MHAAC provides services for family members of individuals with mental illness through two programs. Please see below for information on both programs.

Families Information & Referral Service

THE FAMILIES INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICE TELEPHONE (FIRST) is a central source of information, referral and advice for anyone in Alameda County who is trying to help a relative or friend with mental illness. FIRST provides information on the mental health system and law, referral to public and private services, and advice and help in sorting out options and making informed decisions.

Call (510) 835-0188.

Family Alliance

For many years, the MHAAC has provided information and support to families and other unpaid caregivers of persons with mental illness. In 1998, the MHAAC received a three-year grant from the United Way to begin a new service - the Family Caregiver Advocacy & Support Program. Since the United Way grant ended, Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services has provided major funding for the program.

The Family Caregiver Advocacy & Support Program has a full-time staff person, who is based part-time at the County's John George Psychiatric Pavilion in San Leandro and part-time at the MHAAC office in Oakland.

The Family Caregiver Advocate & Support Specialist is stationed in the voluntary crisis reception area at John George Psychiatric Pavilion on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. During these hours, she can be reached by phone at 510-835-0188.

The role of Family Caregiver Advocate & Support Specialist is to: Provide information on the mental health system, various mental illnesses, resources for help, and what to expect give brief written material to read and share with family members lend books and video tapes help answer questions supply a sympathetic listening ear.

On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, the Family/Caregiver Support Specialist is stationed in the MHAAC office. During these hours, she can also be reached by phone at 510-835-0188.