Family-to-Family

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses.

• The course is taught by trained family members
• All instruction and course materials are free to class participants
• Over 115,000 family members have graduated from this national program

In addition, this class has been translated into Spanish.

For more information on Family-to-Family classes in your area, click here.

Course Topics Include:

• Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolardisorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsivedisorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring braindisorders 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

Family-To-Family Testimonials

• "Taking the class with my husband was very important--we have learned so much together and now we're making plans to handle our issues - 2 daughters with mental illness.  We can strengthen and support each other!"
• "Thank you so much! This has been a wonderful resource.  It has helped me find other resources at critical times when they were needed.  The understanding that I have gained has improved my ability to help my sister.  I can hope for her to rebuild a life for herself.  I now have many good tools and facts to support her in reinventing her life."
• "The class was a tremendous help in better understanding not just the mental illness, but also what our child is going through."
• "I am very impressed by the level of expertise and the level of commitment to helping us. I have learned so much and in that learning I feel much more connected to my bi-polar daughter. I realize that her case is not hopeless and hopefully things will keep on  improving!"
• "What I have learned in 12 weeks far exceeds what I have learned in the past 20 years dealing one-on-one. I am sorry it took so long to find."--Mother of a son with bipolar disorder

Check out the research that is happening with Family-to-Family:  Pilot study results

For class times and locations, call NAMI Utah (801) 323-9900 or toll free 1-877-230-6264.