For Parents, Caregivers & Youth

For Parents & Caregivers

Parents & Caregivers of Child/Teen Consumers Discussion Group
Parents who have a child with a mental illness and are seeking to find support, information and to share their stories with others should join this discussion group.

Education and Support Programs Designed for Families & Caregivers
Education programs and support groups developed by NAMI national, state and local affiliates for parents and caregivers of children living with mental illnesses.

NAMI Beginnings Magazine
Online versions of the Child & Adolescent Action Center's quarterly magazine that publishes articles about child & adolescent mental health. For a free subscription to the magazine contact Bianca at biancar@nami.org.

Child & Adolescent Mental Illness Fact Sheets

A Family Guide: What Families Need to Know about Evidence-Based Practices
This guide is designed to inform families about evidence-based practices (EBPs) in children's mental health and to share information on an array of treatment and support options. Knowledge is power and informed families are in the best position to advocate for the most effective treatment and supports for their child and family.

A Family Guide: What Families Should Know about Adolescent Depression and Treatment Options

Internet Resource List for Child & Adolescent Mental Health

NAMI Child and Adolescent Resource Guide
Recommended resources for children and adolescents living with mental illnesses and their families as well as for children who have a parent with a mental illness. The guide includes books, DVDs, websites and VHS tapes.

Guidebook for Caregivers of Children and Adolescents Living with a Mental Illness
A comprehensive, family-friendly resource guide produced by NAMI New Hampshire and designed for caregivers of children and adolescents living with a mental illness. 

Parents & Teachers As Allies Program
Two-hour in-service program that helps school professionals identify the early warning signs of mental illnesses in children and adolescents in schools. It focuses on the specific, age-related symptoms of mental illnesses in youth, how to best intervene and shares the lived experiences of consumers and their families. For more information about school-based programs see the Schools & Education portion of our website.

Advocating for Your Child: 25 Tips for Parents

Take Action
Learn about policy issues NAMI is working on and how to contact your elected officials from the website. Help us improve the mental health system by taking political action. You can also visit the Federal & State Policy Legislation section of our website for more policy information.

Learn More About Your Child's Medication
Read detailed information about specific medications commonly prescribed for children with mental illnesses. To learn more about current research on medications and treatment options visit Research, Services & Treatment

Contact your local NAMI affiliate for information about programs, support, and services near you.

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation is a meeting place for families addressing the joys and challenges of raising a child with bipolar disorder.

For Youth

Teen Consumers Discussion Group
For youth who have been diagnosed with a mental illness and want to discuss their experiences with their peers.

Reach Out!
This Australian-based website contains valuable information for any teenager to help improve their mental health and wellbeing during the transition-age years. The interactive site includes coping tips, forums, fact sheets, personal stories and resources regarding mental illness, school, employment and relationships.

KidsHealth
This website contains many in-depth features, articles, animations, games and resources for parents, children and teens, developed by experts in the field.

Mindzone - Cope. Care. Deal.
Mindzone is a mental health website for teens that includes helpful information such as how to cope with everyday stress to information about more severe mental health problems.

Step Out of the Silence
A virtual community where youth can share their experiences with mental illnesses through artwork, prose, poetry, photography, and graphic art. The website also offers information on how youth can participate in anti-stigma campaigns and advocacy efforts regarding mental health.

NAMI Child & Adolescent Resource Guide
Recommended resources for children and adolescents living with mental illnesses and their families as well as for children who have a parent living with a mental illness. The guide includes books, DVDs, websites and VHS tapes.

Child & Adolescent Mental Illness Fact Sheets

Spanish Resources

Recursos en Español

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