Multifamily Group Support
Multifamily Group helps participants and families navigate early psychosis together.
What is Multifamily Group?
The Multifamily Group (MFG) is a structured group for participants and their families, including parents, siblings, partners, and other supports. Families meet with PIER clinicians alongside several other PIER families to learn more about early psychosis and the challenges that led them to the PIER Program.
Through shared learning and discussion, families gain a better understanding of symptoms, stress, and recovery while continuing everyday life at home, school, work, and in the community.
A quick look at the Multifamily Group from PIER.
How the Multifamily Group Works
Multifamily Group meets every two weeks for 90 minutes. Groups meet on the same day, at the same time, and in the same location to support consistency and routine. Meetings are typically held in the early evening, after school and work.
Groups follow a structured format led by two clinicians, with active participation encouraged from all families.
During Multifamily Group, families work together in a supportive, non-blaming environment to:
- Learn practical, step-by-step approaches to common challenges
- Better understand symptoms and behaviors related to brain changes
- Share experiences with other families facing similar situations
- Learn strategies to reduce stress and prevent symptom flare-ups
- Strengthen communication and problem-solving skills
Over time, many families report less conflict, greater understanding, and more confidence in responding to challenges.
Adolescence and young adulthood are naturally stressful periods. For individuals with vulnerability to stress, everyday challenges can contribute to changes in symptoms.
Multifamily Group helps families address common concerns such as:
- Isolation or withdrawal
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Challenges with school attendance or performance
- Difficulty finding or keeping a job
- Questions about medication
- Peer relationships and substance use
- Feeling different or out of place
Studies show that multifamily approaches can be more effective than working on these concerns through individual therapy alone.
If Things Are Going Well
Improvement is expected and something to celebrate. Multifamily Group remains helpful even during periods of stability by offering a consistent place to return to when questions or stressors arise.
The group supports ongoing learning, shared problem-solving, and long-term stability as participants and families move forward.
