Attitudes and perceived barriers to working with families of persons with severe mental illness: mental health professionals' perspectives

Community Ment Health J. 2008 Oct;44(5):337-45. doi: 10.1007/s10597-008-9135-x. Epub 2008 Apr 25.

Abstract

A state-wide survey of 453 clinicians serving people with severe mental illness in community mental health centers evaluated the degree to which they provide services to families and their perceptions of barriers to developing such services. Most clinicians did not provide many services to families and reported barriers related to the family or client (e.g., family's lack of interest) and their own work environment (e.g., heavy workload). Clinicians who had received prior training on working with families provided more services, had more positive attitudes toward family, and felt more competent about their knowledge, confirming the importance of staff training.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Family / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders*
  • Middle Aged
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • United States