For adults with children and adolescents who are diagnosed or show signs and symptoms of a mental health condition, these program help caregivers in need of extra support. This educational programming allows a safe space for these individuals to learn from each other.
If you are interested in attending one of our ongoing support groups, click the "learn more" button in the section.
NAMI Basics is a 6-session educational program for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses. It covers the fundamentals of caring for yourself, your family, and your child.
This course follows a curriculum and meets once per week for 6 weeks. NAMI Basics is offered one to two times per calendar year.
What To Expect:
- Meets for six sessions, two hours each, free of charge
- Designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illness
- Taught by a team of trained teachers who are family caregivers of individuals who developed symptoms of mental illness as children
- Provides critical information and strategies related to caregiving
- Incorporates presentations, discussion, and interactive exercises
NAMI Parent and Caregiver Support Group is an ongoing, peer-led support group for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses. Currently, the NAMI Parent and Caregiver Support group is combined with the NAMI Family Support Group. This combined group is called the Family and Caregiver Support Group.
What To Expect:
- Meets monthly for 90-minute sessions, free of charge
- Designed for caregivers of children (18 and under) living with mental illness
- Facilitated by a trained team of caregivers of individuals living with mental illness
- Everything is 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
NAMI KidShop is a free, innovative, activity-based workshop for children in 2nd grade – 8th grade
whose lives have been impacted by a mental health diagnosis. Children who have been diagnosed
with a mental health condition and those who have a family member with a mental health
condition are welcome to attend.
What To Expect:
- Teach kids about mental health and coping
skills - Form friendships with other kids living with similar experiences in a
safe and supportive atmosphere
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