Parent/Caregiver Support Groups and Educational Classes
It's hard being a kid these days. And it's hard being a parent, trying to figure out how to support your child through their mental health struggles.
The good news is: You are not alone. There are other parents and caregivers who are struggling with similar things as you are, and even some parents and caregivers who have made it through the tough time you are in right now.
That’s why we offer support groups and educational classes for parents and caregivers. You can learn from NAMI and receive support from your peers, all in a non-judgmental space. Support groups and classes are led by parents who have experience raising children with mental health conditions.
Read about our educational offerings below, and reach out to christy@washconami.org if you would like to start a support group or class in your area.
NAMI Family-to-Family
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program. This means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition.
NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises. The group setting provides mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Sharing your own experience may help others in your class.
NAMI Basics: Parent-to-Parent
NAMI Basics is a 6-session education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. This program is free to participants, 99% of whom say they would recommend the program to others.
The course is taught by a trained team with lived experience raising a child with a mental health condition. They know what you’re going through because they’ve been there too.
By participating in NAMI Basics, you’ll realize that you are not alone. You’ll find support and shared understanding—compassion, reinforcement and empathy from people who truly get your situation. And don’t forget: Your experiences may also help others in the course. Together, you will all learn that recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
