Caregiver Support Groups (CSGs)

Schizophrenia Alliance (SA)

Caregiver Support Groups are for families of people diagnosed with schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-related illness. Schizophrenia-related illnesses include psychosis in general, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and major depression with psychosis spectrum disorder.

CSGs provide a non-judgmental community focused on education and acceptance where you’ll find hope, which is vital for families living through the realities of psychosis spectrum disorders. All meetings are confidential; their purpose is to help sustain you and provide a caring community of supporters.

Statement of Purpose

  • Enable families and loved ones of people with schizophrenia and psychosis disorders to come together in a safe space to discuss challenges and share support.
  • Help normalize experiences faced by families and loved ones.
  • Develop realistic expectations and coping strategies.
  • Connect caregivers to resources and information.
  • Provide a place to recognize that you are not alone.

Guiding Principles

  • The only requirement for CSG membership is the desire to help a loved one recover from a schizophrenia-related illness.
  • No dues are required for CSG membership, but donations are welcome to help cover group expenses and special events.
  • CSG meetings are confidential safe spaces.
  • CSG members’ anonymity is maintained, except in crisis or other special circumstances.
  • CSG members and leaders will respect each other while also understanding the emotional toll and often frustrating process of supporting a loved one.
  • Any CSG member can provide suggestions to S&PAA leadership to help improve the ongoing support groups.

Ready to Become a Support Group Leader?

We’re looking for volunteer support group facilitators to help our community! Interested? Select “Volunteer interest” on our contact us form to provide your information and we’ll be in touch soon. We’ll provide free training and guidance.

Learn More & Register

Families for Care (FFC)

Families for Care is a support group for families of diagnosed individuals with schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-related illness. Schizophrenia-related illnesses include schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and major depression with psychosis spectrum disorders.

Since its founding in 2008, Families for Care has reached thousands of caregivers seeking guidance and acceptance of people living with psychosis spectrum disorders. It offers a non-judgmental community focused on education and acceptance where you’ll find hope, which is vital for families living through the realities of psychosis spectrum disorders. All meetings are confidential, and are meant to help sustain you and give you a caring community of supporters.

Types of SA Groups

Schizophrenia Alliance (SA)

Uses the six steps of recovery—including spirituality—as each person relates to a higher power. Held weekly and led by a peer who has schizophrenia or a related disorder.

SA Faith-Inclusive

Uses the six steps of recovery, with a more detailed discussion of spirituality and religion as it relates to recovery and the six steps. Held monthly and led by a peer who has schizophrenia or a related disorder.