the program and at least one or two practitioners to lead the sessions, depending on group size.
Outcomes
- Impacts relapses and rehospitalizations
- Improved family well-being
- Increased consumer participation in vocational rehabilitation programs
Evidence
Over 30 randomized clinical trials demonstrated that psychoeducation programs, including Family Psychoeducation (FPE), significantly reduce relapse rates, improve symptomatic recovery, and enhance psychosocial and family outcomes. Studies show that consumers and families participating in FPE experienced 20 to 50 percent fewer relapses and rehospitalizations than those receiving standard services. FPE also improves family well-being by increasing knowledge about mental illnesses and reducing feelings of confusion, stress, and isolation. These findings have led to treatment guidelines recommending family involvement in the treatment process through this evidence-based model.
Additional Resources