National Alliance on Mental Illness Releases Free Online Class

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is offering its first online educational course. The organization's first-of-its-kind course is free to learners.

The new NAMI Basics OnDemand is an adaptation of the in-person NAMI Basics, a free education program for parents, caregivers, and other family who provide care for adolescents aged 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms.

The program is divided into 6 sessions, including:

• Basic elements of coping with mental health conditions
• Brain biology and receiving a diagnosis
• Communication skills and crisis preparation
• Treatment and connecting with others by sharing your story
• Navigating the mental health and education systems
• Self-care and advocacy

“We know parents face barriers to attending an in-person class, especially when a child may be experiencing mental health challenges, but that's when this information is needed the most,” said NAMI Acting CEO, Angela Kimball, in a prepared statement. “We hope by providing this free, online course of NAMI Basics OnDemand we'll reach more people when and where it's easiest for them to access this vital information.”

NAMI Basics has served 20,000 participants in 43 states across the country, and since 2009, the course has been offered by NAMI Affiliates in an in-person, group setting.

Reference

NAMI releases first free online class for parents of children with mental illness [news release]. Arlington, VA: NAMI; October 1, 2019. https://nami.org/Press-Media/Press-Releases/2019/NAMI-Releases-First-Free-Online-Class-for-Parents-of-Children-with-Mental-Illness. Accessed October 7, 2019.