This free eight-session course, taught in 49 states and around the world, is for family members and/or caregivers of individuals with mental illness. You are not alone. The curriculum focuses on panic disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), borderline personality disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and co-occurring brain and addictive disorders. Family-to-Family discusses treatment for these illnesses and teaches skills that families need to cope when their loved one is experiencing crisis and relapse. It also provides guidance on how to locate appropriate supports and services within the community, communicating effectively, and expressing understanding and empathy for loved ones living with mental illnesses. Recent research, advocacy skills, medication awareness, and self-care are included in the curriculum. The class follows a structured format, in a confidential setting, providing emotional support, information and resources, and coping skills.
What You’ll Gain
NAMI Family-to-Family not only provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you'll also find out that you're not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
The group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Sharing your own experience may help others in your class. In the program, you'll learn about:
- How to solve problems and communicate effectively
- Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
- Supporting your loved one with compassion
- Finding and using local supports and services
- Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
- How to handle a crisis
- Current treatments and therapies
- The impact of mental health conditions on the entire family
What People Are Saying
"The course gave me hope that it will be okay, that I am not alone and reduced a lot of shame, guilt and hopelessness."
"I wish I'd known about this seven years ago when the problem began. I felt safe in this class. I was able to talk about things I haven't been comfortable expressing elsewhere."
"Before I took the course, I felt alone and overwhelmed dealing with my daughter’s mental illness. By taking this course, I have met others who are going through the same things I am and have learned about many resources that I never knew existed."
"I thought my wife and I knew just about everything there is to know about the system and the illness. Boy, were we wrong. Without a doubt, this is the best support course I have had the privilege of taking part in, bar none."
Upcoming Classes
Online (please note: classes are limited to Virginia residents)
Monday Evenings, starting February 22nd. Class meets every Monday until April 12th.
6:00 - 8 :30 P.M.
