Mental Health Education
NAMI Greater Indianapolis education courses for individuals with mental illness, families, caretakers, providers and the general public are all offered at no charge to the participant.
These programs draw on the expertise of mental health professionals and educators, as well as the experience of mental health consumers and their family and friends who have learned to live well with mental illness and are eager to help others.
Learn More about NAMI's educational programs:
A community partnership among NAMI Greater Indianapolis, law enforcement, and mental health professionals, CIT provides 40 hours of specialized training to selected law enforcement officers, who are then equipped to divert persons with mental illness who are in crisis away from the criminal justice system and into treatment.
Click here for more information on the CIT project.
A 8-week course for persons who have a loved one with mental illness. Topics include:
Symptoms and treatment of bipolar, major depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder and substance abuse.
How to solve problems and communicate effectively
Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
Supporting your loved one with compassion
Finding and using local supports and services
Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
How to handle a crisis
Current treatments and therapies
The impact of mental health conditions on the entire family
NAMI Family & Friends is a free 90-minute or four-hour seminar that informs people who have loved ones with a mental health condition how to best support them. It’s also an opportunity to meet other people in similar situations and gain community support.
Understanding diagnoses, treatment and recovery
Effective communication strategies
The importance of self-care
Crisis preparation strategies
NAMI and community resources
A eight-week course for persons with a diagnosed mental illness in recovery.
Set a vision and goals for the future
Partner with health care providers
Develop confidence for making decisions
Practice relaxation and stress reduction tools
Share your story
Strengthen relationships
Enhance communication skills
Learn about mental health treatment options
Online version available!
NAMI Basics is a free, 6-session education program for parents, guardians and other family who provide care for youth (age 22 or younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. NAMI Basics is offered in a group setting so you can connect with other people in person.
You'll learn the facts about mental health conditions and how best to support your child at home, at school and when they're getting medical care. Last year, 99% of participants told us they would recommend the program to other parents.
The course is taught by a trained team with lived experience—they know what you're going through because they've been there. The 6-session program provides strategies for taking care of your child and learning the ropes of recovery.