Families' perceptions of community mental health programs for their relatives with a severe mental illness.

Realization that families are providing a major portion of the care for people with a severe and persistent mental illness has led to attempts to form an alliance with such families. Many professionals are aware that there is much cognitive distance between families and the professional community. Bridging this gap requires knowledge of the subjective experience of families. This paper reports the results of a study of the families' perspective of their experience with community mental health programs. Attention is given to the families' experience and needs; to changes in practice which address those needs; and to a variety of curriculum strategies for more adequately preparing future cadres of mental health professionals.