About Us
Family Advocate Program

Having a family member with a serious mental illness and or substance abuse issues places an enormous burden on families and affects all its members. The psychological, financial and physical well being of family members is often negatively affected. Due to the stigma society places on individuals, families often feel isolated and deprived of supp ort within the community.

In recognition of the difficulties faced by family members of individuals who struggle with serious mental illness and or substance abuse and to facilitate family members’ interaction with the mental health system, the County of Orange offers this program.

The purpose of the Family Advocate is to assist families in coping with the illness of their family member. This is accomplished through consultation, education, support and advocacy. In addition the Family advocate may offer community referrals such as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Orange County (NAMIOC).

The Family Advocate also provides information and assistance to family members in their interactions with service providers and the mental health system in general. For more information contact the Family Advocate.