“Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) values the guidance, support and education NAMI SMC provides to family members that have a loved one living with a mental illness. BHRS staff regularly refers NAMI recognizing how important families are to the recovery process. Lastly, we appreciate the strong and effective NAMI advocacy on behalf of families and consumers of our services.”

Stephen Kaplan
LCSW Director, Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
San Mateo County

“Next to County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, NAMI is the third leg of the stool in the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) program since 2005.  CIT has trained over 500 first responders that have the knowledge and skills to deal more effectively with people in a mental health crisis. I have personally referred many families to NAMI chapters in the Bay Area in order to help them deal with the life changing events when a loved one suffers their first break.  NAMI is an invaluable resource to law enforcement in San Mateo County.”

Jim Coffman
Detective, Psychiatric Emergency Response Team San Mateo County

“NAMI San Mateo gave me a chance to grow. I dealt with a diagnosis of Paranoid Schizophrenia most of my life, and since taking the NAMI Peer-to-Peer class, I am now a Peer Mentor and their lead co-teacher. With the help of NAMI SMC, I have developed my leadership abilities and am a valued team member.”

Calvin Shelton
Redwood City

“I am one of the original founders of NAMI which started here in San Mateo County.  We called ourselves AMI (Alliance for the Mentally Ill) before the organization went national. At 90 years old, I am proud to be a member of NAMI SMC. Keep up the good work! Thanks for doing what you are doing.”

Teresa Walker — On Sept 9, 2017 our longtime friend and past NAMI SMC Board President past away at 92 years young.  Over the years, Terry worked tirelessly in a variety of capacities in the mental illness arena.  We salute Terry for her many contributions and appreciate all she has done for our community within NAMI SMC and in the mental health community; increasing awareness, supporting families and improving services!  Terry will be greatly missed!

“I’m really glad that I took the NAMI Peer-to-Peer class. Within 10 weeks I was able to get lots of new information and learn new techniques that I now use to make progress in my recovery.”

Gina Olinger, San Carlos