What family support is
Family support helps families and caregivers navigate mental health care with confidence. At A Body & Mind Health Services, family support is practical, encouraging guidance for the people who care for a loved one with mental health needs, whether that loved one is a child, a teenager, or an adult. It focuses on understanding services, strengthening communication, and building the everyday routines that help a family move forward together.
Family support is not a replacement for counseling. It works alongside counseling, case management, peer support, and other services, giving families a clear point of contact and a steady source of information as needs change. Families often come to family support when they feel unsure where to start, overwhelmed by appointments and paperwork, or in need of someone who understands what caregiving really involves.
Who family support may generally help
Family support may generally help parents and caregivers who are supporting a child or teenager with emotional, behavioral, or mental health concerns, as well as adults who support a spouse, sibling, or other family member. It can also help families who are new to mental health services and want help understanding options, or families who have been involved in services for some time and want fresh ideas and encouragement.
Every family is different, and support is shaped around your situation. Some families need help finding the right services, while others need help communicating, setting routines, or coping with the stress that caregiving can bring. Family support meets you where you are and focuses on strengths, goals, and practical next steps.
What family support may include
- Help understanding mental health services and how to access them
- Support with appointments, referrals, and follow-up
- Guidance on communication within the family and with providers
- Ideas for daily routines, structure, and coping strategies
- Connections to community resources and other ABM services
- Encouragement and a listening ear from someone who understands caregiving
What a week with family support may look like
A typical week may include a planned meeting or phone call with a family support provider, in person, by phone, or by telehealth. Between meetings, families may work on small, practical goals, such as following up on a referral, trying a new routine at home, or preparing questions for an upcoming appointment. The schedule is set together, based on what your family needs most at the time, and it can change as circumstances change.
Family support can be short-term, focused on a specific question or transition, or it can continue over a longer period while a loved one is engaged in counseling or other services. In either case, the aim is the same: to help your family feel more informed, more connected, and more confident about the path ahead.
Insurance and getting started
We accept most insurance plans in Idaho, and Medicaid is welcome. We help verify benefits before services begin, so you know what to expect. Family support is available at our Idaho offices and by telehealth statewide in Idaho.
Frequently asked questions
Is family support the same as counseling? No. Counseling focuses on talking through concerns and learning coping skills with a counselor, while family support focuses on practical guidance, information, and encouragement for families and caregivers.
Can family support be combined with other services? Yes. Family support often works alongside counseling, case management, peer support, or CBRS, depending on what your family needs.
How do I start? Call A Body & Mind Health Services at 208-683-8320 or visit our Get Started page. We will talk through your needs, help check benefits, and arrange the next step, in person or by telehealth.
Get started today
If you are a parent, caregiver, or family member looking for support in Idaho, we are here to help. Call 208-683-8320 or visit our Get Started page to begin.