Basics
A 6-Week Class on Mental Health for Parents & Teachers
Basics classes are on Zoom. For more information, please use the contact information at the bottom of this section. Classes fill up quickly!
NAMI Basics is a free, six-session program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children, adolescents, and young adults under the age of 22 with emotional and behavioral difficulties. NAMI Basics helps class participants understand the illnesses that could be causing those behavioral difficulties as well as the critical role families play in the treatment of those illnesses. Among the many conditions reviewed are Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Depressive Disorders, and Bipolar Disorder. The child does not need a diagnosis.
The program is taught by trained teachers who are also the parents or family caregivers of individuals who experienced emotional or behavioral difficulties during childhood and adolescence.
Counselors, educators, and others who work directly with youth are eligible to sign up for this class.
What You’ll Gain
At NAMI Basics, you’ll find out that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope. The group setting of NAMI Basics provides mutual support and shared positive impact—you can experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. You also can help others with your own experience.
NAMI Basics covers:
- Managing crises, solving problems and communicating effectively
- How to take care of yourself and handle stress
- Developing the confidence and stamina to support your child with compassion
- Advocating for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings
- Sample Record Keeping System
- Learning about current treatments, including evidence-based therapies, medications and side effects
- Gaining an overview of the public mental health care, school and juvenile justice systems and supporting resources to help you navigate these systems
- Understanding the challenges and impact of mental health conditions on your entire family
Infographics designed by Sheila Alarcon, NAMI CC 2024 Summer Intern
Interested in Classes, Groups, or Services?
Follow these steps to get registered with a class, group, or service that fits your needs.
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Fill Out Our Form
Click the button and fill out the form below to express interest in the class, group, or service.
Register
Once the inquiry is completed, the coordinator will follow up with you about registration availability.
Have Questions about Basics?
Contact any of the individuals below or fill out our class inquiry form.
Basics in English
Basics in Spanish
Juan Soria
(925) 595-9412
latinx@namicontracosta.org
Basics in Mandarin Chinese
Updates for Basics Classes
February 2025: New Basics Class in Mandarin Chinese!
NAMI Basics Education, all six sessions of class will be held hybrid via Zoom beginning March 10, 2024. Language: Chinese (中文）/Mandarin （普通話）
Feb 27, 2024: New NAMI Basics Class in English!
NAMI Basics Education Program Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom). Beginning February 27, 2024 on Tuesdays from 10 AM to 12 PM held at the NAMI CC Office at 2151 Salvio St., Suite V Concord and via Zoom.
March 10, 2024: New Basics Class in Mandarin Chinese!
NAMI Basics Education, all six sessions of class will be held via Zoom beginning March 10, 2024. Language: Chinese (中文）/Mandarin （普通話）
Basics Class Starting Soon
NAMI Basics is a program taught by trained teachers who are also the parents or family caregivers of individuals who experienced emotional or behavioral difficulties during childhood or adolescence.