Family Support provides peer support to families and caregivers of adults living with serious mental health challenges and children with emotional, behavioral, or social needs.
Family Peer Specialists draw on training and lived experience to help families feel less alone, understand their options, navigate services, and connect with helpful resources. Family Support is not therapy or clinical treatment. It offers practical guidance, emotional support, advocacy, and connection from someone who understands the experience of supporting a loved one.
Who We Support
Family Support may be helpful for:
- Family members and caregivers of adults living with serious mental health challenges
- Parents and caregivers of children with emotional, behavioral, or social needs
- Families trying to understand mental health services or eligibility requirements
- Caregivers looking for support, information, advocacy, or community resources
- People who are unsure where to begin when seeking help for someone they care about
A family member does not need to be enrolled in an MHAOC program for a caregiver to request support.
How We Can Help
Family Peer Specialists may provide:
- One-to-one peer support by telephone or in person
- Information about mental health and community services
- Help understanding and navigating service systems
- Referrals and connections to community resources
- Advocacy and support communicating with providers, schools, and other organizations
- Preparation for meetings related to treatment, education, benefits, or services
- Support identifying questions and considering possible next steps
- Opportunities to connect with other families and caregivers
Support is based on each family’s needs, concerns, and goals.
Family Support Groups
Family Support groups provide a welcoming space for families and caregivers to share experiences, ask questions, learn from one another, and connect with people who understand.
Groups are held on:
- First Wednesday of each month: In person from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Third Wednesday of each month: Virtually from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Connect with Family Support staff to confirm the in-person location or receive the virtual meeting information.
Get Started
Complete the Family Support Referral Form to request peer support, information, assistance navigating services, or information about upcoming groups. A Family Peer Specialist will contact you to learn about your needs and discuss possible next steps.
Submit a Family Support Referral.
For questions about Family Support, call 845-342-2400.
Additional Family Resource
National Alliance on Mental Illness Orange County, NY provides support, education, community resources, and advocacy for families and friends of people living with mental health conditions.
Need Support Now?
Facing something big or small? Call 311 within Orange County or 1-800-832-1200 anytime. Local counselors are available 24/7. For suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, call 988.
