Family-to-Family
An 8-Week, In-person Class on Mental Health
Many people are stressed and frustrated by situations in their homes related to a mentally ill relative. Medical needs and chaotic behaviors are disruptive; good intentions seem thwarted. It often seems like care, suggestions, and concern are not enough. There is a lot to understand about mental illnesses and NAMI Contra Costa offers education, hope and community.
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program/course for family, significant others and friends of people living with mental illness. It is a designated evidence-based program that provides support to families. Research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to an individual living with a mental health condition.
NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises.
NAMI Family-to-Family not only provides critical information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you’ll also find out that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
The group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support and shared positive impact—you can experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. You can also help others through your own experience. In the program, you’ll learn about:
- How to manage crises, solve problems and communicate effectively
- Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
- Developing the confidence and stamina to provide support with compassion
- Finding and using local supports and services
- Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
- Current treatments, including evidence-based therapies, medications and side effects
- The impact of mental illness on the entire family
We are working to make as many courses available throughout the county as possible. Our volunteer teaching team is comprised of over 35 individuals, representing English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese-speaking educators. We continually seek to develop more opportunities of education and support in our various county sectors.
Have Questions About Family to Family?
Feel free to contact any of the following individuals below about questions directly or fill out our online form here: Online Form
Please check the availability of the classes you want to join before emailing the coordinator. Please do not email coordinators about [FULL] classes. You will not be able to register for [FULL] Classes.
There are limited spaces in each of our classes to allow for adequate discussion and interaction between classmates.
Please note that we only offer in-person courses and that we prioritize Contra Costa County residents first for class registrations before opening up any waitlist spots to out-of-county hopefuls.
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Family to Family Updates
Family to Family in English
Marie Kamali
(925) 942-0767
marie.kamali@namicontracosta.org
Family to Family in Spanish
Uriel Cardoza
(925) 942-0767
uriel.cardoza@namicontracosta.org