NAMI Basics is a free, 6-week class for parents and family caregivers of children and adolescents with emotional or behavioral issues. It provides critical strategies for taking care of your child and learning the ropes of recovery. NAMI Basics is taught by NAMI-trained teachers who are parents or caregivers of children with similar issues. Participants will learn communication tips, how to problem-solve, and the skills to help them cope with the emotional impact of caring for their child.
NAMI Basics covers:
- Managing crises, solving problems, and communicating effectively
- How to take care of yourself and handle stress
- Developing the confidence and stamina to support your child with compassion
- Advocating for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings
- Learning about current treatments, including evidence-based therapies, medications, and side effects
- Gaining an overview of the public mental health care, school, and juvenile justice systems and supporting resources to help you navigate these systems
- Understanding the challenges and impact of mental health conditions on your entire family
At NAMI Basics, you’ll find out that you are not alone. The group setting of NAMI Basics provides mutual support and shared positive impact – you can experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. You also can help others with your own experience.
Upcoming NAMI Basics Classes
Tuesdays starting
January
7
NAMI Basics Class – virtual
Date: Tuesdays, January 7 through February 11, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm to 9 pm
Location: virtual
Contact: Diane at ddelaney26@gmail.com or 781-572-2549
NAMI Basics Class General Registration Waitlist
You can add your name to the general registration waitlist and, once we have available NAMI Basics classes on our schedule, we will be in contact with you regarding the next steps in the registration process. Please register early, as your registration date serves as your priority date for admission to the next class.
If you have any questions, please reach out to programs@namimass.org.
NAMI Basics OnDemand
NAMI Basics OnDemand gives parents and caregivers the opportunity to participate on their own schedule! The six-module course covers the same material as the in-person NAMI Basics classes.
The OnDemand program is guided by parents and family members with lived experience but is self-paced and available 24/7. OnDemand offers the flexibility of participating in the course on your schedule. Both formats provide identical information, strategies and the opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers.
The Connect and Share option in NAMI Basics OnDemand offers parents and caregivers the opportunity to share stories, support, and interact with each other in an online setting.
Looking for additional family support options?
Check out our Family Support resource page.
You can also contact our Compass Helpline at NAMI Massachusetts. Compass provides information, ideas, resources, and support to help people navigate the complex mental health system and related systems of care. Learn more about Compass.
Volunteering with NAMI Basics
Volunteer as a NAMI Basics Teacher
The NAMI Basics course is taught by two NAMI-trained teachers who have first-hand experience as a parent or family caregiver of a child who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Are you interested in becoming a Basics teacher? Contact Ilya Cherkasov, Senior Manager, Education & Support.
Contact us for more information about NAMI Basics:
Ilya Cherkasov, MS
(he/him/his)
Senior Manager, Education & Support
617-286-7607
icherkasov@namimass.org