FAMILY THERAPY IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW WITH INDIAN CONTEXTUAL AND PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVES

Family-based interventions have broadened from early systemic work in psychosis to encompass a range of approaches for mood disorders, developmental and behavioral conditions, and substance related problems. This review integrates core theoretical models (e.g. systems theory, communication patterns) and clinical schools of family therapy (structural, strategic, Bowenian, experiential, cognitive-behavioral, and family-focused therapies) with an emphasis on evidence and relevance in contemporary practice. We highlight key therapeutic mechanisms such as lowering expressed emotion, enhancing communication and problem-solving skills, and bolstering family support of treatment adherence.Sociocultural and resource factors that shape family involvement in settings like India are examined, and the critical role of psychiatric social workers in assessment, education, intervention delivery, and advocacy is discussed. Challenges related to limited specialized training, engagement and ethical complexities are reviewed. Emerging directions, including culturally adapted practice and telehealth-enabled family work, are described. Overall, this narrative review argues that family therapy is an essential component of person-centered,recovery-oriented mental health care,especially in contexts where families remain primary caregivers and supports.