Education and Support for Families

NAMI Vermont is very pleased to offer the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program beginning in March via Zoom. The Family-to-Family course is a FREE, evidence-based 8-week course structured to help families and friends of individuals with mental illness understand and support their loved ones while maintaining their own well-being.

• The course is taught by trained family members.
• All instruction and course materials are free to class participants.
• Over 300,000 family members have graduated from this national program.
• The course meets once a week in the evening for 2.5 hours for 8 weeks.

This course includes:

• Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders
• Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence
• Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recovery
• Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness
• Learning in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques
• Acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse
• Focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload
• Guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community
• Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services

Who Should Attend: Parents, siblings, spouses, teen-age and adult children and significant others of persons with mental illness. Many family members describe the impact of this program as life changing.

Pre-Registration is required through a NAMI Family-to-Family Teacher. For more information and to register click here or email program@namivt.org.

NAMI Vermont is the independent Vermont chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  We are a statewide, non-profit, 501c3, grassroots, volunteer organization comprised of people who live with a mental health condition, family members, and advocates.  As our mission, NAMI Vermont supports, educates and advocates so that all communities, families, and individuals affected by mental illness or mental health challenges can build better lives.