We offer peer-to-peer support for parents whose teens and young adults are dealing with mental health issues. Attend one of our three monthly virtual meetings and discover a caring and comforting community.
From Our Founder
As a Family Sanity participant, I'd like to invite you to be a part of our new Family Sanity Membership Program. Some parents have been attending since our inception 12 years ago, take a break for a while and then return years later. We are very appreciative that our groups have been helpful to you and your family for so many years. The demands of parenting challenging teens and young adults often lasts our entire lifetimes and having a sense of a supportive community does indeed help.
With that said, we are now offering a year-long Family Sanity Membership to those who make a $100 donation or more before the end of 2025. (Family Sanity is a 501c3 registered non-profit.) This offer is good only through December 31, 2025.
With your donation, you will be able to:
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Attend any and all parent support groups*.
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Receive a special newsletter /email just for Family Sanity Members.
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Reserve your place in an upcoming meeting by simply clicking on the email rather than going through the website.
SPECIAL FREE EVENT!!!
Cannabis and Psychosis
Does your teen or young adult vape? Are they, in your opinion, addicted to pot? If they use marijuana, do they buy it from a dispensary or on the street? Does it matter where they get it?
Our guest speaker Alexis Spalding, PsyD CADC-I, is a psychologist at Kaiser in Walnut Creek and an expert in the field. Dr. Spalding will explain how brain chemistry is affected by cannabis. Since today’s marijuana is much stronger than in the 60’s and 70’s, she’ll let us know how that is an important factor in the situation.
This special event will be followed by a one hour meeting facilitated by Founder Lisa Scimens and parent coach Sarah MacKay Lynch. All parents of teens and young adults are invited.
Upcoming Support Groups
Happy Holidays, Everyone!
All December meetings are free!
Parents of Teens
Monthly Parent Support Groups
(All meetings are virtual except 2/1/2026)
Sundays: 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Next Meeting Dates (click date to register)
Jan 11 Feb 1 (in-person) Mar 1 Apr 12 May 3
Saturdays: 2:00PM - 4:00PM (Virtual)
Next Meeting Dates (click date to register):
Parents of Older Teens and Young Adults (18 to 38 years)
Monthly Parent Support Group
Tuesdays: 7:00PM - 9:00PM
Virtual (online)
Next Meeting Dates (click date to register):
We usually suggest a $10 donation for Family Sanity Meetings to help cover our administrative costs. Please contact founder Lisa Scimens to request financial assistance lisascimens@gmail.com.
Family Sanity is truly a volunteer run organization. Our facilitators, our parent coach, and our founder all work without compensation. Our operating costs have increased dramatically this year, so please donate whatever you can.
To donate via check, contact founder Lisa Scimens at lisachimens@gmail.com for the mailing address.
Parenting Blogs
Self Care - 133 Thinks to Do For Yourself
by Warrior Mom
Self care is the key to a healthy, happy and balanced life. As a parent to a struggling teen or a care-giver to others (your own parents, a relative, a friend) we often neglect our own needs and forget that we have to focus on ourselves, too. We can only help others when we are whole. It isn't selfish, but vital to our energy, stamina, mental health, and spirit.
Parenting Solutions for Every Stage
Sarah MacKay Lynch, M.A.
At Family Sanity, we get it--parenting a complex teen or young adult is tough. Whether you're navigating daily conflict, substance use, or a slow path to independence...
There is help. And there is hope.
Most parents want to:
✔ Worry less
✔ Feel more connected to their teen or young adult
✔ Reduce daily conflict
✔ Empower their child to manage their life
The change we want starts with us. Together, we create clear strategies to help you parent with more confidence and calm,.
Ways We Can Work Together:
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1:1 Parent Coaching
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Laser Group Coaching Sessions
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Support Groups
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Parenting Book Club
Let’s Talk.
📧 Email: sarahmackaycoaching@gmail.com
🌐 Schedule a FREE 25-minute consultation
Do you need to talk to someone ASAP?
Caregiving isn’t easy.
Providing care to someone with a mental health condition comes with unique challenges: Seeing someone you love in pain, navigating red tape through confusing systems, fighting stigma and myths about mental illness, and advocating for your loved one when no one else will.
To be a caregiver is to practice resilience, strength, and compassion, braving challenge after challenge. With the new NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine, you can find support rooted in lived experience and designed to help you access resources and find hope. If nothing else feels easy, finding experienced support can be. Take a moment today to connect with the NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine available Monday through Friday, 7am to 7pm Pacific.
Call: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or Text: 62640
https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/family-caregiver-helpline/
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 7-8pm
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Testimonials
"Family Sanity has been a lifesaver for me raising 2 teenagers and now young adults as a single mom. I don’t have a great support system, and my siblings / acquaintances really have no idea about raising neuro-divergent kids."