For Families, Allies, and Young Adults

For Families, Allies, and Young Adults

"When I had my first manic episode, I thought I was done for. But my dad told me, 'Your diagnosis is just one part of who you are. You are so much more than your label and you are not alone. I'm here for you.' That really went deep and gave me hope." - Early Assessment and Support Alliance [EASA] Participant.


To learn more about participating in the EASA program, check out these EASA Manuals:

EASA Participant Manual (PDF)

EASA Family & Friends Manual (PDF)

EASA Family & Friends Manual - Spanish Version (PDF)

To give feedback about the EASA Manuals please use the online feedback form >>

Para enviar comentarios sobre los manuales de EASA, utilice el formulario de comentarios en línea >>


Family members and allies play an extremely important role in recovery from psychosis. Extensive research has demonstrated that strong social support support is one of the most important contributors to a successful recovery. Families and allies play a number of key roles:

  • Providing information and insight about the person.
  • Maintaining a focus on the person's strengths and interests.
  • Advocating to meet the person's needs.
  • Learning new information and skills.
  • Assistance with remembering medicine and initiating activities.
  • Observing and reporting symptoms the person may not notice.
  • Including the person in day-to-day family activities.
  • Helping to create a safe, positive, supportive environment for the person.
  • Helping the person with finances.
  • Staying in regular contact with the counselor and doctor.

All family members involved with EASA are strongly encouraged to participate in day-long family workshops offered by the program. Families involved with the program for more than six months are strongly encouraged to join a multi-family group.

Multi-family groups are a highly effective method of solving problems and maintaining social support. The groups are based on a well-researched best practice approach, and have been associated with significantly improved outcomes. All EASA programs host at least one multi-family group. Contact your nearest program for more information.

Self-Advocacy Toolkit

This toolkit includes strategies that you may find helpful to use to assist you in focusing on what is important to you and communicate your needs to your EASA team, family members, and/or supporters. It was developed by members of the EASA team in conjunction with Pat Deegan and members of the Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC).

  • Use Tool # 1 “This is Who I Am” to introduce yourself to members of your treatment team. This tool may help you articulate what you typically experience and what a rough day looks like for you, what is important to you, your strengths, and areas where you would like to grow or improve.
  • Use Tool #2 “Communicating with My Team” to clarify what you want or do not want from treatment and to plan what to discuss in meeting with your treatment providers.
  • Use Tool #3 “What Helps Me Find Calm and Safety” to share what you think will help or not help you manage stress and stay well.