NAMI Signature Program Training Opportunities

NAMI Austin is committed to providing no-cost programming as it strives to serve more families and individuals affected by mental illness. As the awareness of our free programs grows, so does the need for additional trained teachers, facilitators and presenters. NAMI Signature training is based on a national model which is structured, organized and led by state-level trainers. The training is free, and all materials are provided.

Please make note that individuals participating in a NAMI Signature Program training must:

  • Be NAMI Austin member (or be willing to become a member).
  • Have “lived experience” either as an individual or the family member of an individual with a mental illness.
  • Meet all other NAMI qualifying criteria.
  • Commit to abiding by NAMI policies and procedures.
  • Must make every attempt to fulfill their volunteer commitment as outlined in the training application.
  • Understand that participation in training does not guarantee certification. NAMI state-level trainers determine if an individual has met all criteria.

Family to Family Teacher Training
Friday – Sunday January 27-29, 2017
Austin State Hospital Campus, Nifty Fifty Diner/Canteen
4110 Guadalupe St. Austin, TX
REGISTRATION is required!

You must APPLY for this training by January 20, 2017
All materials, meals and beverages are free. Applicants are required to submit an application [see PDF] and participate in a phone interview with a NAMI Family to Family state trainer to confirm applicant meets required criteria to teach.

You could be a great Family to Family teacher if:

  • You are a family member or caregiver of someone who lives with a mental illness.
  • You can commit to teaching two classes in the next two years.
  • You are or a willing to become a NAMI member.
  • You like to teach as a team (all classes are taught by two trained teachers).
  • You have a welcoming personality and are interested in sharing information with families as they face the challenges of living with mental illness.

For more information about the Family to Family training, contact Kathy Bentz, Program Coordinator, at kathy[dot]bentz[at]namiaustin[dot]org or

NAMI Basics Training
Saturday February 25 – Sunday February 26, 2017
Austin State Hospital Campus, Nifty Fifty Diner/Canteen
4110 Guadalupe St. Austin, TX
REGISTRATION is required!

You must APPLY for this training by January 31, 2017
All materials, meals and beverages are free. Applicants are required to submit an application [see PDF] and participate in a phone interview with a NAMI Basics state trainer to confirm applicant meets required criteria to teach.

You could be a great Basics teacher if:

  • You are a parent or primary caregiver of a child or teen who exhibited sympptoms of a mental illness prior to age 13.
  • You can commit to teaching two classes in the next two years.
  • You are or a willing to become a NAMI member.
  • You like to teach as a team (all classes are taught by two trained teachers).
  • You have a welcoming personality and are interested in sharing information with families as they face the challenges of living with mental illness.

For more information about the Family to Family training, contact Jessica Miller, Program Director at jessica[dot]miller[at]namiaustin[dot]org or 

Family Support Group Facilitator Training
Saturday February 25 – Sunday February 26, 2017
Austin State Hospital Campus, Nifty Fifty Diner/Canteen
4110 Guadalupe St. Austin, TX
REGISTRATION is required!

You must APPLY for this training by February 17, 2017
All materials, meals and beverages are free. Applicants are required to submit an application [see PDF] and participate in a phone interview with a Family Support Group state trainer to confirm applicant meets required criteria to facilitate a group.

You could be a great Family Support Group Facilitator if:

  • You are a family member or caregiver of someone who lives with a mental illness.
  • You can commit to facilitating a support group for one year.
  • You are or a willing to become a NAMI member.
  • You like to co-facilitate a group (all groups are led by two trained facilitators).
  • You have a welcoming personality and are interested in sharing information with families as they face the challenges of living with mental illness.

For more information about the Family Support Group training, contact Kathy Bentz, Program Coordinator, at kathy[dot]bentz[at]namiaustin[dot]org or