A FREE 8-week Course for Family Caregivers of Individuals Experiencing Severe Mental Illness

Family-to-Family is a new concept in education for families and others who are affected by serious mental illness including schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders

• Taught by trained family members for 8 consecutive weeks (2 1/2 hours per session from 6:30 pm to 9 pm)
• All instruction and course materials are free to class participants
• Over 300,000 family members have graduated from this national program
• 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

This course typically takes place in the Fall and the Spring at the NAMI Office, 468 Manzanita Ave. Suite 9, Chico. To learn more and to sign up for the next Family-to-Family Education Course, contact Mary at 530-518-7983