NAMI Family-to-Family is a free 12-session program for family members and other caregivers of people diagnosed with mental health conditions. The program is designed to help participants understand and support their loved one, while maintaining their own well-being.
NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained leaders who themselves are family members. They equip participants with the knowledge they need to navigate the mental health system, including:
- the impact of mental illness on the entire family
- information and insight about specific diagnoses
- how to find community resources and treatment options
- listening skills, communication skills, and empathy
- how to manage a crisis and problem solve
- taking care of yourself and managing your stress
- genuine support and validation
Supplemental Resources for Family-to-Family Teachers (login required).
Upcoming NAMI Family-to-Family Courses
Our Family-to-Family courses typically start twice a year, in the late Winter to early Spring and then again in the late Summer to early Fall. Please check back as more courses will be scheduled!
Brookline Family-to-Family Course
Thursdays, Starting February 13, 2020
6:30 – 9 pm
contact Mary Harris at 617-620-4583 or maryharris1985@yahoo.com for more information and to register.
Gloucester Family-to-Family Course
Saturdays, Starting February 8, 2020
8:30 – 11 am
contact Linda at 978-546-6102 or NAMI Cape Ann at 978-281-1557 or namicapeann@verizon.net for more information and to register.
Worcester Family-to-Family Course
Mondays, Starting February 10, 2020
6:30 – 9 pm
contact Kim at 508-365-9618 or tokima4@gmail.com for more information and to register.
Belmont Family-to-Family Course
Thursdays, starting March 5, 2020
6:30 – 9 pm
For more information and to register please contact: Susie at susiek.nami@gmail.com 617-823-7551
Boston Family-to-Family Course
Tuesdays, starting March 3, 2020
6:30 – 9 pm
contact Dominique at dzarrellaa@gmail.com or 508-662-9214 or Francis at francis_burnett@yahoo.com or 781-724-6554 for more information and to register.
Cambridge Family-to-Family Course
Thursdays, starting March 5, 2020
6:30 – 9 pm
contact Elizabeth at Efong@nami-cambridgemiddlesex.org or
Carolyn at Carolyn@nami-cambridgemiddlesex.org for more information and to register.
Gardner Family-to-Family Course
Thursdays, Starting March 19, 2020
6:30 – 9:00 pm
contact Paul at 978-514-2942 pbois56@gmail.com or Steve at 978-621-3253 shadden@hadlorgroup.com for more information and to register.
Harwich Family-to-Family Course
Tuesdays, Starting March 3, 2020
6 – 8:30 pm
contact Kim at klemmon@namicapecod.org for more information and to register.
Jamaica Plain Family-to-Family Course
Tuesdays, Starting March 24, 2020
6:30 – 9:00 pm
contact Milly at millyesdale@aol.com, 617-438-3184 or Tim at tjlan53@yahoo.com, 617-536-9276 for more information and to register.
Vineyard Haven Family-to-Family Course
Thursdays starting March 5, 2020
6 – 8:30 pm
contact Kim at klemmon@namicapecod.org for more information and to register
New Bedford Family-to-Family Course
Starting in March, 2020, day/date to be determined
6 – 8:30 pm
contact Brenda at namibristolcounty@comcast.net for more information and to register.
Westborough Family-to-Family Course
Thursdays, Starting March 5, 2020
6:30 – 9 pm
contact Mary at novmam55@yahoo.com or 508-581-0874 for more information and to register.
Volunteering as a NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher
The NAMI Family-to-Family course is taught by two NAMI-trained teachers who have first-hand experience as a parent or family caregiver of a person who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition.
Are you interested in becoming a Family-to-Family teacher? Contact Ilya Cherkasov, Director of Family Programs.
Contact us for more information about NAMI Family-to-Family:
Ilya Cherkasov
NAMI Mass Director of Family Programs
617-580-8541 x 219
icherkasov@namimass.org
Looking for additional family support options?
Check out our Family Support resource page.
You can also contact our COMPASS helpline. Learn more about COMPASS.