NAMI Basics OnDemand: Online Education Program for Parents, Caregivers, and Other Family Members
Parents, caregivers, and other family members who support youth living with a mental health condition experience unique challenges while navigating mental healthcare systems. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed.
In moments that feel particularly difficult, we hope you’ll remember that you’re not alone and that mental illness is no one’s fault. That’s why we created NAMI Basics OnDemand, a free education series about supporting a loved one with mental health conditions.
NAMI Basics OnDemand is here to help. This free, online program – available 24/7 – is designed to empower parents and caregivers of young people (ages 22 and younger) with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to navigate the challenges of youth mental health.
After you register, you’ll begin a course that provides:
- A flexible, self-paced program accessible anytime.
- Guidance from other parents and caregivers who understand this journey.
- Advice for how to talk with your child about their mental health.
- Valuable insights into mental health conditions and treatments.
- Comprehensive, easy to understand resources grounded in science.
- Practical strategies for communication, crisis management, coping, and advocacy.
No matter where you are on your family’s mental health journey, NAMI Basics OnDemand may help you take the next steps. Sign up for NAMI Basics OnDemand today to get started.
What You’ll Gain
By taking part in NAMI Basics OnDemand, you’ll find that you are not alone. Throughout this series, you’ll hear the real-life experiences of parents and caregivers who have navigated these roads before.
With support and shared understanding, NAMI Basics OnDemand helps family members learn that recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
NAMI Basics OnDemand covers:
- The impact mental health conditions can have on your entire family
- Different types of mental health care professionals, available treatment options and therapies
- An overview of the public mental health care, school and juvenile justice systems, and resources to help you navigate these systems
- How to advocate for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings
- How to prepare for and respond to crisis situations (self-harm, suicide attempts, etc.)
- The importance of taking care of yourself
- Much, much more
Sign Up for NAMI Basics In-Person
If you’re looking for in-person community, check out your local NAMI’s listings. Find an in-person NAMI Basics class nearest to you, or contact your NAMI Affiliate. And if a local course isn’t available, the award-winning NAMI Basics OnDemand is always here for you and your family.
A Spanish-language version of the program, Bases y Fundamentos de NAMI, is available at some affiliates.
Additional Resources
Parents and Teachers as Allies: NAMI wrote this guide to help parents, teachers, and other adults involved with students identify the key warning signs of early-onset mental health conditions. United with the knowledge from this guide, adults supporting youth can help them find services and supports for evaluation. This guide holds strategies parents and teachers can employ to help students thrive. Together, parents and teachers form an indispensable alliance and offer a positive difference for every student’s future.