Tri-Country Health Network offers National Alliance for Mental Illnesses (NAMI) Family-to-Family, a free educational program for family, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions, as well as the NAMI Family Support Group, a group for graduates of the class to continue supporting one another.
NAMI Family-to-Family is an evidence-based program that Tri-County Health Network has offered since 2018. 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 trained family members who have been there teach the course, which includes presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises.
Courses are offered periodically throughout the year. Stay tuned to our website and social channels for course dates!
The next Family-to-Family course begins: January 18 February 1, 2024!
What You’ll Gain
NAMI Family-to-Family not only provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you will also find out that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
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 will learn about:
- 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
Participants say…
What was the best part of the program?
“Learning with others who must achieve coping skills and many other skills too.”
“The sharing of real stories”
“They [the instructors’] were really caring, supportive, kind, experienced with mental health. Loved them and they did a fabulous job.”
“It was so important to hear each other, listen, express our own challenges and know that you are not alone. Everyone supported each other. This has been an extremely important [class] of wonderful information and comradery. I am so grateful. So many people need this!”
NAMI Family Support Group
The NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult family member, partner, or friend of someone who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Attendees create connections with fellow community members and gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.
By sharing your experiences in a safe setting, you can gain hope and develop supportive relationships. This group allows your voice to be heard and provides an opportunity for your personal needs to be met. It encourages empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community. You will benefit from other’s experiences, discover your inner strength, and empower yourself by sharing your own experiences in a non-judgmental space.
NAMI Family Support Group will help you
- Aim for better coping skills
- Find strength in sharing experiences
- Forgive ourselves and reject guilt
- Embrace humor as healthy
- Accept that we cannot solve every problem
And understand that mental health conditions are no one’s fault and can be traumatic experiences
The NAMI Family Support Group for family members, partners and friends of people living with mental health conditions meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 5:45 to 7:00pm, on ZOOM. To join this free, online support group click on this link: NAMI FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
Crisis Resources
If you are experiencing a crisis, please call 911 or contact one of the following crisis lines:
- San Miguel County Sheriff Dispatch: 728-1911
- Colorado Crisis Services, a statewide hotline: 844-493-TALK (8255)
- Colorado Crisis Services Text Line: text TALK to 38255
- Axis Health 24 hour support line: 1-970-252-6220
For a list of additional crisis resources, click here.
