Nami Basics
What is the NAMI Basics Education Program?
NAMI Basics is a free, six-session program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties. NAMI Basics helps parents and other family caregivers of children to understand the illnesses that are causing those behavioral difficulties, and the critical role families play in the treatment of those illnesses. The program is taught by trained teachers who are also the parents or family caregivers of individuals who experienced emotional or behavioral difficulties prior to age 22.
If you are the parent or caregiver of a child age 22 or younger who has anxiety, depression, mood disorders, OCD, ADHD, ODD, PTSD or another brain disorder, this class is for you. This free six-week course helps parents and caregivers advocate for their children within school and health care settings while promoting the need for self-care, coping, and communication skills.
NAMI Basics is offered OnDemand.
NAMI Basics OnDemand is here to help. This free, online program – available 24/7 – is designed to empower parents and caregivers of young people (ages 22 and younger) with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to navigate the challenges of youth mental health.
After you register, you’ll begin a course that provides:
- A flexible, self-paced program accessible anytime.
- Guidance from other parents and caregivers who understand this journey.
- Advice for how to talk with your child about their mental health.
- Valuable insights into mental health conditions and treatments.
- Comprehensive, easy to understand resources grounded in science.
- Practical strategies for communication, crisis management, coping, and advocacy.
No matter where you are on your family’s mental health journey, NAMI Basics OnDemand may help you take the next steps. Sign up for NAMI Basics OnDemand today to get started.
Participant Perspectives
What You’ll Gain
By taking part in NAMI Basics OnDemand, you’ll find that you are not alone. Throughout this series, you’ll hear the real-life experiences of parents and caregivers who have navigated these roads before.
With support and shared understanding, NAMI Basics OnDemand helps family members learn that recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
NAMI Basics OnDemand covers:
- The impact mental health conditions can have on your entire family
- Different types of mental health care professionals, available treatment options and therapies
- An overview of the public mental health care, school and juvenile justice systems, and resources to help you navigate these systems
- How to advocate for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings
- How to prepare for and respond to crisis situations (self-harm, suicide attempts, etc.)
- The importance of taking care of yourself
- Much, much more
