Library
Everything you need, in one place.
Guides, checklists and forms for families of a loved one with serious mental illness.
Call or text 988 any time, day or night.
Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
Benefits and money
SSI, Medicaid, and keeping money in your loved one's name.
- GuideSSI, SSDI and childhood disability benefitsHow the three programs differ, who qualifies, and how Medicaid and Medicare attach.
- ChecklistHow do I prepare for an SSI interview for an adult loved one with mental illness?A conversation, not a test. Steps, what to bring, what to ask, and what Social Security asks.
- ToolSSI earnings estimatorAn estimate of an SSI payment and an Illinois Medicaid income check.
- FormLease agreementRoom and board when a loved one on SSI lives at home, with a blank form.
- GuideDenied SSI or SSDIHow to appeal within 60 days, what to add, and what a representative costs.
- GuideDisabled adult child benefitsWhen an adult child can get Social Security on a parent's record.
- GuideApplying for disability before release from jailHow Social Security's prerelease procedure works, and what happens to Medicaid.
- GuideVA benefits when your loved one servedDisability, pension, family support, and free accredited help.
During and after a crisis
What to do now, and what to have ready next time.
- GuideWhat to do after a mental health crisisThe first 72 hours, preventing relapse, and where to get ongoing support.
- GuideSleeping all day and no motivationWhen long sleep and low motivation may be the illness, medication, or depression.
- GuideLong-acting injectionsWhat research shows, how often they're given, and how to talk about them.
- FormGrab-and-go health recordA blank record for the ER, a new psychiatrist, or a hospital stay.
- GuideWhen a loved one dies by suicide or overdoseGrief, the first weeks, and where to find support.
- GuideWhen a loved one hurts someone in the familyHow to keep everyone safe, get a lawyer, and care for the people who were hurt.
- GuideWhen a loved one refuses treatmentA record, a long-acting medication, and the rules where your loved one lives.
- GuideAfter a first psychotic episodeWhat recovery research shows, how early care works, and first steps for families.
- GuideWhen a loved one is in jailHow to share medication information, ask for care, and plan for release.
- GuideThe first 48 hours after an arrestHow to find the jail, share medications, and ask about mental health court.
- GuideSuicide warning signs and what to doWarning signs that a loved one may be thinking about suicide, and what to do right now.
- GuideWhen a loved one is homeless and refuses helpStaying connected, outreach teams, and benefits help when a loved one refuses.
- GuideHow to make a safety plan with your loved oneWrite warning signs, coping steps, who to call, and how to make the home safer.
- GuideBurned out helping a loved oneSigns of burnout, one small break, and where a family member can get support.
- GuideA protective order when a loved one has mental illnessHow to ask a court for a protective order, and how to plan for safety.
- GuideCannabis and psychosisWhat research says about daily high-potency cannabis and psychosis, and what families can do.
- GuideClozapine: what families need to knowBlood tests, side effects, and safety steps after other medicines did not help.
- GuideWhen a loved one with mental illness is missingReport a missing loved one right away, then call hospitals, jails, and NamUs.
- GuideWhen your loved one denies the illnessLack of awareness is part of the illness. How to tell denial from anosognosia and share what you saw.
During a hospital stay and discharge
Where your loved one will sleep, the written plan, and what to ask before they leave.
- GuidePsychiatric dischargeTalk to the social worker before discharge day. Leave with a written plan, medications, and a first follow-up appointment.
- GuideQuestions before psychiatric dischargeWhat to ask about housing, a follow-up visit, benefits, and safety.
- GuideWhere your loved one will sleep tonightThe address and the person expecting your loved one on discharge night.
- GuideWhat is in a written discharge planWhat a written discharge plan should name before your loved one leaves.
- GuideMedications and the first follow-upEvery medication, what changed, and a follow-up visit within 7 days.
- GuideWhen discharge feels unsafeWhat to put in writing when a discharge does not feel safe.
- ChecklistPsychiatric discharge checklistFive things that matter before your loved one leaves.
Family and the future
Roles, legal tools, and who steps in next.
- GuideHow to support a sibling with serious mental illnessPractical steps and legal tools for siblings.
- GuidePartner with schizophrenia or bipolarWhat makes it workable, and how to protect yourself and your kids.
- GuideWhen a partner leaves during a manic episodeWhat mania can change, and how to start healing.
- GuideGrieving who your loved one used to beWhy this grief is real, why it comes in waves, and what helps.
- GuideWill my loved one recover or live independentlyWhat research says about recovery, and steps that help someone live well.
- GuideWhen other relatives deny the illnessWhat to say when relatives call it just a phase, and why you don't need everyone to agree.
- GuideGroup home or supported housingHow a group home differs from a home of one's own, and what Olmstead requires.
- GuideHouse rules when an adult child lives at homeAgreements at home, and tenant rights in Illinois, Wisconsin, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
By state
Rules that change depending on where you live.
- GuideIf you live in IllinoisMedicaid after an SSI decision and how to read a letter.
- GuideIf you live in WisconsinHow SSI starts Medicaid, the state SSI payment, and reading a letter.
- GuideIf you live in DCMedicaid after SSI, the state payment, crisis lines, and housing.
- GuideIf you live in MarylandMedicaid after SSI, the state payment, and mobile crisis.
- GuideIf you live in VirginiaMedicaid after SSI, the Auxiliary Grant, and Community Services Boards.
- GuideIf you live in California5150 holds, CARE Court, free legal aid, and SSI appeals.
- GuideOne addressWhere to update an address after a move.
- GuideCrime victim compensation in Illinois and WisconsinFunerals, counseling, and lost wages, including when your own loved one caused the harm.
- GuideAssisted outpatient treatment in Illinois and WisconsinWho qualifies, and how a family files in each state.
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