NAMI Rome Presents Family - to - Family

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program. This means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition.

NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises.

NAMI Family-to-Family not only provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you'll also find out that you're not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.

The group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Sharing your own experience may help others in your class. In the program, you'll learn about:

• How to solve problems and communicate effectively
• Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
• Supporting your loved one with compassion
• Finding and using local supports and services
• Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
• How to handle a crisis
• Current treatments and therapies
• The impact of mental health conditions on the entire family

Because Family-to-Family is an in-depth educational program rather than a drop-in support group, we want to make sure it’s the right time for you to take this step.

Once you submit the interest form below, a NAMI program leader will give you a brief, friendly phone call.

During this call, we will:

• Answer any specific questions you have about the syllabus.
• Confirm your availability for the full course duration.
• Ensure that an educational setting is the best resource for you right now, versus immediate crisis support or a peer support group.

NAMI Family-to-Family is specifically designed for family members, significant others, and close friends of adults living with mental health conditions. It is intended for caregivers and loved ones, rather than the individuals living with the diagnosis themselves. (If you are living with a mental health condition, please ask us about NAMI Peer-to-Peer!

The course is completely free to participants. All instruction and materials are provided at no cost to you, thanks to NAMI members and donors.

No. While the class is incredibly supportive and you will meet others with similar experiences, Family-to-Family is an education course with a structured curriculum. We cover information on diagnoses, brain biology, communication skills, treatment options, and self-care strategies for the caregiver.

The course is taught by trained NAMI volunteer leaders who are also family members of individuals with mental health conditions. They know what it’s like because they have been there.

Yes. Confidentiality is one of the core principles of NAMI programs. We create a safe space where participants can share openly, knowing that personal stories stay within the "virtual walls" of the classroom.

• Understanding Illness: Up-to-date information on mental health conditions, how they affect the brain, and their impact on the family.
• Communication & Problem Solving: Strategies for effective communication and resolving challenges.
• Caregiver Support: Techniques for self-care, stress management, and handling crises.
• Resources: Finding and utilizing local supports and services.
• Family Dynamics: The emotional journey families experience, from crisis to acceptance.

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Host or Publisher NAMI Rome