Family-to-Family is a free, 12-session education program for family, partners, friends and significant others of adults living with mental illness. The course is designed to help all family members understand and support their loved one living with mental illness, while maintaining their own well-being. The course includes information on illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental health conditions.
The 2-1/2 hour class meets for 12 consecutive weeks, and each week’s topic builds on the previous topics covered. Therefore, it is important that participants try to attend each class. Thousands of families describe the program as life-changing. The program is taught by trained teachers who are also family members and know what it is like to have a loved one living with mental illness.
In 2013, the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program was added to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP).
Spring 2017 Class Schedule
If you are interested in a class, we encourage you to submit a completed registration form. If you are in crisis, please see our Crisis Resource page. If you are in need support, we would encourage you to attend one of our Family Support Groups as well.
- Thursdays, January 19 – April 20 from 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m., at Bethany United Methodist Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Rd., Austin, TX 78750
- Thursdays, January 26 – April 27 from 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m., at Austin Travis County Integral Care, 1700 S Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704
- Saturdays, February 11 – May 3 from 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at the Georgetown Health Foundation, 2423 Williams Dr. Ste.101, Georgetown, TX 78628
- Wednesdays, March 1 – May 24 from 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
TO REGISTER: Please download the Family-to-Family Registration Form (editable DOC here and PDF here) and e-mail it to [info] at [namiaustin] dot [org] or mail it to NAMI Austin, P.O. Box 302398, Austin 78703. You can also contact the office to register by phone.
What are participants saying about Family-to-Family?
“This course overall was the single most, without a doubt, helpful and informative thing ever offered in all my years searching for answers… It has helped me to understand better and communicate more effectively with my brother.”
“The course has helped me to realize that my son is still inside the body that is often times hidden by the mental illness and that I am not alone in this.”
What will you learn in the 12-week class?
- Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders
- Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence
- Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recovery
- Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness
- Learning in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques
- Acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse
- Focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload
- Guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community
- Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services
For more information, contact Jessica Miller, Program Director, at 512-374-1335
| Support for these classes provided in part by grants from: | |||
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