A FAMILY-BASED APPROACH TO ADULT MENTAL-DISORDERS

Recent research studies have provided strong support for a collaborati ve approach between families and mental health services in the clinica l management of major mental disorders. A comprehensive approach to ad ult mental health care that employs cognitive-behavioural family thera py as the basis for clinical assessment and treatment is described. Th is model emphasizes home-based intervention, collaboration with primar y care, targeted specific interventions, achievement of the personal g oals of index patients and their family members, long-term rehabilitat ion, and assessment of benefits and costs.