Our Programs

NAMI offers the following free educational programs. Contact the Syracuse office if you have any questions: 315-487-2085, email namisyracuse@namisyracuse.org.

NAMI Basics

NAMI Basics On Demand is a free online class for parents, guardians and other family caregivers who provide care for youth (age 22 or younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The program is self-paced and available 24/7, and is guided by parents and family members with lived experiences. This program is free to participants, 99% of whom say they would recommend the program to others.

NAMI Basics covers:

The impact mental health conditions can have on your entire family

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Different types of mental health care professionals, available treatment options and therapies

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An overview of the public mental health care, school and juvenile justice systems and resources to help you navigate these systems

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How to advocate for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings

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How to prepare for and respond to crisis situations (self-harm, suicide attempts, etc)

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The importance of taking care of yourself

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Much, much more

Course Registration: Please click here to register for this online class

Would you like to help people and change lives? If so, inquire about joining NAMI Syracuse as a volunteer program facilitator to deliver education and support to those who need it. Contact the NAMI Syracuse office at (315) 487-2085 or namisyracuse@namisyracuse.org on weekdays between 10 AM and 2 PM to reach a NAMI staff member.

NAMI Homefront

NAMI Homefront is a free, 6-session educational program for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions. The course is designed specifically to help these families understand those challenges and improve their ability to support their service member or veteran.

NAMI Homefront is offered in two formats: in person, and online.

In person classes:

Facilitator/registration: Contact Ann Canastra 315-412-3019 to register

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Location: virtual (Zoom)

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For 2023 class dates, please contact Ann Canastra at ann.canastra@va.gov

Online:

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NAMI Homefront Online is offered in a virtual classroom, so participants experience the same level of interaction and learning as traditional in-person classes.

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Online Course registration: please click here for a description of course content, and to sign up for this program.

NAMI Family to Family

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family members, significant others, and friends of people living with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program. This means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition.

NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises. This program not only provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you’ll also find out that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.

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To find out when the next class starts, please contact the office at 315-487-2085 or at namisyracuse@namisyracuse.org

Click here to register for an upcoming course.

The group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Sharing your own experience may help others in your class. In the program, you’ll learn about:

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How to solve problems and communicate effectively

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Taking care of yourself and managing your stress

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Supporting your loved one with compassion

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Finding and using local supports and services

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Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain

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How to handle a crisis

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Current treatments and therapies

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The impact of mental health conditions on the entire family

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