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Support for Families

We offer Family-to-Family and NAMI Basics programs throughout the year for family members of those diagnosed with a mental illness.

All programs and classes are offered free of charge.

See Support Groups for Families in San Mateo County

Nami Family-to-Family

What is the NAMI Family-to-Family Program?

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 9-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses.

  • The course is taught by trained family members in English and Spanish.
  • All instruction and course materials are free to class participants.
  • Over 300,000 family members have graduated from this national program.

A tribute video containing moving testimonials about the NAMI Family-to-Family program from family members and course instructors.

Register

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What does the course include?

  • Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders.
  • Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence.
  • Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recovery.
  • Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness.
  • Learning in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques.
  • Acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse.
  • Focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload
  • Guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community.
  • Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services. NAMI Family to Family is now available online through NAMI Family and Friends, a four hour seminar for family members, who may not want to take our 9 week Family to Family program or who may at least want to start with this while waiting for a family to family class to begin.
    Anybody can attend from anywhere.  Sign up on the national site for whatever fits into your schedule. Please find the link to Register:  https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Family-Friends

NAMI Basics

What is the NAMI Basics Program?

The NAMI Basics Program is a free, 6-week course designed for parents and other primary caregivers of children and adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties.  It is not necessary that the child has received a specific diagnosis.  Caregivers who suspect their child is experiencing symptoms of mental illness can benefit greatly from the course as they begin to navigate the evaluation and treatment process.

  • The course is taught by trained family members.
  • All instruction and course materials are free to class participants.
Register

What does the course include?

  • Learning about the normative stages of our emotional reaction to the trauma of mental illness.
  • Recognizing that mental illnesses are biological brain disorders.
  • The biology of mental illness: getting an accurate diagnosis.
  • Treatment that works.
  • Objective and subjective family burden – learning every-days skills to improve communication.
  • The systems involved with your child and the importance of record keeping.
  • Advocacy, review and sharing.

    NAMI Basics is now available online through NAMI Basics OnDemand.