To support those with loved ones living with a mental health conditions, we offer a variety of programs to help educate and support these individuals as well as encourage self-help and self-advocacy.
If you are interested in attending one of our ongoing support groups, click the "learn more" button in the section.
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program. This means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition.
This course follows a curriculum and meets once per week for 8 weeks. NAMI Family-to-Family is offered two times per calendar year.
What To Expect:
- How to solve problems and communicate effectively
- Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
- Supporting your loved one with compassion
- Finding and using local supports and services
- Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
- How to handle a crisis
- Current treatments and therapies
- The impact of mental health conditions on the entire family
NAMI Homefront is a free, 8-session educational program for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions. It is an adaptation of the evidence-based NAMI Family to Family program.
What To Expect:
- Meets for six sessions, free of charge.
- Designed for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions.
- Taught by trained family members of service members/veterans with mental health conditions.
- Acquire strategies to care for yourself, including managing your stress
- Learn how to support your family member with compassion
- Find ways to identify and access federal, state and local services
- Learn where to find information about the latest research and information on mental health, including posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression and substance use
- Gain knowledge about current treatments and evidence-based therapies
- Tactics to navigate the challenges and impact of mental health conditions on the entire family
- Learn about crisis management, problem solving and effective communication
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Groups generally meet monthly.
What To Expect:
- Meets monthly for 90-minute sessions, free of charge.
- Designed for loved ones (18 and over) of individuals living with mental illness.
- Facilitated by a trained team of family members of individuals living with mental illness
- Confidential – share as much or as little personal information as you want
- Does not recommend or endorse any medications or other medical therapies for your family member
- Guided by the Principles of Support
Nite Out with NAMI includes peer gatherings 6 times a year for 2 hours, free of charge. During the summer, there is a day outing. This is a casual experience with peers and other members from NAMI Wood County.
While this is not a support group or class, Nite Out with NAMI provides a fun opportunity for individuals in the county to socialize and enjoy each other's company.
What To Expect:
- The opportunity to form relationships with others working through similar issues
- Enjoying a relaxed atmosphere
- Time to talk with the NAMI staff in an informal setting