How Families Support Recovery - The Blanchard Institute

Family Support & Treatment Resources

We believe that recovery from substance use disorders and mental health struggles works better when families are part of it. At The Blanchard Institute, we build family support in from week one, with in-person and virtual options across all of North Carolina.

Call 704-288-1097 Join a Family Workshop

Family involvement from the start

Family education & workshops

Virtual & in-person family therapy

Tools for life beyond treatment

Watching someone you love go through addiction or mental illness is one of the hardest things a family can face.

You may feel scared, guilty, exhausted, or unsure of what to say or do next, and that’s normal. The Blanchard Institute treats substance use disorder as a family disease, which means your support and your healing are part of the plan, not an afterthought.

According to NAMI North Carolina, more than 1.8 million North Carolina adults live with a mental health condition, more than three times the population of Raleigh.

Family involvement here isn’t a single session or a one-time “family day.” It starts as soon as your loved one begins treatment, and it continues through group therapy sessions and ongoing programming that doesn’t stop when treatment ends.

Parents

Spouses & partners

Siblings & adult children

Friends, mentors & sponsors

Need steady support when family isn’t available? Learn more about Change Agents – our involved Alumni sponsors.

What to Expect from Family Support at The Blanchard Institute

Family therapy at least every other week throughout PHP and IOP, more often if your family needs it

Families in Healing, a weekly group every Thursday evening (1.25 hours), open even after your loved one discharges

Saturday multi-family group, held virtually every Saturday from 9am–12pm

New family orientation, offered every other Saturday morning for families just getting started

Virtual or in-person participation, at any of our three locations

I am…

An involved family member or loved oneReady to learn what to expect from family sessions.A family member or loved one unable to participateWanting to know what support looks like for my loved one without me.

Family Support, Wherever They Are

Family involvement isn’t a feature we added for virtual care, it’s the foundation of how we treat people, in-person or on-screen.

Family-Focused Treatment

Family involvement is built into PHP and IOP care. When clinically appropriate, family sessions are incorporated throughout treatment to strengthen communication, address family dynamics and support lasting progress.

Enhanced Family Support

Families gain a deeper understanding of mental health and substance use disorders, along with practical tools for communication, healthy boundaries and supporting their loved one without navigating the process alone.

Feeling like you’re walking on eggshells at home

Not knowing where healthy boundaries start and end

Guilt over things said or done during the hardest moments

Feeling isolated, like no one else understands what your family is going through

Wanting to help but not knowing what actually helps

What Happens When You Reach Out

Connect with our team.

Call us or reach out through admissions, we’ll talk through your situation and how family programming fits into your loved one’s treatment.

Get connected early.

If your loved one is starting treatment, expect a call from their clinician within the first week to begin scheduling family sessions.

Participate in ongoing family programming.

Continue building skills and connection through recurring family programming, including our Thursday Families in Healing group and Saturday multi-family sessions. In person and virtual options make it easier for families to stay actively involved throughout treatment.

Family therapy is included as part of insurance coverage once your loved one is admitted to treatment, there’s no separate cost to participate.

Call 704-288-1097 Verify Insurance Benefits

When does family involvement start?

From the very beginning. Family involvement can begin during the assessment process, helping us better understand the full picture and how we can support both the client and their loved ones throughout treatment.

How often are family sessions?

Individual family sessions are typically held at least every other week during PHP and IOP, with additional sessions based on clinical and family needs. Families also have access to recurring family programming throughout treatment.

What happens at my first family session?

During the first family session, the client and their loved ones meet with a clinician to discuss family dynamics, concerns, communication, and goals for treatment. Families also learn what to expect during PHP or IOP and begin developing practical skills for communication, healthy boundaries, and supporting their loved one during mental health or substance use treatment.

Is family participation required?

It’s highly recommended, not required. If family isn’t available, clients can lean on friends, mentors, sponsors, or a TBI Change Agent instead.

Can I participate virtually?

Yes. Family members can participate virtually in individual family sessions and our Saturday multi family group. Virtual family programming is available regardless of which location your loved one attends, making it easier for family members to stay involved in mental health or substance use treatment even when they cannot attend in person.

Is there anything for families after my loved one completes treatment?

Yes. Family support can continue after a loved one completes treatment at The Blanchard Institute. Our Families in Healing group meets every Thursday evening and remains available to families after discharge, providing continued education, connection, and support as families navigate life after mental health or substance use treatment.

Does insurance cover family therapy?

Yes. Family programming is integrated into PHP and IOP treatment at The Blanchard Institute and is available to families once their loved one begins care. This includes family sessions and ongoing family programming designed to support both the client and their loved ones throughout treatment.

Is family programming billed separately?

Family programming is included as part of your loved one’s treatment program and is not an additional service families need to purchase separately.

How much time should families plan for during PHP or IOP treatment?

Family involvement is designed to work alongside everyday responsibilities. Families can participate in our Thursday evening Families in Healing group, Saturday multi family sessions, and individual family sessions scheduled with the treatment team. Virtual options are also available, making it easier to stay involved without requiring significant time away from work or other responsibilities.

What can I do if my loved one needs mental health or addiction treatment but isn’t ready to get help?

You do not have to wait until your loved one is ready for treatment to ask for guidance. The Blanchard Institute’s admissions team can talk with you about what you are seeing, answer questions about mental health and substance use treatment options, explain the admissions process, and help you understand possible next steps. You can call even if you are not sure what level of care your loved one needs.

How do I know if my loved one needs PHP or IOP treatment?

PHP and IOP provide structured mental health or addiction treatment without requiring them to go away. The appropriate level of care depends on factors such as symptoms, safety, daily functioning, substance use, previous treatment, and the amount of support needed. The Blanchard Institute can begin with a prescreening call and schedule a clinical assessment to determine the appropriate level of care.

What role does family play in mental health and substance use treatment?

Family involvement can help loved ones better understand mental health and substance use disorders, improve communication, establish healthy boundaries, and learn how to support progress during and after treatment. At The Blanchard Institute, family involvement is integrated into PHP and IOP rather than treated as a separate resource.

You don’t have to figure it out alone, and you don’t have to put your life on hold to get help.

Call 704-288-1097