For a complete list of courses and registration details click on the link below:

Family-to-Family Courses

Peer-to-Peer Courses

NAMI Basics

Six Weeks to Wellness Courses

Family-to-Family Course
The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, twelve-week course for family caregivers of individuals with serious mental illnesses. Over 115,000 family members nation-wide have graduated from this regularly updated NAMI National program. The two-hour weekly classes are taught by trained family members. Course topics include:

• Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain 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;
   
• How to understand the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness;
   
• Information about special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques;
   
• Strategies for handling crises and relapse;
   
• 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.

 Download the Winter / Spring 2012 schedule here [PDF].

 
Peer-to Peer-Course

The Peer-to-Peer course is a FREE 10-week, experience-based program for people with any serious mental illness who wish to establish and maintain their wellness and recovery. Taught by a team of trained "mentors" who are living healthy and productive lives with mental illness, participants will learn the tools needed to take control of their own wellness and recovery.  Class topics will include understanding psychiatric disorders and medication; addressing stigma, discrimination, and relationship issues; how to identify tell-tale feelings, thoughts, behaviors, or events that may warn of impending relapse; how to create your own "relapse prevention plan;" and survival skills for working with providers and the general public. Please note: You must speak with the facilitator before you are registered; leave your contact information with the Helpline and the facilitator will call you.

NAMI Basics

NAMI Basics is the new signature six-week education program for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illness. The NAMI Basics course is taught by trained teachers who are also the parents or other caregivers of children and adolescents with behavioral issues, undiagnosed emotional issues, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other diagnoses.

Download the winter 2012 schedule here [PDF].

Six Weeks to Wellness Course
Techniques and Practices to Gain Energy, and Combat Unwanted Stress and Sleep Deprivation: Six Weeks to Wellness is a free course that presents a distinctive perspective on your health and well being. Developed and taught by yoga instructor and mental health advocate, Jenna Ritter, the course explores connections between physical and mental well being. Utilizing various exercises, participants will learn practical tools to live a healthier life. Meditative practices that can be easily done on one's own will be taught. To promote exercise and proper eating, the course offers light, relaxing, and restorative exercises and vegetarian diet information.

Call Katie Linn at 212-684-3365 for more information.

New! A version of Six Weeks to Wellness will begin in May 2012. To find out more or get on the waiting list, call Katie.