Education and Support
(Offered at no cost to Participants)
NAMI Ohio and its affiliates play an active role in providing support and education to consumers of mental health services and their families throughout Ohio. Read on for more information about these services.
Family-to-Family
The Family to Family Education Program was created by Dr. Joyce Burland, a psychologist and family member. This twelve-class course, especially designed for families experiencing the effects of severe brain disorders, focuses on three major psychiatric illnesses: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), and major depression. Treatment strategies and coping skills, including improved communication and problem solving, are covered in the program curriculum.
Classes are team-taught by intensively trained family members. Participants are encouraged to support each other, to be knowledgeable, and to be effective members of a team that includes the family, the consumer, the doctor, and the case manager.
Through the Family to Family program, family members can learn to be effective providers and advocates for an ill relative. Many participants also find the emotional support that is so vital during times of illness and stress.
Participants attend twelve classes which cover the following topics: Facts and Feelings -Learning the Difference; Introduction to Schizophrenia - Diagnosis and Causes; Introduction to Depression and Bipolar Illness - Diagnosis and Causes; Brain Basics; Problem-Solving Skills; Medication; Empathy Workshop - What is it like to experience a brain disorder?; Communication Skills; Relative Groups and Self-Care; Rehabilitation Strategies; Advocacy: Fighting Stigma; Celebration! Certification for those completing the course.
Classes are open to anyone with a family member or close friend experiencing mental illness.
For more information, contact Suzanne Robinson at suzanner@amiohio.org.
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Hand-to-Hand
Hand to Hand is an nine-week education program designed to foster learning, healing and empowerment among families of children with emotional/mental/ neurobiological disorders. This course, developed by NAMI of Greater Toledo, is funded by a grant from ODMH and is taught by professionals and family members who are part of NAMI. The course is similar to Family to Family in structure and goals, with each week of the curriculum dedicated to a particular aspect of having a child with a mental illness. Topics covered include: understanding your child's diagnosis; developing family coping skills; counseling and therapy; medications; special educational needs; and juvenile justice and child protection agencies. Guidance on locating appropriate support and services within the community and obtaining better mental health services as well as advocacy for appropriate federal and state policies are also included.
For more information, contact Suzanne Robinson at suzanner@amiohio.org.
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