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Family services at The Royal
Family members of clients at The Royal are often enlisted to help their loved ones but also benefit from support for themselves. As such, The Royal offers a variety of resources to meet family and caregiver needs for information, education, and support.
Family information and support sessions
As a family member or caregiver, we understand that your loved one’s mental health or substance use health can have a significant impact on you.
The Royal’s family information and support sessions are 90-minute, expert-led, live (not pre-recorded) events that highlight topics of interest to families and caregivers. They are an opportunity to learn from experts, find out about available resources, and connect with others. There is no cost to participate but registration is required. Most sessions take place on Zoom between September and June.
Past sessions include:
- Caring for loved ones with bipolar disorder
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Sleep disorders and tips for getting a good night's rest
- Insights into mental health, housing, and homelessness
- Demystifying treatment approaches for people with schizophrenia
- What is validation and how it can improve relationships
- Helping teens through tough times
- How to engage loved ones with a substance use disorder
The topics are developed based on the feedback of past participants and developed to empower family, friends and supporters’ wellness, coping, and relationships.
Other programs available to families of clients at The Royal include LEAP: Listen Empathize Agree & Partner (a two-part workshop that takes place in the spring and fall) and mental health first aid (offered on an annual basis).
Join our email list to be notified when family sessions and programs are offered.
The Client and Family Resource Hub
The Hub is a safe and welcoming space that serves as a one-stop-shop to support clients and families by providing information and resources, including peer support.
Click here for more information about The Hub and the services offered.
Mental health and addictions resource libraries
Families are welcome at The Royal’s resource libraries, located at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and the Brockville Mental Health Centre. Click here for more information and operating hours.
Links to more information and support services
- Frequently asked questions raised at family information and support groups
- Mental health resource page
- PDF of Ottawa mental health, addictions, and other specialized services compiled by The Royal’s Family Advisory Council
- Caring for Caregivers Resources 2.0 (updated March 2021)
- eMentalHealth.ca
- Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario
