Psychoeducation

During a psychoeducation session, a patient or their loved ones learn about the patient’s mental health diagnosis. 

Through psychoeducation, an evidence-based therapeutic intervention, individuals can better cope with their condition through having an increased understanding of the condition.

Psychoeducation can be offered in one-on-one settings and in group settings. It can be administered by many kinds of mental health clinicians, such as social workers, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health workers, and others. 

During a psychoeducation setting, a mental health clinician may:

• Explain the signs and symptoms of a mental health diagnosis
• Describe how a medication or treatment may help symptoms
• Explain the side effects, both positive and negative, of medications that are prescribed
• Help family members and caregivers understand how to best support a loved one with a mental health condition

The goal of psychoeducation is for the patient and caregiver(s) to have a better understanding of the condition, leading to increased treatment compliance and more positive treatment outcomes.