Family Advocates are a diverse team who have experience caring for a loved one with mental health issues. They are trained professionals who can help support you, assist your loved one, and promote family self-care.

Families can be biological and/or chosen and include parents, children, siblings, relatives, spouses, colleagues, roommates, friends, partners, and more.

If a family member, or loved one is struggling with a mental illness and you have been unable to engage them, you can contact the Family Advocate for help in navigating the system of care. 

 Family Advocates Services

• Provide a full range of information, support, encouragement, advocacy, and referral to appropriate community resources, and related services in order to assist the family caregiver in coping effectively with immediate and/or long-term situations.
• Give families detailed information about the mental health service system; how it works and services available for their loved one.
• Educate families on privacy and confidentiality regulations, HIPAA, AB1424, AB1194, patient and family rights, and the release of information (ROI) process
• Help families find the agency or service needed for their specific situation
• Offer options, encouragement, and assistance in navigating the complex behavioral health care system in Kern County
• Promote ongoing self-care techniques and wellness and recovery activities for families and their loved ones
• Support family caregivers by phone or by in-person consultation
• Actively participate in liaison role with key partners