Educating and empowering children, relieving and supporting parents: Counseling centers provide special assistance for families with a mentally ill parent. This is complemented by effective networking. Families with a mentally ill parent can be successfully supported through counseling. This success is attributed to the systemic approach and good cooperative practices of counseling centers. Based on the effects of mental illnesses on children and parents, interventions such as psychoeducation, resilience promotion, parenting advice, group work, etc., are addressed. A particular focus is placed on the development of the institution's competencies and the establishment of effective cooperation. The author outlines a way to welcome families and offer them the best possible support, balancing child welfare, understanding of illness, and sustainable networking.