"Nothing has helped me more over a five year period spent searching for information... I have already recommended it to others and have shared what I have learned."
"Through the support of dedicated instructors I have been able to openly talk around family members and friends about the importance of mental health awareness."
"I have learned multiple strategies and techniques when dealing with my family member and their illness. I have learned how to take care of myself while becoming a better advocate for my son."
Read the personal account of one of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's current Family-to-Family graduates through her weekly blog posts: Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five, Week Six, Week Seven, Week Eight, Week Nine, Week Ten
General Family-to-Family Information Flyer
Tribute video containing testimonials about Family-to-Family from course instructors and family members.
If you are the parent, sibling, child, significant other or relative of someone with a severe mental illness, the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program can help. Sponsored by NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania and NAMI Pennsylvania, Family-to-Family is a FREE, 12-week course that focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, co-occurring mental illness and addictive disorders, and borderline personality disorder.
The course discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and provides the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively. Participants learn about handling crises and relapses; communication techniques; problem solving and limit setting; stress reduction; medications; community services and support; as well as advocacy. The program is designed for family members, rather than the individuals diagnosed with a major mental illness themselves.
The course is offered twice a year, beginning in March and September. Each class is limited to 30 participants, and advance registration is required. The classes run once a week in the evening for 12 consecutive weeks. Call NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania (412) 366-3788 today to learn more and to register for upcoming classes.
Upcoming Family-to-Family Class Dates and Locations
Classes will resume in September 2010. If you would like to placed on the waiting list for the upcoming classes, please call (412) 366-3788. More classes to be added soon.
Squirrel Hill, Children's Institute, 1405 Shady Avenue, begins Monday, Sept. 13, 6:30 - 9:00 pm.
Veterans Place of Washington Blvd., 945 Washington Blvd., Pittsburgh, begins Friday, Sept. 10, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
NAMI Southwestern PA, 105 Braunlich Drive, Ross Twp., begins Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Washington, PA, 907 Jefferson Avenue, begins Monday, Sept. 20, 7:00 - 9:30 pm
Train to be a Family-to-Family Teacher
Volunteer your time as a Family-to-Family Teacher and share with others the same enlightenment that you received as a student of the program! Call (412) 366-3788 for the information on FREE training weekends.
Opportunity to become a teacher for the Spanish speaking Family-to-Family Program. Please contact NAMI Southwestern PA at (412) 366-3788 or email info@namiswpa.org for more information.