NAMI Basics

NAMI Basics is a 6-session education program for parents, caregivers, and other family who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. This course is taught by a trained team with lived experience raising a child with a mental health condition. They know what you’re going through because they’ve been there too.

By participating in NAMI Basics, you’ll realize that you are not alone. You’ll find support and shared understanding—compassion, reinforcement, and empathy from people who truly get your situation. And don’t forget: Your experiences may also help others in the course. Together, you will all learn that recovery is a journey, and there is hope.

NAMI Basics Covers:

  • The impact mental health conditions can have on your entire family

  • Different types of mental health care professionals, available treatment options, and therapies

  • An overview of the public mental health care, school and juvenile justice systems, and resources to help you navigate these systems

  • How to advocate for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings

  • How to prepare for and respond to crisis situations (self-harm, suicide attempts, etc.)

  • The importance of taking care of yourself

NAMI Family-to-Family

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free 8-session educational program for family members, significant others, and caregivers of people living with mental illness* (see below). It is a designated evidence-based program. Research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to an individual living with a mental health condition. NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussion, and interactive exercises.

What You’ll Gain:

NAMI Family-to-Family not only provides critical information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you’ll also find out that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.

The group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support and shared positive impact—you can experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. You can also help others through your own experience.

NAMI Family-to-Family Covers:

  • How to manage crises, solve problems, and communicate effectively

  • Taking care of yourself and managing your stress

  • Developing the confidence and stamina to provide support with compassion

  • Finding and using local supports and services

  • Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain

  • Current treatments, including evidence-based therapies, medications, and side effects

  • The impact of mental illness on the entire family