NAMI offers several free educational classes for families. Please email info@namiseaz.org if you have any questions.
Family to Family Class
The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free 12-session course for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of adults (18+) living with mental illness, which balances skills-training with self care, and emotional support. The course is designed to facilitate a better understanding of their struggles, increase coping skills and empower participants to become advocates for their family members.
- The course is taught by trained family members.
- All instruction and course materials are free to class participants.
- Over 300,000 family members have graduated from this national program.
The Class includes:
- 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.