The Challenge
Family education and support is a significant factor in an individual’s recovery from a first episode of psychosis. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, many have experienced isolation, which has increased stressors among families who are supporting loved ones in our program. Connecting with families during these restrictions is even more important to help reduce the feelings of isolation, provide resources for coping with increased stress and providing further information related to the pandemic and illness.
The Solution
- Offered a 5-week virtual family psychoeducation and support group to help families understand psychosis and recovery all while maintaining a balance of learning and sharing from each other.
- By providing this group virtually, it has increased accessibility for families to attend appointments, and offered flexibility in their schedule due to work commitments, or who live in the region and require travel to access services. The group was scheduled in the evening, which promoted all family members being able to attend together. It provided an opportunity to learn about symptoms, defining the phases of psychosis and recovery, supporting loved ones in managing symptoms, and providing a recovery environment, as well as promoting caregiver support and wellness.
- Participants valued the opportunity to share their stories, concerns, and benefited by hearing a personal story of hope from a previous individual who has complete our program.
The Process
- Identified need to provide education and support to families during COVID-19 restrictions.
- Developed agenda and content from best practice and research in Early Psychosis
- Invitations included a balance of new clients and those that have already been established with the program.
- Encrypted, safe virtual platform used, very robust participation and response, with optional audio and or video involvement.
- PDF editable evaluations and feedback forms sent to all participants for future planning.
Contact us
For more information on Educating and Supporting Families in Early Psychosis Intervention, please, contact Jen Bertoni, jbertoni@cmha-tb.on.ca
