OVERCOMING BARRIERS FACED BY AFRICAN-AMERICAN FAMILIES WITH A FAMILY MEMBER WITH MENTAL-ILLNESS

A qualitative research design combined with a quantitative analytic te chnique, concept mapping, was used to examine and address barriers to African-American families' involvement in the treatment of their famil y members with mental illness. Focus groups were formed with lay and p rofessional informants. The focus groups recommended a variety of stra tegies for improving caregiver supports and increasing the involvement of caregivers in the treatment process. The implications of these fin dings for mental health professionals are discussed.