The Family Support and Education Center at AccessCNY supports individuals with a mental health diagnosis and their families, friends and caregivers. Services are designed to help caregivers cope with the pain, frustration, bewilderment and stigma that often accompany mental health diagnoses.
We offer a free 12-week Supportive Family Training course several times a year. This class provides loved ones with information on:
- The symptoms of common mental health diagnoses
- The latest research on psychiatric disorders such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders
- Communication and coping skills
- Problem solving methods
- How to maintain personal wellness while helping a loved one
Staff can also provide guidance on signing up for public assistance programs (if needed) and getting mental health treatment (e.g.- finding a therapist/psychiatrist/support group).