NAMI Basics is an education program for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses.  The NAMI Basics course is taught by trained teachers who are the parent or other caregivers of individuals who developed the symptoms of mental illness prior to the age of 13 years.

The course consists of six classes, each lasting for 2 ½ hours.   Classes may be offered weekly for six consecutive weeks, or may be offered twice per week for three weeks to accommodate hectic schedules. All instruction materials are FREE to participants.

NAMI is pleased to announce the publication of a recent research study on the NAMI Basics Education Program in the Journal of Child and Family Studies. The study was conducted in collaboration with NAMI Mississippi and NAMI Tennessee between 2008 and 2010 and found that NAMI Basics produces “significant improvement” for families in communication and coping skills. Specifically, the study found that:

• Parents and caregivers who participated in the study reported improvements in self-care and empowerment, based on information and about resources, parenting strategies and self-advocacy.
• Participants “also experienced a reduction in inflammatory communications,” through control of anger, preemption of problems, and being highly specific about expectations.
• Participants did not report changes in “affirmational communications” within the family. However, this may simply reflect the emphasis of the curriculum.

NAMI Basics is now available in 36 states. To see the complete study please visit the NAMI Basics Web page. For more information about the NAMI Basics education program and to watch a brief video click here:

If you’re interested in taking a class, review the current schedule of classes offered below and please contact the teacher listed to get details. Preregistration is required since space is limited. If you’re interested in taking a class, and none are available in your area, please contact Valerie Hammond, Director of Children and Adolescent Programs at 781-938-4048 or vhammond@namimass.org.

Current schedule of classes:

NAMI Massachusetts and the Children’s Mental Health Campaign Sponsors regional grassroots forums across the state. These forums are an opportunity for persons with a personal experience with the children’s mental health system or anyone who is concerned about the issue to share their stories and to provide feebdack to the Campaign. The forums are open tot he public and all are encouraged to attend. http://www.childrensmentalhealthcampaign.org