Abstract: This study assessed the influence of family-centered therapy on the treatment of mental disorders at Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital, Rwanda. Specifically, it examined the effects of family psychoeducation, patient advocacy, patient progress monitoring, and collaboration with psychiatric professionals on treatment outcomes. Guided by Family Systems Theory and Stress-Coping Theory, the study employed a descriptive case study design using a mixed-methods approach. From a target population of 1,743, a sample of 325 participants was determined using Slovin’s formula, comprising 9 mental health professionals, 210 family members, and 106 recovered patients. Purposive sampling was used for mental health professionals, while simple random sampling was applied to family members and recovered patients. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides, with instrument reliability confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha (≥0.70) and content validity established through expert review (CVI ≥0.70). Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics and regression analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that family-centered therapy significantly improved mental disorders treatment. Family psychoeducation was the strongest predictor of positive treatment outcomes (R = 0.966, R² = 0.934, β = 0.966), contributing to better medication adherence, reduced relapse, increased engagement in therapy, and enhanced family caregiving. Patient advocacy also had a significant positive influence (R = 0.791, R² = 0.626, β = 0.791), promoting patient participation in decision-making, effective communication, and dignity in care. Patient progress monitoring demonstrated a strong effect (R = 0.914, R² = 0.836, β = 0.914), facilitating timely clinical interventions and personalized care. Collaboration among psychiatric professionals showed a moderate but significant contribution (R = 0.731, R² = 0.534, β = 0.731), improving coordinated care and psychosocial outcomes. The study concludes that family-centered therapy is an effective framework for enhancing mental disorders treatment through structured family involvement, continuous patient monitoring, advocacy, and multidisciplinary collaboration. It recommends strengthening family psychoeducation, advocacy initiatives, monitoring systems, and interprofessional teamwork to improve mental health outcomes in Rwanda.
Keywords: Centered Therapy, Family, Mental Disorders, Treatment, Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital, Rwanda.
Title: Family-Centered Therapy and Mental Disorders Treatment in Rwanda: A Case of Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital (NNPTH)
Author: Rwabudandi Deogratias, Dr Maina Mararo, Mr Festus Irungu
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 14, Issue 3, July 2026 - September 2026
Page No: 148-160
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 28-July-2026
