Family Relationships, Education, Support, Hope, and Outreach for People who care

In a partnership with PSA, support and educational groups are now available to the families of ValueOptions Consumers.

FRESHOPE is a series of classes and support groups specifically designed to help family members and friends to live more effectively with someone who diagnosed with a mental disorder mentally ill.

FRESHOPE classes are divided into four-week modules. Each module focuses on a different subject, such as managing your own life more effectively, being more effective with persons who are mentally ill, maneuvering the system, and so forth.

FRESHOPE classes are being held at four different locations in the central northwest area of Phoenix. ALL groups are FREE to families and other significant persons of ValueOptions consumers.

Why attend an educational class or support group?

According to research studies, family members who have participated in similar programs are better able to manage their own emotions, attitudes, burnout, and stress. They are more capable and willing to provide appropriate support for their loved ones who are mentally ill. The studies also indicate that persons who are seriously mentally ill (SMI), whose families are similarly psycho-educated, have less decompensation and less hospitalization; and that they build more supportive relationships, function more effectively, and report more satisfaction.

The Modules

MODULE I: Mental Illness:
Descriptions, prognosis, symptoms, and medications. You will learn the basics regarding Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia, Mood Disorders such as Depression and Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Co-occurring issues, and other mental illnesses.

MODULE II: Living with your family member:
Effective communication, problem-solving, and boundary-setting/enforcement; and how to handle difficult symptoms such as depression, anger, anxiety, violence, and crisis.

MODULE III: Managing YOU:
Taking care of yourself; taking personal time; dealing with your difficult emotions such as frustration, guilt, sadness, and embarrassment; stress management and relief; managing burnout and exhaustion; grief; and building support

MODULE IV: Maneuvering
Other peoples’ reactions, including your own family; dealing with stigmas; building support; rights and responsibilities; dealing with the “system”

Our Support Group and Counseling is open to all participants

More Details
Each class is two hours and meets once weekly for four weeks. All modules are available all the time. You will meet other people who have similar concerns to yours, and you will receive a Certificate of Completion for each module. Pre-registration is preferred, but not required; you can register at the door at the first meeting of each module. For more details, please contact the FRESHOPE Coordinator at PSA (602) 995-1767.