The Role of Robert Liberman in the Development of Family Psychoeducation

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, mental health professionals have come to recognize the enormous benefits that can be derived from involving the families of people with serious mental illness in the treatment enterprise. One of the earliest advocates for this perspective, Robert Liberman, has played a pivotal role in the development of evidence-based practices targeted to improving the outcomes for this population. From his early work starting in the 1970 s with Ian Falloon on behavioral family therapy for schizophrenia, through his influence as director of the UCLA Clinical Research Center in the 1980 s and ‘90 s on colleagues who applied family psychoeducation principles to the treatment of other mental disorders, to his most recent efforts designed to adapt these approaches to people of diverse cultural backgrounds, Liberman has steadfastly championed the value of teaching families the skills required to meet their needs and to enhance the social adjustment and quality of life of individuals with serious mental disorders.