The process of emotional learning and practical
insight for families occurs most readily, and dependably, on the guided
group process which takes place when individual family members are in a
class together. This program will also take advantage of advancing
technology which allows programs to virtually connect families and
provides broader access to vitally important information.
The NAMI Basics Education Program includes the
following components:
6-2.5 hour classes of instructional material,
discussions and interactive exercises which may be delivered as a series
of consecutive weekly classes, or on consecutive Saturdays to ac
comm
odate the time constraints faced by families of children and
adolescents.
A section of the NAMI web site will be dedicated to
disseminating information, including informational videos that can be
viewed online, and resources for this program and to connecting family
program participants.
In addition to the core course of 6 classes,
additional topic modules will be developed for independent presentations
for families interested in specific topics, such as transition issues,
and advocacy.
The program includes a rigorous evaluation process to
both build an evidence base on the effectiveness of the program and also
to help ensure that the program continually delivers best practices to
meet the unique needs of families.
NAMI Basics
Education Program Curriculum
Class 1:
Introduction: It’s not your fault;
Mental illnesses are brain disorders
Special features of the course; learning about the normative stages
of our emotional reactions to the trauma of mental illness; our belief
system and principles; recognizing that mental illnesses are biological
brain disorders.
Class 2:
The biology of Mental Illness; getting an
accurate diagnosis
An overview of human development; specifics of brain development;
current research on brain mechanisms involved in mental illness in
children and adolescents; overview of the diagnostic process; and
overview of the types and subtypes of major mental illnesses that can
develop in childhood and adolescence (ADHD, ODD, CD, Major Depression,
Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Schizophrenia, OCD and Substance
Use Disorders).
Class 3:
Treatment Works
Telling your stories; overview of treatment options available;
explanation of evidence base practice designations; review of various
types of mental health professionals in the field; overview of
medication as a treatment option for children and adolescents, including
the current debate within the field on the subject of treating children
and adolescents with medications, including black box warnings.
Class 4:
Objective and subjective family burden
Acknowledge the strains of family burden and the impact of mental
illness on each family member; learning various skills that can be used
to improve day to day
comm
unications within the family as well as during episodes of crisis;
comm
unication skills, problem solving skills, tips for handling challenging
behavior, crisis preparation and response, developing a relapse plan
Class 5:
The systems involved with your child and the
importance of record keeping
earning how to keep records on your child; reviewing a sample record
keeping system; overview of the systems your child may be involved with
including the mental health system, the school system and the juvenile
justice system; introduction to issues that will arise as your child
reaches adulthood
Class 6:
Advocacy, Review,
Sharing and Evaluation
Building an advocacy team for your child; meet people who are
resources for you in advocating for your child; invitation to join NAMI
in the fight to end discrimination and ensure access to appropriate
treatment services; reminders about self-care; evaluations and
certificates.
For further information and class schedule,
Contact:
Tonya Tate
601-899-9058
childservices@namicentralms.com
