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 Classes (login required).
Upcoming NAMI Family-to-Family Classes
Our Family-to-Family classed 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 classes will be scheduled!
no classes scheduled at this time
Burlington Family-to-Family Class
day and time to be determined
contact Darlene at simspec3429@gmail.com for more information
Cambridge Family-to-Family Class
Thursdays starting September 12, 2019
6:30 – 9 pm
contact Carolyn at carolyn@ami-cambridgemiddlesex.org or Sharon at sharon@nami-cambridgemiddlesex.org or 914-960-9072 for more information
Greenfield Family-to-Family Class
Thursdays starting September 5, 2019
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Contact: Sue suesharbaugh@gmail.com or 413-422-2144 for more information
Ipswich Family-to-Family Class
Mondays starting September 16, 2019
6:30 – 9 pm
contact Glenn at glenndori@verizon.net for more information
Lowell Family-to-Family Class
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
Salem Family-to-Family Class
Saturdays starting September 14, 2019
9 – 11:30 am
contact Pat Danielson at 978-922-0207 or Pat Riley at 617-548-7037 for more information
Winchester Family-to-Family Class
Tuesdays starting September 10, 2019
7 – 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
no classes scheduled at this time
Volunteering as a NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher
The NAMI Family-to-Family class 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