• Attend with other family members just like you in a confidential setting.
• Learn how families unite together against this disability.
• Learn all about the biology of the brain disorders - known as mental illnesses.
• Learn about what your relative is actually experiencing.
• Take a fascinating look inside some of today's current research on brain disorders.

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a 12-week course for families of individuals with severe brain disorders (mental illnesses). The course is taught by trained family members. All course materials are furnished at no cost to you.

The curriculum focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), clinical depression, panic disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The course discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively.

1. Learning about feelings, learning about facts
2. Schizophrenia, major depression and mania: diagnosis and dealing with critical periods
3. Subtypes of depression and bipolar disorder, panic disorder and OCD; diagnosis and causes; sharing our stories
4. The biology of the brain/new research
5. Problem solving workshops
6. Medication review
7. Empathy workshop - what it's like to have a brain disorder
8. Communication skills workshop
9. Self-care and relative groups
10. Rehabilitation, services available
11. Advocacy: fighting stigma
12. Review and certification ceremony

Back to top

• What are warning signs for my child's illness?
• How do I get the special school curriculum my child needs?
• Is my child's depression just a typical teenage behavior?
• How do I determine the best treatment or medication for my child?
• What steps can I take at home to help my child?
• Where Do I Turn For Help?

As families find themselves lost in the large number of state systems created to assist their children, information from the Hand to Hand Education Program helps parents and guardians navigate these systems. The course shows them what to expect along the way, as well as where to get support for their child and themselves.

This free course is structured to answer questions from participants and provide one-to-one advice. As the Hand to Hand Education Program progresses, participants are encouraged to share their experiences and successes.

1. Understanding Your Child's Diagnosis
2. Developing Family Coping Skills
3. Counseling and Therapy
4. Understanding Treatment
5. Where to Go for Help
6. Understanding Special Education
7. Juvenile Justice
8. Advocacy

Back to top