[Family psychoeducation in Japan]

Family psychoeducation in Japan has developed in a way based only on family participation. Because of Zenkaren (a nationwide organization of families of mentally ill) had been established in 1965, and family classes were held in many places. We made a nationwide survey of the family support programs (1994-1996 and 2001). In 2001, the percentage of programs at Public Health Centers has increased from 68.6% to 75.5%, and programs which are structured as psychoeducation have increased from 18.9% to 48.6%. But in Mental Hospitals, there is no remarkable change. Although psychoeducation is expanding as a family support programs, for further development, patients participation and focusing on developing coping skills should be encouraged, medical fee must be scheduled for family psycoeducation.