About Us

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Mateo County (SMC), was founded in 1974 as the Parents of Adult Schizophrenics. The organization was subsequently renamed the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of San Mateo County, until its reformation in 1979 as the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI SMC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) exempt organization governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of family members who have a loved one with a mental illness and other interested parties involved in the local mental health community. As an independently operating nonprofit, NAMI San Mateo County receives no funding from NAMI National nor NAMI California.

Our programs and activities include:

NAMI Family-to-Family education classes offered 4–6 times throughout the year
NAMI Peer-to-Peer education classes for individuals diagnosed with a severe mental illness offered 3–4 times throughout the year
NAMI Basics education classes offered 2–3 times per year
NAMI Provider Education classes for mental health professionals offered upon request
Parents and Teachers as Allies presentation available to schools upon request
“Ending the Silence” presentation available to highschools upon request
In Our Own Voice presentations providing speakers to churches, schools, educational classes, health fairs and community events upon request
Providing 10 family and individual (connection) support group meetings held throughout the County at 8 locations
Bimonthly General Meetings for members and the public

Advocating for persons with a major mental illness and their families on a county, state, and national level, the NAMI SMC office:

Is staffed Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm.
Operates a “Warm Line”/Help Desk Support (650-638-0800) to respond to inquiries about how families can best help their loved ones as well as how individuals with their own diagnosis can best help themselves.
Maintains a lending library of books and DVDs about mental illness.
Produces and distributes ten monthly newsletters per year through the community and to its members and supporters.
Funding for NAMI SMC comes from membership contributions, donations, special events and grants.

NAMI San Mateo County (SMC) offers support, education, compassion and practical experience, to anyone needing to educate themselves about mental illnesses and their treatment for themselves or a loved one in San Mateo County.

NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses. Founded in 1974 as the Parents of Adult Schizophrenics, the organization was subsequently renamed the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of San Mateo County, until its reformation in 1979 as the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Today, there are almost 1,000 local affiliates and state organizations that are: providing education and support; working to combat stigma; supporting increased funding for research, and advocating for adequate health insurance, housing, rehabilitation, and jobs for people with mental illnesses and their families.

NAMI SMC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) exempt organization governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of family members who have a loved one with a mental illness and other interested parties involved in the local mental health community. As an independently operating 501 ( c )3 nonprofit, NAMI San Mateo County receives no funding from NAMI National nor NAMI California.