Supportive Programs for Individuals and Families Affected by Mental Health Disorders

A 90-minute presentation that informs people who have loved ones with a mental health condition how to best support them. It’s also an opportunity for participants to meet other people in similar situations and gain community support. There is a free NAMI Family & Friends companion eBook available that provides important information about mental health conditions including: conditions and diagnoses, treatment and recovery, crisis planning, resources and more.

An education program will give participants the basic tools to recognize and respond to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis in a way that conveys empathy and avoids further de-escalation. This 4-hour program is divided into three parts: 2 NAMI Signature Programs, Family & Friends or Ending the Silence and In Our Own Voice and the Crisis Intervention Team Basic Verbal De-Escalation Program.  Individuals with lived experience share their personal experiences and perspectives to provide a greater understanding of recovery.   They will share what helped them to cope with the impact of mental illness on them and their family as well as information about local resources.  This program includes the SAMHSA 8 Dimensions of Wellness and the importance of self-care to better crisis response.  Participants are provided tools and techniques to begin a personal practice of self-care.

The audience for this program includes any community members whose work brings them into contact with people who may be in crisis.  

Why Mental Health Matters: Thriving at Work is a 50 minute presentation that covers a wide range of topics, from what stigma is, to how to have a conversation about mental health concerns with a coworker. 

Managing Burnout: Flourishing as a Team in the Workplace is a 50 minute presentation that focuses on what burnout means, what you can do to stay mentally healthy, and how to start the mental health conversation at work. 

Hearing Distressing Voices Simulation is an empathy-building experience that utilizes audio and simulated scenarios to help students, mental health professionals and first responders understand the challenges and strengths of people who experience psychosis. This program is 2 to 3 hours depending on class size.

An education program designed to educate and empower individuals on how to recognize and manage maternal mental health complications. It is intended not only for mothers but also the entire community. Research has found that one in five birthing people will experience a maternal mental health complication. Participants will gain knowledge and understanding on maternal mental health conditions, what they are and who could be affected. They will learn about the warning signs and symptoms in addition to gaining local and national maternal mental health resources. This can be offered as a 90-minute presentation or a 4-hour presentation. Both are facilitated by individuals with lived experience. 

Trainings are offered 3 ways: 8-hour, 6-hour instructor led with 2-hour self-guided pre-work, or two 4-hour sessions. This evidence-based program helps people be more comfortable giving support and information to someone who is struggling with a behavioral health problem (mental health or substance abuse). Like regular first aid, MHFA is the temporary care given to someone until professional care can be rendered. Graduates of this training become aware of others’ behavior as well as their own and learn about resources in the community as well as communication strategies, along with the importance of self-care.

Mental Health First Aid allows for early detection and intervention by teaching participants about the signs and symptoms of specific illnesses. The program offers concrete tools and answers key questions like “What can I do?” and “Where can someone find help?” Participants are introduced to local mental health resources, national organizations, support groups, and online tools for mental health and addictions treatment and support.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human service workers and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. YMHFA is primarily designed For adolescents who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development and teaches a 5-step action for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders.