A free, confidential and trauma informed service for family members of individuals with a mental illness

Family Support Services works with individual families to assist them by clarifying options so they can make informed, educated choices, helping them cope with crisis situations and providing emotional support and education.

Those We Serve

Family Support Services offers free, confidential, trauma informed services to family members and friends of adults with mental illnesses such as:

  • Schizophrenia and other thought disorders
  • Depression, Bipolar and other mood disorders
  • Trauma and anxiety disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Co-occurring disorders

Goals of Family Support Services

  • To help families manage their day-to-day grief and stress
  • To decrease families feelings of isolation and helplessness
  • To increase families feelings of hope in the future
  • To strengthen the relationship between families and their loved ones
  • To enhance partnerships between families and mental health professionals

Contact our Family Support Specialist, at 269.364.6961

Printable/Shareable Information

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ISK proudly collaborates with NAMI of Southwestern Michigan (formerly NAMI of Kalamazoo) to provide Family Support Groups as an extension of our Family Support Services. Keep up on this offering, as well as other programs/events, on NAMI’s website accessible by clicking here!

Read the Stats

Children & Teens

General Population

Multicultural

Family-to-Family

Family Education Classes and Training for family members.

ISK collaborates with NAMI of Southwest Michigan (formerly NAMI of Kalamazoo) to offer a Family-to-Family Program at ISK’s 418 West Kalamazoo Avenue location. This program, which is offered free of charge, is facilitated by two family members with lived experience. An ISK staff member is available to address clinical questions or concerns which might arise.

This 11 session educational program is Evidence Based and is designed for caregivers, in the form of family members, partners, friends and significant others, to learn to balance the sometimes difficult tasks of caring for adults living with a mental illness while also maintaining their own well-being.

This program has been described by thousands of families as life changing and praise is shared by the same families about the program teaching principle, “You don’t have to deal with mental illness in isolation”.

What is being offered

  • Family-to-Family educational series
  • Written information
  • Topical speakers
  • Consultation with families, professionals, and community groups
  • Resource referral
  • A lending library of books, journals, and videos

Family members of individuals with a mental illness have opportunities to learn about:

  • Symptoms of mental illness
  • Co-occurring disorders
  • Dealing with grief and loss
  • Dealing with violence
  • Suicide prevention
  • Treatment options
  • Stress reduction
  • Communication skills
  • Community resources

Helpful Resources

15 Ways to Support a Loved one with SMI

What Families and Friends Want and Need

The Family and Mental Illness

Designing and Setting Limits with the Ill Person

Newsletter Archive