NAMI Eastside: Family-to-Family Education Program

About NAMI Eastside
Support
Education
  monthly forums
  in our own voice
  next generation
  family-to-family
  peer-to-peer
  visions for tomorrow
  lending library
Advocacy
Calendar
Joining & Giving
More Resources

NAMI EASTSIDE
The Together Center
16315 NE 87th Street
Suite B-3
Redmond, WA 98052
425-885-NAMI (6264)
info@nami-eastside.org

Family-to-Family Education Program

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free 11-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe brain disorders (mental illnesses). All instruction and course materials are free for class participants.

The Family-to-Family curriculum focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, clinical depression, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The course discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively.

The Family-to-Family course provided by NAMI Eastside is taught by trained family members. Over 500 local family members have attended and benefited from these classes in Eastern King County. Our students have included parents of adults and children with mental illness, siblings, spouses, and adult children whose parent has a mental illness.

Clases are held in various locations on the Eastside

This course includes
1. Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders.
2. Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence.
3. Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recovery.
4. Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness.
5. Learning in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques.
6. Acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse.
7. Focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload.
8. Guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community.
9. Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services.

For more information on NAMI Family-to-Family, visit www.nami.org/family.

NAMI Eastside Family-to-Family courses are usually held in the early spring and early fall. Pre-registration for classes is required as there is an ongoing waiting list. Sign up early!

For more information contact:
Dani: (425) 885-6264 or danit@nami-eastside.org
NAMI Eastside Office: (425) 885-6264

NAMI Eastside also sponsors a Peer-to-Peer Education Program.