Intensive Family Support Services: Camden & Mercer Counties
When an adult you care about is living with a serious mental health condition, much of your attention naturally goes toward helping them find care and move forward in recovery. But supporting someone else can also take an emotional and physical toll on you and your family.
Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) provides education, guidance and support for family members and caregivers of adults living with serious mental illness. Whether you are trying to understand a diagnosis, navigate the mental health system, prepare for difficult situations or simply find more balance, you do not have to figure it out alone.
you are not alone
You deserve support, too.
Family Support Specialists work alongside you to strengthen your knowledge, confidence and ability to support your loved one while also caring for your own well-being. Through IFSS, caregivers can learn how to:
- Better understand serious mental health conditions and treatment
- Navigate the community mental health system
- Communicate more effectively with a loved one and treatment providers
- Recognize signs and symptoms that may require additional support
- Prepare for and respond to challenging or crisis situations
- Build a stronger personal support system
- Develop coping strategies and reduce caregiver stress
Services Designed Around Your Needs
Every family is different. IFSS offers several types of support so caregivers can choose the services that are most helpful to them.
Meet one-on-one with a Family Support Specialist who can listen, answer questions and help you work through the challenges you are experiencing. Support may be provided in person or by phone and can focus on everything from family communication and coping strategies to understanding available services.
Educational groups and presentations help families better understand mental health, recovery and the issues that can affect both individuals and caregivers. Topics may include:
- Mental health diagnoses and treatment
- Coping with stress
- Communication strategies
- Financial concerns
- Navigating services
- Supporting recovery
- Family wellness
Connecting with people who understand what you are experiencing can make a difference.
Facilitated support groups give caregivers an opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and build connections with other families supporting adults with serious mental health conditions.
Groups may focus on the needs of families supporting someone living with schizophrenia, a mood disorder, a personality disorder or other mental health conditions.
Enrollment in IFSS is required to participate in support groups. Contact us for the current group schedule.
Caregivers need opportunities to recharge, connect and enjoy time away from day-to-day responsibilities.
IFSS offers respite opportunities and social activities designed to reduce stress, restore energy and create connections with others who may be navigating similar experiences. Activities may include community outings, recreational events and other opportunities for caregivers and individuals receiving mental health services to spend time together in a relaxed environment.
Understanding your rights and the rights of the person you care about can make it easier to navigate mental health services.
Family Support Specialists help caregivers become more confident advocates by providing information, helping families prepare for conversations with providers and offering guidance as they navigate systems of care.
Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to turn next.
IFSS can help families identify mental health and community resources, connect with additional services and complete important paperwork when needed.
Connect to care.
Ready to take the first step? Contact our Access Center to get started.
Access Center: 1-800-963-3377
GET HELPGET STARTED TODAY
What to Expect
Getting started is easy. Our process is designed to remove stress, so you can focus on your well-being.
Reach Out
Call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377 or contact us online to get started.
Get Connected
We’ll help determine the right program, service or resource based on your needs.
Begin Services
Meet with your care team, create a personalized treatment plan and take the first step toward your goals.
Keep Moving Forward
As needs change, we can help connect you with additional support with Oaks and in the community.
Program at a Glance
Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS)
Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) provides education, guidance and support for family members and caregivers of adults living with serious mental illness.
Who We Serve
Adults and families
Eligibility
Varies by program and level of care.
Counties Served
Camden, Mercer
Services and Support
Advocacy, family consultation, respite and social activities, caregiver support groups, information and referrals, family education
How to Access
Call the Access Center: 1-800-963-3377
Insurance & Payment
Free
what you should know
Frequently Asked Questions
We know choosing care for a loved one is a big decision. Here are a few answers to help you feel confident and supported as you take the next step.
View All FAQsYou do not have to figure it out alone. Oaks can help you learn about available services, understand possible next steps and find resources that may help you support the person you care about. Learn more here.
Start with concern rather than judgment. Let them know what you have noticed, listen to what they are experiencing and remind them that support is available.
You can learn more here about getting help for someone you care about such as warning signs and how to start the conversation. You can also visit our Resource Center.
If there is an immediate safety concern, seek emergency or crisis assistance.
It can be difficult when someone you care about is not ready to seek support. You can learn more here about getting help for someone you care about such as warning signs and how to start the conversation. You can also visit our Resource Center.
If there is an immediate safety concern, seek emergency or crisis assistance.
Visit the Resource Center
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