Family-to-Family is a free 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses that discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope effectively.

Family-to-Family offers resources, insights, coping skills, and genuine support for families. Our volunteer teachers equip the class participants with the knowledge they need to navigate the mental health system.

The programs are taught by family members; people who have lived the journey and can relate on a personal level to those seeking knowledge and comfort. These volunteers are trained by NAMI Mass according to the best practices instituted by NAMI National. The highest standards are maintained by this practice and are governed by the oversight of each program’s Steering Committee and the Education Committee.

From a sister: “This knowledge has helped me cope and feel empowered to lend real emotional support to my sister and my dad. I even convinced my sister to attend a NAMI support group with her husband last week. The class has been so powerful for me. I can’t express enough how much appreciation I have for your work.”

From a mother: “It grounded me and widened my perspective on my loved ones experience…I was feeling so angry, powerless and hopeless upon beginning the class and now I am working closely with community supports in an attempt to get my daughter the help she needs when another crisis occurs. Now I am feeling more informed and hopeful.”

From a wife: “I had no idea on signing up for this course, what it would be like. It has had a large impact on my life (and my husbands as well). The 12 weeks flew by and I find myself wishing it could continue.”

Regarding the volunteer teachers: “They were knowledgeable caring and funny. They made me feel comfortable when I did not think I could feel that way discussing this topic.”

From a 14 year old sibling: “It helped me to understand things I never would have known because I didn’t know what questions to ask.”

Meeting Unmet Needs of Families of Persons with Mental Illness: Evaluation of a Family Peer Support Helpline (PDF)

For a more detailed discussion of what is covered in a Family-to-Family course and to watch a brief video click here.

The conclusion of a randomized study conducted of the Peer-Taught Family to Family Education Program states there’s evidence that Family to Family is effective for enhancing coping and empowerment of families of persons with mental illness (Psychiatric Services 62:591–597, 2011) Outcomes of a Randomized Study of a Peer-Taught Family-to-Family Education Program for Mental Illness (PDF)

If you’re interested in taking a class, review the current schedule of classes offered below and please contact the teacher listed to get more details. If you’re interested in taking a class, and none are available in your area, please contact the Family Education and Support Programs Coordinator, Karen McGravey-Gajera at 781-938-4048 or kgajera@namimass.org.

Interested in becoming a Family-to-Family Teacher? Contact Karen at 781-938-4048 or kgajera@namimass.org. Here is a Teacher application you can download.

Here is the 2013 class picture of NAMI Family-to-Family Train the Trainers Graduates. Pictured in the sixth row on the left is Janet Hodges and Rocky and Deb Rausch who are new NAMI Family-to-Family Trainers for Massachusetts!

Current schedule of classes:

Family to Family Education Program Student Registration Form (Word)