Family Psychiatry is a specialty of psychiatry primarily concerned with family, caregivers and patients affected by mental disorders. This field takes care of psychiatrists and professionals who deal with patient's family network and treatment environment.

Historically, family involvement in patient's care ranges from family therapy (psychoanalytic and systemic- oriented) to family psychosocial treatments and psychoeducational interventions. Initially, the primary interest was severe mental illness, but other mental disorders and organic chronic disease have been recently attracted attention.


Family is the hallmark of community psychiatry. As a section, we provide a forum for practitioners and professionals to exchange experiences and views on all matters pertinent to family psychiatry. We organise activities at the main WPA meetings or regional conferences and develop guidance on relevant topics.