NAMI Signature Programs
What are NAMI's Signature Programs?
NAMI's Signature Programs are peer run support groups, classes and presentations that use materials and curriculum developed by NAMI. Non participant observers are not permitted to attend or audit any NAMI class or support group( eg. media, researchers, students), you must be a part of the discussion.
Support Groups
NAMI support groups are peer-led and offer participants the opportunity to share their experiences and gain support from other attendees.
Classes
NAMI offers a variety of peer-led education courses free of charge to participants. Each is designed to meet the needs of its target audience. Classes emphasizes the importance of hope and community and provide insights into challenges related to mental illness. You must register with the hosting affiliate ahead of time in order to attend.
Presentations
NAMI presentations offer audiences the opportunity to hear stories of lived experience from people with mental health conditions. They create awareness, reduce stigma and increase empathy. These programs are part of NAMI’s national effort to change attitudes and stereotypes about what mental health conditions are like and how we view the people who have them.
Programs Happening Now!
NAMI Signature Programs Descriptions
NAMI Ending the Silence
NAMI Ending the Silence Presentation is a 50-minute presentation about mental health conditions in youth. Available for 3 audiences: students, families, and school staff. All versions educate about warning signs, what to do, and the importance of early intervention. NAMI Ending the Silence for Students is an evidence-based program.
NAMI Homefront
NAMI Homefront Education Program is for families, partners and friends who provide care for Service Members/Veterans experiencing mental health symptoms. The course consists of 6 2-hour classes designed to help military/Veteran families understand mental health conditions and improve their ability to support their Service Member. NAMI Homefront is an adaptation of NAMI Family-to-Family. Available in-person and online.
NAMI Family to Family
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free eight-week course for family caregivers of individuals with mental illnesses. NAMI-trained family members teach the course and all materials are free for class participants. The curriculum focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, clinical depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and borderline personality disorder, with a new resource on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The course discusses treatment for these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope with the challenges of living with a relative with a mental illness.
NAMI In Our Own Voice
NAMI In Our Own Voice Presentation is a 60-90-minute presentation for the general public. It uses personal stories to promote awareness of mental health conditions and of the possibility of recovery. Available in Spanish: En Nuestra Propia Voz de NAMI.
NAMI Basics
NAMI Basics Education Program is for parents, guardians and other family who provide care for youth with mental health symptoms. This course consists of 6 2.5-hour classes and is designed to help participants gain a better understanding of mental health conditions and how they can best support their child. NAMI Basics is an evidence-based program and an adaptation of NAMI Family-to-Family. Available in Spanish: Bases y Fundamentos de NAMI.
NAMI Family Support Group
NAMI Family Support Group is a 60-90-minute weekly or monthly support group for family members, partners, and friends (age 18+) of people with mental health conditions. Available in Spanish: Grupo de Apoyo para Familiares de NAMI.
NAMI Provider Education
NAMI Provider Program is a staff development program for health care professionals who work directly with people with mental health conditions. The course aims to expand the participants’ compassion for clients and their families and to promote a collaborative model of care. The program has a 5-session course offering 12.5 hours of training. A 4-hour seminar option is also available.
NAMI Peer to Peer
NAMI Peer-to-Peer Recovery Education Program is for anyone who is experiencing or has experienced the challenges of a mental health condition. Participants learn communication skills, strengthen relationships, balance changing health care needs, and better understand their mental health and recovery. It consists of 8 2-hour classes. Available in Spanish: De Persona a Persona de NAMI.
NAMI Connection
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a 90-minute weekly or bi-weekly support group for people (age 18+) with mental health conditions. Available in Spanish: NAMI Conexión Grupo de Apoyo y Recuperación.