Family Therapy Psychiatrists in San Luis Obispo County, CA

Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405  (Online Only)
As a family and community psychiatrist, he performs respectful psychotherapy with empathy in addition to careful medication management.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
As a family and community psychiatrist, he performs respectful psychotherapy with empathy in addition to careful medication management.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
(805) 920-8363 View (805) 920-8363
Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93402  (Online Only)
As a family and community psychiatrist, he performs respectful psychotherapy with empathy in addition to careful medication management.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
As a family and community psychiatrist, he performs respectful psychotherapy with empathy in addition to careful medication management.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
(805) 203-9021 View (805) 203-9021
Photo of Murat Akalin, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Murat Akalin
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
He is also Board Certified in Family Medicine, and skilled in the treatment of psychiatric conditions in patients with medical illness such as brain injury, dementia, stroke, heart disease, and cancer.
Dr. Murat Akalin is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Family Medicine. He treats adults, children and adolescents. He is expertly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric illness, including use of medications. He uses exercise, nutrition, behavioral, social and environmental interventions to help his patients, as well as medication when needed. You may visit our website at www.DrAkalin.com for more information about our services.
He is also Board Certified in Family Medicine, and skilled in the treatment of psychiatric conditions in patients with medical illness such as brain injury, dementia, stroke, heart disease, and cancer.
Dr. Murat Akalin is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Family Medicine. He treats adults, children and adolescents. He is expertly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric illness, including use of medications. He uses exercise, nutrition, behavioral, social and environmental interventions to help his patients, as well as medication when needed. You may visit our website at www.DrAkalin.com for more information about our services.
(760) 615-5036 View (760) 615-5036
Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Khadija Hamisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
(805) 723-2587 View (805) 723-2587
Photo of Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(559) 462-3060 View (559) 462-3060
Photo of Daniel Jon Kostalnick, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist
Daniel Jon Kostalnick
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
CNS Medical Group, APMC is an independent psychiatric medical practice that offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to whole person health and wellness in a confidential private practice setting. Our patients include adolescents, adults and families with an emphasis on both medical management and psychotherapy.
CNS Medical Group, APMC is an independent psychiatric medical practice that offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to whole person health and wellness in a confidential private practice setting. Our patients include adolescents, adults and families with an emphasis on both medical management and psychotherapy.
(925) 481-5408 View (925) 481-5408
Photo of Brittnai Johnson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Brittnai Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Nipomo, CA 93444  (Online Only)
My name is Brittnai Johnson. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 12 years of experience in the field of Psychiatry. I use a person-centered approach to therapy and have a broad focus, such as Trauma, LGBTQ+, Mood Disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and many others! I use person-centered care to create a safe, non-judgmental environment and cater to each person for an individualized treatment plan.
My name is Brittnai Johnson. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 12 years of experience in the field of Psychiatry. I use a person-centered approach to therapy and have a broad focus, such as Trauma, LGBTQ+, Mood Disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and many others! I use person-centered care to create a safe, non-judgmental environment and cater to each person for an individualized treatment plan.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Gundu Anupama Reddy - Online Psychiatrist in California, MD, MBBS, Psychiatrist
Online Psychiatrist in California
Psychiatrist, MD, MBBS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93306  (Online Only)
She screens all patients for medical, endocrine, and nutritional factors which may be exacerbating symptoms, as well as environmental, occupational, family, and past trauma/psychodynamic factors.
Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in California. Prior to starting residency at Mount Sinai School of medicine, she pursued additional research in HIV Psychiatry. As well as residency training, she has also pursued further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. She states that whether prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms will cause help to enhance the quality of care. As well as psychodynamic training Dr. Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.
She screens all patients for medical, endocrine, and nutritional factors which may be exacerbating symptoms, as well as environmental, occupational, family, and past trauma/psychodynamic factors.
Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in California. Prior to starting residency at Mount Sinai School of medicine, she pursued additional research in HIV Psychiatry. As well as residency training, she has also pursued further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. She states that whether prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms will cause help to enhance the quality of care. As well as psychodynamic training Dr. Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.
(661) 426-2658 View (661) 426-2658
Photo of Mottsin Thomas, MD, Psychiatrist
Mottsin Thomas
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309  (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(844) 994-2538 View (844) 994-2538
Photo of Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mariam Fazil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
(805) 387-6790 View (805) 387-6790
Photo of Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Maria, CA 93455  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(831) 318-8262 View (831) 318-8262
