Background Previous research investigating interventions which included family members and caregivers in the treatment of bipolar patients were shown to impact positively on patients’ outcomes. Although there is evidence that some family interventions showed improved relapse rates, other studies did not show any advantages in using family intervention over other modes of intervention and the evidence remains mixed. Purpose To review the existing literature so as to identify processes that have changed consequent to a family therapy treatment. Results In the process of conducting this review, twelve studies examining the usefulness of family therapy for bipolar disorder have been identified as meriting inclusion in this review. Family interventions included psychosocial intervention for family members and patients, with patient present or not present. Furthermore, studies evaluating family interventions were not restricted to individually based family interventions but included interventions with groups of families. Conclusions Overall patients with bipolar disorder seemed to thrive with more knowledgeable and supportive families. The different approaches in family therapy had a positive impact on families and proved successful in changing some family processes /dynamics which contributed to better outcomes for patients and their families. The impact of these treatments requires further study to help elucidate underlying mechanisms.