Mental Health Intervention Programs

Programs staffed by trained intervention specialists who work with family members, friends and others who are concerned about a loved one's mental health problem. Interventions for adults typically focus on skills that enhance independent living including development of those that focus on communication, conflict resolution, daily living, problem-solving, social interaction and skills in the area of interpersonal relationships. The interventions sometimes include a meeting which is planned, rehearsed and carried out during which the person is confronted with how their mental illness may be affecting their career, family life or physical health with the objective of persuading them to seek treatment. Assistance during the intervention may include mediation, if required, and post-intervention support. The process can be used for many problem areas in life including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, gambling or sexual addiction, eating disorders and compulsive spending/credit problems. Interventions for children and adolescents generally focus on skills in the areas of social interaction, cognitive flexibility, communication skills, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships and problem-solving. Family interventions exist to improve outcomes for the person with the disorder or illness by improving family engagement and effectiveness in handling the challenges associated with the problem as well as improving the well-being of the caregiver and reducing the stress and negative outcomes of caregiving.