NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 12-session educational program for family members and other caregivers of people diagnosed with mental illness. It offers resources, insights, coping skills, and genuine support for families, and equips class participants with the knowledge they need to navigate the mental health system.
NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained facilitators who are also family members. It includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises. In the program, you’ll learn about:
- How to manage crises, solve problems, and communicate effectively
- Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
- Developing the confidence and stamina to provide support with compassion
- Finding and using local supports and services
- Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
- Current treatments, including evidence-based therapies, medications, and side effects
- The impact of mental illness on the entire family
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!
New Bedford Family-to-Family Course
Thursdays starting August 29, 2019
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Contact Brenda at 508-493-9048 or namibristolcounty@comcast.net for more information
Belmont Family-to-Family Course
Saturdays, starting September7, 2019
9:30 am to noon
Contact Ellen at ellenf.nami@gmail.com or 617-599-4302 or Susie at susiek.nami@gmail.com for more information
Burlington Family-to-Family Course
Thursdays, starting September 12, 2019
6:30 – 9:00 pm
Contact Darlene at 978-766-8694 simspec3429@gmail.com or Steve at 978-621-3253 shadden@hadlorgroup.com for more information
Cambridge Family-to-Family Course
Thursdays, starting September 12, 2019
6:30 – 9:00 pm
Contact Joyce at joyce@nami-cambridgemiddlesex.org or Sharon at sharon@nami-cambridgemiddlesex.org or 914-960-9072 for more information
Falmouth Family-to-Family Course
Wednesdays, starting September 18, 2019
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Contact Kim Lemmon at klemmon@namicapecod.org or 508-778-4277 for more information
Greenfield Family-to-Family Course
Thursdays, starting September 5, 2019
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Contact Sue at suesharbaugh@gmail.com or 413-422-2144 for more information
Ipswich Family-to-Family Course
Mondays, starting September 16, 2019
6:30 – 9:00 pm
Contact Glenn at glenndori@verizon.net for more information
Littleton Family-to-Family Course
Tuesdays, starting September 24, 2019
7:00 – 9:30 pm
Contact Phyllis Terrey at 978-973-3995 Phyllis.Terrey100@gmail.com or Sara Dodd at 339-223-3146 shdodd@verizon.net for more information
Lowell Family-to-Family Course
day to be determined
7 – 9:30 pm
Contact Dick at 978-808-7991 or rhedgar@verizon.net or Mary at 978-621-9029 or robinson.maryv@gmail.com for more information
Quincy Family-to-Family Course
Tuesdays, Starting September 10, 2019
6:30 – 9:00 pm
Contact NAMI South Shore at namisouthshore@gmail.com
Salem Family-to-Family Course
Saturdays, starting September 14, 2019
9:00 – 11:30 am
Contact Pat Danielson at 978-922-0207 or Pat Riley at 617-548-7037 for more information
Winchester Family-to-Family Course
Tuesdays starting September 10, 2019
7:00 – 9:30 pm
Contact Maureen at 781-864-2336 or maureen1maureen@aol.com; or Elizabeth at efong@nami-cambridgemiddlesex.org for more information
no classes scheduled at this time
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