Educational Programs
NAMI San Diego offers a number of peer-led education
programs for all those affected by serious mental illnesses.
What We Offer
Accessible, impactful support for individuals with mental illness and their loved ones
Our peer-led education programs give individuals living with mental illness and their families a place to turn, a place to access a strong network of education and support programs, presented by trained teachers and facilitators who have “been there.”
Family-to-Family Classes
Family-to-Family is a designated evidence-based program designed by mental health professionals and lead by NAMI trained family members who have both personal experience and empathy and you will find that you are not alone. The group setting provides mutual support and positive experience.
In this course, 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 and the impact of mental health conditions on the entire family.
- In-person and virtual classes throughout the year, including in the daytime, evenings, and on weekends
- Contact F2F@namisd.org or marissawolf@namisd.org for more information
NAMI Basics
A free educational program for caretakers of individuals under the age of 23 with mental health conditions.
NAMI Basics is taught by a trained team with lived experience raising a child with a mental health condition. They know what you have been there because they have been there too, you are not alone!
In this course, you will learn about: the impact mental health conditions can have on your entire family, different types of mental health care professionals, available treatments and therapies, an overview of the public mental health care, school and juvenile justice systems as well as the resources to help you navigate these systems, how to advocate for your child, crisis management, the importance of taking care of yourself and so much more!
- 6-session program offered throughout the year
- Contact F2F@namisd.org or marissawolf@namisd.org for more information
- Download NAMI Basics Brochure
Family Voice Meetings
Free monthly meetings highlighting various resources for members of the community.
Family Voice meetings are for individuals looking for more information and resources on a variety of topics. Each meeting covers a different topic with experts in the arena presenting and answering questions in an engaging manner so that all feel answered and included.
Previous topics and presenters have included; The L.E.A.P. Method, The Care ACT, informational sessions about various NAMI apps such as alfrEDU and PERT/MCRT just to name a few.
- Meetings are generally virtual and are 60-90 minutes long
- Contact F2F@namisd.org or marissawolf@namisd.org for more information
Peer Trainings Programs
NAMI Peer-to-Peer
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free course consisting of ten two-hour classes and is taught by a team of trained mentors who are experienced at living well with mental illness. It is for persons with serious mental illnesses who are interested in establishing and maintaining their wellness and recovery. It includes education on individual empowerment, family and peer support, relapse prevention, communication skills, and enhancement of personal activity and functioning. Mentors attend a weekend-long training session, are supplied with teaching manuals, and are paid a stipend for each course that they teach.
- Registration is required. Email p2p@namisd.org.
- A gentle mention that the course closes off to new registrants after the second session.
- Download PDF
Peer Certification Training
Peer Training & Placement Programs
Career Pathways 3.0, offers free, 80-hour virtual, live, CalMHSA-approved, Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training to peers with lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use and family members/caregivers, who are looking to serve in a peer or a related role and/or are seeking to become state Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists.
This 80-hour virtual, live training fulfills the state’s training requirement for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification. Said differently, NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties is a CalMHSA-approved training provider.
In Our Own Voice Presentations
Our goal is to inspire hope through Personal Stories of Recovery, and to educate the community about mental health so that we can reduce the stigma associated with such challenges.
- Contact Mirna Garcia to request a presentation: mirnagarcia@namisd.org
Community Advocacy Programs
The Community Advocacy Program helps through advocacy, and empowering those affected by mental health or substance use issues to advocate for themselves by taking our Advocacy Course and learning how to engage with policymakers engage with other peers to advocate for certain changes, and learn about what is happening with mental health policies.
Our programs equip these individuals with the knowledge necessary to navigate San Diego’s mental health system. Our services are open to the public and do not require referrals.
NAMI Smarts of Advocacy
Interactive Training Certification Program
NAMI Smarts of Advocacy is an interactive training certification program that transforms passion and lived experience into skillful grassroots advocacy. It is open to those new to advocacy and those who have been amplifying voices for years.
Different cohort training options are provided. After the completion of Modules 1 – 3, advocates will be able to share their stories with the local community and policymakers. All advocates will be invited to attend our San Diego County Peer Council
Town Hall Meetings
Information Coming Soon
Peer Council
Monthly meetings for all those impacted by mental health or substance use issues
The Peer Council invites peers and community members to discuss effective ways to improve San Diego’s Behavioral Health System of Care. We aim to collaborate with the public, peers, service providers, organizations, and the County in order to get perspectives from all sides to find the best solutions for mental health services, outreach and resources within San Diego County.
All are encouraged to attend. All age groups, all sectors of the county, anyone who has been impacted by mental health or substance use issues. This council is meant to amplify the voice and needs of the community.
- Meetings every 3rd Tuesday of the month
- Click here to join the mailing list
Mobile Apps
Gain the knowledge and resources to navigate San Diego’s mental health system
