Family Psychoeducation is used to treat severe mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and major depression with psychotic features. Research has shown that Family Psychoeducation significantly reduces relapse rates in SMI even after controlling for antipsychotic medication. Family Psychoeducation sessions are attended by the patient with SMI and their family for 10-15 sessions.   Family members learn about the management of severe psychiatric disorder and they learn about the nature of the disorder, its characteristic symptoms, the effects of medication and psychological treatments. The patient and family members learn the following skills:

• Goal setting
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Stress management
• Motivational enhancement
• Social skills