NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups are peer-based support group programs for adults living with a mental health diagnosis. Connection groups are led by two trained facilitators who are in recovery themselves and are at a point where they want to give back to others by offering encouragement and support through their own experiences. Trained facilitators may receive a stipend per meeting depending on the supporting NAMI Affiliate. Please inquire with your local NAMI affiliate regarding available stipends.

Leader Qualifications/Training Requirements: (1) Must be an individual with a mental health diagnosis who identifies as being in recovery. (2) Must be willing to commit to co-leading a NAMI Connection support group twice a month. (3) Candidates will adhere to the NAMI program guidelines of confidentiality. (4) Must be a NAMI member or become a member prior to training.

Leader Qualifications/Training Requirements: (1) Must be a family member/significant other/close friend of an individual who is living with a mental health diagnosis. (2) Willingness to participate in mandatory 2-day training. (3) Must be a NAMI member or become a member prior to training. (4) Willingness to maintain the fidelity of the NAMI Family Support Group model and maintain participant confidentiality.

NEW Virtual State Training for NAMI Family-to-Family Program Leaders

When:  April 15-16, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where:  Virtual

Submission deadline is Monday, April 14.  Upon acceptance, an online training component will be sent to you. This online training must be completed before attending the virtual training sessions.

Interested in attending? Submit an application here.

NAMI Family-to-Family is an eight-session educational program for family, significant others, and friends of adults (18 yrs+) who are living with a mental health diagnosis.  The course provides critical information and strategies for supporting the person you love, as well as communication and problem-solving skills, family advocacy, caring for yourself and other family members, and more.

Leader Qualifications/Training Requirements: (1) Must be a family member/significant other of an adult (18+) who has a mental health diagnosis. (2) Although preferred, it is not mandatory that you are a graduate of the NAMI Family-to-Family class. (3) Willingness to attend the 1.5 day in-person (or virtual) teacher training and complete the 1-hour online training. (4) Candidates will adhere to the NAMI program guidelines of confidentiality. (5) Must be a NAMI member prior to beginning training.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is an eight-session, recovery-focused course, designed to help adults (18+) who are experiencing mental health challenges achieve and maintain wellness. The course is taught by trained peers with lived experience. Classes follow a structured educational format that includes an opportunity for peer connection and support through learned wisdom and group discussion. Discussions are confidential. Interactive exercises focus on mindfulness and meditation, relapse prevention, and practical coping skills.

Leader Qualifications/Training Requirements: 1) Must be an individual with a mental health diagnosis who identifies as being in recovery. 2) Willingness to complete the training and adhere to the fidelity of the NAMI Peer-to-Peer model. 3) Maintain participant confidentiality. 4) Be or become a NAMI member prior to the beginning of the training.

NAMI Basics is a free, six-week education program for parents and family caregivers of youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The course is taught by a trained team with lived experience—they know what you’re going through because they’ve been there. The six-session program provides critical strategies for taking care of your child and learning the ropes of recovery.

Leader Qualifications/Training Requirements: (1) Be the parent or other primary caregiver of an individual who began experiencing symptoms prior to the age of 13. (2) Be at a point in their life where they are familiar and comfortable with the emotional issues families face and can self-disclose their own feelings regarding their life situation. (3) Be willing to commit to teaching two 6-week NAMI Basic courses within a two-year period. (4) Already be or become a NAMI member at the time of training.

NAMI In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique public education program in which two individuals talk openly about living with a mental health condition. Presentations that include personal accounts of mental illness are imperative to changing attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes about individuals who have a mental health diagnosis. As an IOOV presenter, you will have opportunities to speak with middle and high school students, college students, peer groups, community organizations, and workplaces. IOOV presenters also receive a stipend for speaking engagements from their supporting NAMI affiliate.

Leader Qualifications/Training Requirements: (1) Must be an individual who is living with a mental health diagnosis and identifies as being in recovery. (2) Individuals must be comfortable talking in front of various audiences and willing to share aspects of their personal experience of living with mental illness. (3) Willingness to maintain the fidelity of the NAMI In Our Own Voice model.

NAMI Ending the Silence is a 50-minute presentation designed to give students an opportunity to learn about mental health conditions through an informative PowerPoint and short videos. The presentation educates students about the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and gives them ideas about how to help themselves, family members, or friends who may be in need of support. The program also includes personal testimony from a youth or young adult with lived experience about their journey in learning to cope with their mental health challenges.

Presenter Criteria: Presentations consists of two presenters, a lead presenter and a young adult presenter.

1) Lead Presenter : An adult (over the age of 35) who is either a family member or an individual living in recovery with a mental health condition.

2) Young Adult Presenter: A young adult (age 18-35) who is living in recovery and able to share their personal experience with a mental health condition. The rresenter should relate well to youth ages 13-21 and be willing to engage in dialogue with students.