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Family to Family Education Program

What is NAMI’s Family-to-Family Program?

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses.

The course is taught by trained family members
All instruction and course materials are free to class participants
Over 115,000 family members have graduated from this national program

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

What does the course include?

What people
have to say about
Family-to-Family

“Family members who take the NAMI Family-to-Family course are better equipped to work with mental health clinicians in a collaborative manner. My bottom-line recommendation? Take this course. It will help you learn to cope successfully with a major challenge in your life, and that, in turn, will help your loved one as he or she works toward recovery.”

-- Peter Weiden, M.D., author of Breakthroughs in Antipsychotic Medications

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

How can I find a course in my area?

Family-to-Family classes are offered in hundreds of communities across the country, in two Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.

View the current Family-to-Family course schedule

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Join NAMI today!