The Family Advocate provides information, support, and referrals to community resources.

Family Advocates may provide education regarding:

• Mental health services and staff involved
• Family participation in treatment and confidentiality limitations
• Coping skills, self-care, and stress management
• Advocacy for families, including facilitation of communication with service providers
• Assistance to families with concerns and complaints regarding mental health services
• Assistance to families in finding services and resources for themselves as supporters, including referrals to the National Alliance on Mental

The Family Advocate cannot:

• Provide therapy services
• Release confidential information to family members without the client's consent
• Make decisions for family members
• Force a family member receiving services to do anything against his or her will