Program Description
Understanding and coping with mental illness when experienced by a family member or friend is a painful and challenging journey. Information and support are needed, although sometimes difficult to find. The Intensive Family Support Service of the Mental Health Association is designed to assist families in the following ways:

• Information and Referral: Directories, articles, and brochures about mental illness, available treatment, respite and housing options, legal and financial programs are available. We have a library of books, video cassettes and audio tapes for family use on such topics as schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and manic-depressive illness and treatment. Staff is available to talk with you, exploring ways we can meet your particular needs.
   
• Consultation and Education: Individual or family guidance with a mental health professional is available by phone or in person. We provide an objective, supportive perspective for handling specific situations or general management of the illness. This consultation can take place at the agency or in your home, with day and evening hours available.
   
• Support Groups: We presently offer ongoing support groups for families of people with mental illness. This is an opportunity to share and problem-solve with families coping with similar situations. Guest speakers provide information on such topics as estate planning, medication, relapse prevention, and treatment resources.
  
  We offer a separate monthly support group in Union County for adult siblings of people with mental illness. Families are also informed about the Alliance for the Mentally Ill self-help groups in their counties.

There is no fee for the individual consultation sessions, telephone contacts or for the educational and support groups. We are committed to being available to meet the needs of all the families interested in this service.

Family Support Groups at the Mental Health Association are available in Union and Atlantic Counties.

Union County IFFS group schedules:

• Family Support Group
• Adult Sibling Support Group
• Spouse/Partner Support Group

For more information on IFFS, contact one of the MHAs below.