Families


What Can Concerned Family Members Do About Mental Illness?

Logo Bird Families do not cause mental illnesses, but what they do can make a big difference in the course and severity of these illnesses. Families affected by mental illness need to be equipped with current reliable information and the best possible family coping skills to overcome the exceptional challenges of persistent mental illness and the mental health care system. Competent professionals will, with the ill family member’s permission, welcome family members as partners in providing effective care. Perhaps the most effective way for family members to become involved is family therapy. Family therapy has been demonstrated in at least nine scientific studies to reduce the ill family member’s symptom relapse rates an average of 35% over customary outpatient care.

How Dr. Yoman Can Help Families

Dr. Yoman offers evidence-based family therapy for serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia. Such therapy is practical, educating the family about their ill member’s diagnosis and improving the family’s communication and problem solving skills. Dr. Yoman will meet with each family member individually to learn about their concerns, then guide the family in identifying and working toward common goals. Usually this involves reducing family stress, increasing mutual support, and improving problems related to the mental illness.

 

General Office Information


Appointments

Dr. Yoman’s office hours are by appointment. Evening appointments are available. Please call (503) 643-9805 to request an appointment.

Fees

The standard fee for family therapy is $200/hour. If you are on a limited income, discounts are available. Payment is due after each session. Dr. Yoman also accepts Medicare and certain other insurance as payment for services.

Emergencies

Dr. Yoman reviews throughout the day messages left at his office number. Dr. Yoman does not provide immediate response crisis services. If you think you may want to contact him on an urgent basis, please ask about this at your appointment. If you need emergency help, please call 911.

Suggested Reading for Family Members

  • Hatfield, A.B., & Lefley, H.P. (1993). Surviving Mental Illness: Stress, Coping, and Adaptation. New York: Guilford.
  • Marsh, D.T., & Dickens, R. (1997). How to Cope with Mental Illness in Your Family: A Self-Care Guide for Siblings, Offspring and Parents. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam.
  • Mondimore, F.M. (2006). Bipolar disorder: A guide for patients and families (2nd ed.). New York: Johns Hopkins University Press.
  • Mueser, K.T., & Gingerich, S.L. (2006). The Complete Family Guide to Schizophrenia. New York: Guilford Publications.
  • Rosen, L.E., & Amador, X.F. (1996). When Someone You Love Is Depressed: How to Help Your Loved One without Losing Yourself. New York: Simon & Schuster.
 

Specialties

Dr. Yoman was trained in the leading form of evidence-based mental health practice, called cognitive-behavioral therapy. He can help adults of all ages with most goals and problems, but he has extensive specialized training and experience in helping people with:

  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Communication Skills Problems
  • Family Stress Related to Serious Mental Illness
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Substance Abuse
 

Links to Resources and More Information

Organizations:

Information About Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Information from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) on various mental health diagnoses:

Evidence-Based Care for Individuals Suffering from Disabling Mental Illness

Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (for combined mental health and drug/alcohol problems):