NAMI Basics

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. NAMI Basics is available both in person and online through NAMI Basics OnDemand.

​The in-person 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.

The OnDemand program is also guided by parents and family members with lived experience but is self-paced and available 24/7. OnDemand offers the flexibility of participating in the course on your schedule. Both formats provide identical information, strategies and the opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers.

NAMI BASICS ONLINE 
Topics included in NAMI Basics
  • Introduction to the stages of emotional reactions of the family to the of mental illness; including crisis, shock, denial, grief and acceptance.
  • Insights into understanding of the lived experience of the child living with the mental illness, including learning to separate the child you love from the illness that alters their behavior and abilities
  • Current information about Attention Deficit Disorder, Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Childhood Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse Disorders
  • Current research related to the biology of mental illness and the evidence-based, most effective treatment strategies available, including medications used to treat mental illness in children and adolescents
  • Specific workshops to learn problem solving, listening and communication skills
  • Examples of strategies that have been found helpful in handling challenging behaviors in children and adolescents
  • Information about the systems that are major players in the lives of children and adolescents with mental illness – the school system and the mental health system
  • Exposure to personal record keeping systems that have proven to be effective for parents/caregivers in their interactions with the school and healthcare systems
  • Information on planning for crisis management and relapse
  • Information on locating appropriate supports and services within the community to build a community of support for the parent/caregiver
  • Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services, with an emphasis on personal advocates for the parent/caregiver and child on an individual level.
**Class and Support Group information provided by NAMI Ohio with permission.