The evaluation of a support group for families of the chronic mentally ill.

One promising approach to meeting the needs of families of the mentally ill is through the use of support groups. The organization, format, and evaluation of a support group for families of the chronically mentally ill is described. The program was designed to provide support and guidance, increase understanding of mental illness and its impact on the family, and encourage family members to become more active in the treatment process. Preliminary findings suggest that families gained a more realistic understanding of mental illness and recognized the important role they play in providing support to the patient. At follow-up, participants' social networks had grown and many were more active and involved in the treatment process.