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.
The class provides family caretakers with education about mental health conditions, skills workshops, and information about available resources. The NAMI Family-to-Family curriculum includes:
- Information about mental health conditions and treatments
- Coping skills, handling crisis and relapse, local and national resources
- Listening and communication techniques
- Problem solving, limit setting, self-care
Most importantly, the class offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. Class 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.
Train to be a NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher! Details below.
Upcoming NAMI Family-to-Family Classes
Please note that most of our NAMI Family-to-Family classes are currently offered virtually, unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required.
For in-person classes, please review our guidance for in-person programs during COVID-19 before attending (pdf).
We encourage you to register for the class based in your area. View our map to find the NAMI affiliate in your area!
Northeastern Mass Family-to-Family classes
NAMI Greater Lowell Family-to-Family class
Thursdays, starting February 2nd (tentative)
7 – 9:30 pm
For more information: Dick at rhedgar@verizon.net
NAMI Cambridge Middlesex & Central Middlesex Family-to-Family class
Saturdays, starting March 11th
9 – 11:30 am
For more information: Linda at mojolb2@gmail.com
Metro Boston Family-to-Family classes
Southeastern Mass Family-to-Family classes
Central Mass Family-to-Family classes
NAMI Metro West Family-to-Family class
Saturdays, starting February 11th
9 – 11:30 am
For more information: Paul at pbois56@gmail.com
NAMI Cambridge Middlesex & Central Middlesex Family-to-Family class
Saturdays, starting March 11th
9 – 11:30 am
For more information: Linda at mojolb2@gmail.com
NAMI Metro West Family-to-Family class
Thursdays, starting March [Exact dates TBD]
6:30 – 9 PM
For more information: Mary at novmam55@yahoo.com
Western Mass Family-to-Family classes
All Family-to-Family classes
NAMI Greater Lowell Family-to-Family class
Thursdays, starting February 2nd (tentative)
7 – 9:30 pm
For more information: Dick at rhedgar@verizon.net
NAMI Cape Cod Family-to-Family class
Thursdays, starting February 9th
6 – 8 pm
For more information: Kim at klemmon@namicapecod.org
NAMI Cambridge Middlesex & Central Middlesex Family-to-Family class
Saturdays, starting March 11th
9 – 11:30 am
For more information: Linda at mojolb2@gmail.com
NAMI Metro West Family-to-Family class
Saturdays, starting February 11
9 – 11:30 am
For more information: Paul at pbois56@gmail.com
NAMI Metro West Family-to-Family class
Thursdays, starting March [Exact dates TBD]
6:30 – 9 PM
For more information: Mary at novmam55@yahoo.com
Looking for additional family support options?
Check out our Family Support resource page.
You can also contact our Compass helpline. Learn more about Compass.
Train to be 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.
Family-to-Family Teacher Training
January 21 & Sunday, January 22, 2023
8: 45 am – 6 pm
online
Interested in becoming a Family-to-Family teacher? Contact Ilya Cherkasov.:
Ilya Cherkasov
Senior Manager, Education & Support
617-286-7607
icherkasov@namimass.org
Contact us for more information about NAMI Family-to-Family:
Ilya Cherkasov, MS
(he/him/his)
Senior Manager, Education & Support
617-286-7607
icherkasov@namimass.org
Eliza T. Williamson, M.Ed, MFA, CPS
Deputy Director of Programs
617-286-7616
ewilliamson@namimass.org