NAMI BASICS EDUCATION PROGRAM
The fundamentals of caring for you, your family
and your child with mental illness

What is NAMI Basics?

NAMI Basics is the new signature education program for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses. The course is taught by trained teachers who are the parent or other caregivers of individuals who developed the symptoms of mental illness prior to the age of 13 years. All instruction and course materials are free to class participants.

What are the goals of the NAMI Basics program?

1. To give the parent/caregiver the fundamental information necessary to be an effective
    caregiver.
2. To help the parent/caregiver cope with the traumatic impact that mental illness has on the child
    living with the illness and the entire family.
3. To provide tools for the parent/caregiver to use even after completing the program that will
    assist in making the best decisions possible for the care of the child.
4. To help the parent/caregiver take the best care possible of the entire family – especially
    themselves.

What does the course include?

Introduction to the normative stages of emotional reactions of the family to the trauma of
   mental illness
Insights into an empathic understanding of the subjective, lived experience of the child living
   with the mental illness
Current information about Attention Deficit Disorder, Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder,
   Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive
   Disorder, Childhood Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse Disorders
Current research related to the biology of mental illness and the evidence-based, most effective
   treatment strategies available, including medications used to treat mental illness in children and
   adolescents
Specific workshops to learn problem solving, listening and communication skills
Strategies in handling challenging behaviors in children and adolescents
Information about the systems that are major players in the lives of children and adolescents
   with mental illness – the school system and the mental health system
Exposure to personal record keeping systems that have proven to be effective for
   parents/caregivers in their interactions with the school and healthcare systems
Information on planning for crisis management and relapse
Information on locating appropriate supports and services within the community
Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services, with an emphasis
   on personal advocates for the parent/caregiver and child on an individual level

Alicia Stevenson
NAMI Basics, Program Coordinator
908-892-4299
basics@naminj.org

For more information or class schedules in your area, contact your nearest Contact Person
or the NAMI Basics Program Coordinator.

  Resources for Children