Family Bridger Pilot Program

Led by Co-Principal Investigators, Akansha Vaswani-Bye, PhD and Maria Monroe-DeVita, PhD, UW SPIRIT Center developed and pilot-tested a Family Bridger model, whereby families with lived experience with a loved one who has experienced psychosis were trained to provide support and resources to other families when their loved one with psychosis received services in early psychosis care and inpatient care.  

To develop the Family Bridger model, we conducted nine focus groups (n = 58) with families and caregivers of individuals who have experienced early psychosis. Families were asked about the kinds of resources and skills they would have liked to have had when their loved one was first hospitalized and during transition to outpatient care. Qualitative analyses revealed five core elements:  education, emotional support, advocacy, resource provision, and skill-building.  

Family Bridger Pilot with New Journeys Outpatient Teams (Anonymous Donors):  In 2021, we developed and pilot-tested a Family Bridger model that included three Family Bridgers providing support and skill-building to families whose loved ones were enrolled in Washington State New Journeys First Episode Psychosis (FEP) programs. Findings suggest a feasible and acceptable Family Bridger model.  

Family Bridger Pilot During Hospitalization and Community Transition (Garvey Institute for Brain Health Solutions): In 2024-25, a second pilot study was conducted with families whose loved ones with psychosis were hospitalized and during transition to the community. Findings suggest a feasible and acceptable Family Bridger model that demonstrates preliminary effectiveness.  

For more information about these projects, please contact Maria Monroe-DeVita (mmdv@uw.edu).