NAMI Family-to-Family

NAMI Family-to-Family is NAMI’s flagship education program for family members of people diagnosed with mental health conditions. This free, 8-week program is facilitated by trained volunteers who are family members, caring for their loved ones themselves.

Most importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. Course participants, now more than 400,000 people nationwide, find that the Family-to-Family experience empowers them to understand and pursue paths toward healthy recovery for their loved ones, their families, and themselves.

Please note that our NAMI Family-to-Family classes are currently offered virtually. You are welcome to attend any class that works for your schedule, unless otherwise noted. Find additional family support options that you can access during this time.

What people say about NAMI Family-to-Family…

“Excellent! Professional, empathetic, inclusive, caring, encouraging, supportive, inspirational…” – Family-to-Family participant

“F2F participants tell us about how, after taking Family to Family, they have been able to speak more openly with others about their own feelings, seek out and accept support from mental health resources, have more informed conversations with clinicians, and – most rewarding of all – pass along hope for treatment and recovery to their family members. Family-to-Family is a gift that keeps on giving.” – Family-to-Family teacher

Our NAMI Family-to-Family courses typically start twice a year, in the late Winter/early Spring and then again in the late Summer/early Fall. Pre-registration is required.

Please note that our NAMI Family-to-Family classes are currently offered virtually. We encourage you to register for the class based in your area, but you are welcome to sign up for any class that works for your schedule. View our map to find the NAMI affiliate in your area!

Volunteer 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.

Volunteer to support NAMI Family-to-Family
Volunteers help with program development, outreach, promotion, and more. Volunteer to support NAMI Family-to-Family – fill out our volunteer application!

Supplemental Resources for Family-to-Family Teachers (login required).

Ilya Cherkasov, MS
Director of Family Programs
617-580-8541 x 219
icherkasov@namimass.org

Check out our Family Support resource page.

You can also contact our COMPASS helpline. Learn more about COMPASS.