	We Can Help. 914-345-5900 • help@mhawestchester.org

Treatment > Our Treatment Services

Our Multifamily Psychoeducation Service

When someone you care about has a serious mental illness, it can be hard on the whole family. You want to help your family member get better, but may not know how. Our Multifamily Psychoeducation Service can help you help your family member get better and make life easier and less tense for the whole family.

Is It For Me?

Families of people diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder are most likely to benefit. We define family here as anyone committed to the care and support of the person with mental illness. Would it help if your family…

Understood more about symptoms of mental illness?
Knew how to help with mental illness?
Could help with recovery?
Had less stress overall?

The Multifamily Psychoeducation Service can help your family with these concerns.

What We Deliver

You and your family meet in a group with five to six families and their relatives with mental illness lead by two group facilitators. The format of Multifamily Psychoeducation is as follows:

Joining - Families and group facilitators meet separately to discuss the reasons for joining the Service and to begin to form a partnership with the facilitators.
Education Workshop - Families come together in a classroom session to learn the basics of mental illness and what the family can do to work towards recovery.
Problem-solving sessions - Families learn to deal with problems in a practical, step-by-step approach.

Over time, when individuals with serious mental illness and their families learn more about the illness and ways to reduce its effects, there can be positive changes such as:

Fewer hospitalizations
A decreased sense of stigma
Fewer symptoms
Less isolation
Fewer family conflicts
More involvement in family life
Higher rates of employment and recovery

Where

We offer two family education sites:

MHA of Westchester
2269 Saw Mill River Road, Building 1A
Elmsford, NY 10523
914-345-5900, extension 240

Click here for How Can I Get Here.

MHA of Westchester
29 Sterling Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
914-345-5900, extension 240

Click here for How Can I Get Here.

Before you can participate in the Multifamily Psychoeducation Service you will need to arrange for a screening intake.

For further information regarding the Multifamily Psychoeducation Service or to arrange an appointment, please call Carla Quail, Assistant Executive Director, at 914-345-5900, extension 244 or contact us by email at help@mhawestchester.org.

When

Groups are held every other week for several months. Studies have shown the best results occur when your family meets for at least eighteen months. Additional time promotes improved outcomes.

Languages Spoken

Services are available in English. Please contact us for availability of services in Spanish.

Cost

We accept many health insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. We also have a sliding fee scale with fees ranging from $5 to $135. (Please see the section entitled How Much Does Therapy Cost and Does My Health Insurance Cover This Expense? for a description).

No one is denied treatment services at our clinics because he or she is unable to pay standard fees.

Staff/Service Providers

Our current staff members, who work as facilitators in the Multifamily Psychoeducational (MFP) service, are experienced licensed social workers who have additional specialized training in the MFP model of service. There is also a psychiatrist who is available as a consultant to the service.

Helpful Links for Families

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
http://www.nami.org
NAMI is a support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with mental illness. It provides educational information about severe brain disorders, supports increased funding for research and advocates for adequate health insurance, housing, rehabilitation and jobs for people with psychiatric disabilities. Each state has a chapter and many communities have their own chapters.

New York State Chapter National Alliance for the Mentally Ill NAMI - NYS
http://www.naminys.org
NAMI- NYS is a grassroots organization comprised of families and friends of individuals with mental illness. They provide support to families and friends of individuals with mental illness through more than 50 affiliates, and educate the public about mental illness through literature, speaking engagements, videos, workshops and conferences. Search their site for news, where to get help, advocacy issues, publications and for information on your local affiliate in New York state.

National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
http://www.nmha.org
The NMHA provides information and referral services for people in the process of recovery.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
NIMH is engaged in research for better understanding, more effective treatment and eventually prevention of mental disorders. Its website provides educational materials and an excellent list of free publications on psychiatric disorders, including a comprehensive listing of resources for help.

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