General Mental Health Information/Education

The agency provides general mental health information/education for Los Angeles County. There are no geographic restrictions.

National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) advocates for the rights of patients and their families and friends, promotes awareness and education, and administers a network of chapters and support groups for families and friends of people who have a mental illness. An extensive network of affiliates provides support services for families of people who have mental illnesses, including referral to available community resources; classes for families, education about patient's rights; guidance in family participation in treatment planning; and mutual support groups for family emotional survival. The program also provides specialized information and referral for services related to mental health issues.

NAMI Family to Family is a free, 8-week educational course for family members who are supporting a loved one with a mental health condition. The class provides participants with suggestions and best practices on interacting, communicating and setting boundaries with their loved one. Participants will cover topics including, problem solving and communicating, self-care and stress management, finding and using additional support and services, information about mental health conditions and how they affect the brain, crisis management, treatment and therapy options, and a mental health condition’s impact on family dynamics. Classes are also available in Spanish as Familia-a-Familia.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 8-week educational course for adults with mental health conditions looking to understand mental health conditions and their recovery. Classes are taught by trained leaders with lived experience with a mental health condition in recovery. Topics covered include, setting goals, navigating the health care system, developing confidence and making decisions, self-care and stress management, communication and strengthening personal relationships, and exploring mental health treatment options. Classes are also available in Spanish as Persona-a-Persona.

NAMI Basics is a free, 6-week education course for parents, caregivers, and other family members who provide care for youth, ages 22 and younger, who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The course is taught by a trained team with lived experience raising a child with a mental health condition. Classes assist family members with learning about recovery, how mental health conditions impact family dynamics, navigating mental health care systems and available treatment options and therapies. Additional information on how to advocate for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings, how to prepare for and respond to crisis situations and caregiver self-care, is also provided. Classes are also available in Spanish as Bases y Fundamentos.

Advanced registration is required for all education courses. Classes meet weekly and are offered virtually and in-person.