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 Courses (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!
Pittsfield Family-to-Family Course
Tuesdays, Starting October 29, 2019
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Contact Stephanie at namibc@namibc.org or Marilyn at the_morans@verizon.net for more information.
Westborough Family-to-Family Course
Thursdays, Starting January 9, 2020
6:30 – 9:00 pm
Contact Mary Cockroft at novman55@yahoo.com or 508-581-0874 for more information.
New Bedford Family-to-Family Course
Starting in March, 2020, day/date to be determined
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Contact Brenda at namibristolcounty@comcast.net for more infformation.
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