National Alliance on Mental Illness
page printed from NAMI Indianapolis

EDUCATION COURSE

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

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

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