Schizophrenia Daily News Blog

Mental Illness Education and Family Training Classes

Each September in the US and Canada, support and advocacy groups (NAMI in the US, Schizophrenia Society in Canada) begin a new series of educational and support classes for family members (parents, siblings, etc.) of people who have mental illness. These 12-week long courses are called the "Family to Family" series of educational classes - which use good science-based information, as well as solid information on local resources to help you get the best treatment for mental illnesses. The classes are free to everyone - and we highly encourage you to participate in these classes if you can.

For example - at NAMI San Francisco, California - this is the description for the new class that starts on September 16th. (click here for more details). Note, NAMI SF also has a good list of questions you should ask your psychiatrist - see the list.

The Family to Family Education course seeks to educate family members and friends of people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, and to prepare them to be strong advocates or caregivers.

9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays,
Sept. 16 through Dec. 9 (excluding Nov. 25)
A Kaiser Hospital facility in San Francisco
You must register. Please call 415-905-6264
Or email: renee.deger (at) sbcglobal.net

For additional information on your local classes - contact the local NAMI or Schizophrenia Society offices in your area. Here are the web pages to find your local office:

NAMI - LOCAL OFFICES

Schizophrenia Society of Canada - Provincial Offices