Family Members' Perceptions of How They Benefit When Relatives Living with Serious Mental Illness Participate in Clubhouse Community Programs

Family members provide a significant source of social support to relatives living with a serious mental health disorder, such as schizophrenia. Few public mental health programs offer families a supportive environment where their relatives can develop independence, life skills, and satisfying relationships that are not dependent on the family's involvement. The Clubhouse is one such model. Although family members are not directly involved, they may experience indirect effects from their relative's participation. Family members with relatives involved in Clubhouse (n=35) completed an in-depth semi-structured interview. Transcripts were analyzed to identify underlying themes. Five primary themes emerged ranging from less burden to greater positive family interaction. Specifically, family members attributed Clubhouses as providing a supportive external community for their loved ones, but also ameliorating negative aspects of family care and improving family interactions. Practical implications for family professionals are discussed.