Photo of Victoria Balogun, DNP, PHMPN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Victoria Balogun
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PHMPN
Verified Verified
Lompoc, CA 93436  (Online Only)
Hello, I’m Victoria Balogun, a dedicated Psychiatry Nurse Practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice. I specialize in medication management for a range of mental health conditions. With a focus on depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders, I bring over 5 years of experience in providing compassionate care and evidence-based treatment to my clients. My approach is rooted in understanding each individual's unique needs and circumstances. Whether you're navigating the challenges of mood disorders or seeking solutions for improved sleep, I am committed to empowering you on your journey to mental wellness.
Hello, I’m Victoria Balogun, a dedicated Psychiatry Nurse Practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice. I specialize in medication management for a range of mental health conditions. With a focus on depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders, I bring over 5 years of experience in providing compassionate care and evidence-based treatment to my clients. My approach is rooted in understanding each individual's unique needs and circumstances. Whether you're navigating the challenges of mood disorders or seeking solutions for improved sleep, I am committed to empowering you on your journey to mental wellness.
(805) 500-7757 View (805) 500-7757
Photo of Michael Bolton, MD, Psychiatrist
Michael Bolton
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
I am a Harvard-Trained Board Certified psychiatrist in Santa Barbara. I specialize in ADHD, as well as issues related to positive psychiatry, well-being, achievement in college and at work. I am a former interviewer for Harvard and Yale, and my interest is in helping others achieve work-life balance and meaning in their lives. Please visit my new office and website and click on "request a consult" and I'll be in touch! BecomeYourAuthenticSelf.com
I am a Harvard-Trained Board Certified psychiatrist in Santa Barbara. I specialize in ADHD, as well as issues related to positive psychiatry, well-being, achievement in college and at work. I am a former interviewer for Harvard and Yale, and my interest is in helping others achieve work-life balance and meaning in their lives. Please visit my new office and website and click on "request a consult" and I'll be in touch! BecomeYourAuthenticSelf.com
(805) 730-0370 View (805) 730-0370
Photo of Orah Mahtov, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Orah Mahtov
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101  (Online Only)
Orah Mahtov is a highly experienced, dual certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry and psychotherapy in California. With years of experience in diverse medical settings, Orah discovered her passion for mental health and obtained a post-master’s certificate in psychiatry at California State University, Los Angeles.
Orah Mahtov is a highly experienced, dual certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry and psychotherapy in California. With years of experience in diverse medical settings, Orah discovered her passion for mental health and obtained a post-master’s certificate in psychiatry at California State University, Los Angeles.
(805) 572-7802 View (805) 572-7802
Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist
Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals.,​ Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals.,​ Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
(805) 389-4525 View (805) 389-4525
Photo of Carla Hammond - Brainpower Wellness Institute, Psychiatrist
Brainpower Wellness Institute
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Brainpower Wellness Institute is a leading center for children and adolescent psychiatry. We provide comprehensive and compassionate care to children and adolescents ages 5 through 18. Our team of experienced and board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and tic disorders.
Brainpower Wellness Institute is a leading center for children and adolescent psychiatry. We provide comprehensive and compassionate care to children and adolescents ages 5 through 18. Our team of experienced and board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and tic disorders.
(805) 552-5878 View (805) 552-5878
Photo of Sherif El-Asyouty, MD, Psychiatrist
Sherif El-Asyouty
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93111  (Online Only)
Dr. El-Asyouty believes it’s important to not confuse the person with their illness. Alcoholism, substance abuse and chemical dependency are all diseases that affect the nervous system resulting in a loss of control over the use of substances. Dr. El-Asyouty is aware of the need to be very careful about using addictive medications in patients who are in recovery from addiction. Additionally, it is also important to recognize that people who are in recovery from depression and anxiety usually also require a change in the way that the individual processes feeling information, which Dr. El-Asyouty provides in a training program.
Dr. El-Asyouty believes it’s important to not confuse the person with their illness. Alcoholism, substance abuse and chemical dependency are all diseases that affect the nervous system resulting in a loss of control over the use of substances. Dr. El-Asyouty is aware of the need to be very careful about using addictive medications in patients who are in recovery from addiction. Additionally, it is also important to recognize that people who are in recovery from depression and anxiety usually also require a change in the way that the individual processes feeling information, which Dr. El-Asyouty provides in a training program.
(805) 870-8046 View (805) 870-8046
Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Khadija Hamisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
(657) 300-2401 View (657) 300-2401
Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Khadija Hamisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Maria, CA 93458
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
(209) 268-3161 View (209) 268-3161
Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Khadija Hamisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
(415) 862-3150 View (415) 862-3150

See more therapy options for San Luis Obispo County

Family Therapy Psychiatrists

What do family therapists do?

A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.

How long does therapy for families take to work?

Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.

How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?

You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.

Is therapy for families effective?

Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.