What is NAMI Basics?
NAMI Basics is a free, six session program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges. As a caregiver of a child or adolescent with a mental health condition you face unique challenges: social stigma, complex family dynamics, navigating the school system, unpredictable behavior. It can be overwhelming. NAMI Basics provides you with skills, knowledge, and a community of people who can relate to your experience. You will learn from people like you, who get it, who have been there. Trained peers will guide you on how to better understand and support your child while maintaining your own well-being.
NAMI Basics is a free, six session program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges. As a caregiver of a child or adolescent with a mental health condition you face unique challenges: social stigma, complex family dynamics, navigating the school system, unpredictable behavior. It can be overwhelming. NAMI Basics provides you with skills, knowledge, and a community of people who can relate to your experience. You will learn from people like you, who get it, who have been there. Trained peers will guide you on how to better understand and support your child while maintaining your own well-being.
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What are the goals?
● To give the parent/caregiver the fundamental information necessary to be an effective caregiver ● To help the parent/caregiver cope with the impact that emotional and behavioral difficulties have on the child and the entire family ● To provide tools for the parent/caregiver to use even after completing the program that will assist them in making the best decisions possible for the care of the child ● To help the parent/caregiver take the best care possible of the entire family – especially themselves |
What will you gain?
● Find a community of support ● Practical up-to-date information about mental health challenges ● Learn to effectively advocate for your child with the school and mental health systems ● Develop problem solving and communication skills |
NAMI is now making this program available to specific groups of professional caregivers as well, to help them understand the impact that mental health conditions have on the youth as well as the family. The information shared in NAMI Basics will equip professionals working with youth with unique insights that can enable them to work more collaboratively with families as part of the treatment team.
“I now realize other parents are struggling too. Thanks for helping me through a challenging time in my life and supplying me with the knowledge I need to help my son succeed.”
"This is a great step-by-step program that walks parents every step of the way. It is as if you are holding their hand through it all."
"This is the best program for families with children. It answers so many questions for parents. It can change and improve so many lives. I love that is peer taught by parents, for parents"
