Family to Family:

Call NAMI Fresno office (559) 224-2469 for information on the next class available. This is a free 12 week, experimental education course on the topic of recovery for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illness. The course uses a combination of lecture, interactive exercises and structured group processes, and the diversity of experience among course participants affords for a lively dynamic that moves the course along. The course is designed to offer an opportunity for growth to any individual who may have a family member or close friend that have been diagnosed with a mental illness. The course is taught by two trained family members who are themselves family members of an individual with a severe mental illness. NAMI Basics: NAMI Basics is the signature education program for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illness. This 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. This free course includes an introduction to the normative stages of emotional reactions of the family to the trauma of mental illness. It also offers insights into an empathic understanding of the subjective, lived experience of the child living with the mental illness and updated information about the many mental disorders that children can be affected by.

Beautiful Minds Family Support Group

3rd Tuesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. Location: The home of Curt & Jeanine Thornton They can be contacted for directions to their home at 439-0853. This is a faith based adult support group which studies biblical principles helpful to family members of those who suffer from mental illness. This group offers peer support, referrals and the opportunity to be with others who can pray for you with understanding. There is no child care provided.

Adult Support Group

Meetings 2nd Tuesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. Location: Trinity Lutheran Church located at 3973 N. Cedar Avenue in Fresno These confidential meetings provide a safe place where family members and friends of individuals with a mental illness are invited to share experiences and explore possible solutions. The group is facilitated by Psychologist, Dr. Rick Adams.

Parents/Guardians of Children and Adolescents Support Group

3rd Tuesday of the month from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Each quarter the group will meet from 7 - 9 p.m. and have a speaker (April, August & December) Location: NAMI Fresno office at 7545 N. Del Mar #105 This group provides a safe place for parents, guardians, grandparents and close friends of children/adolescents affected by mental illness to share their frustrations and suggestions and hopefully find some strength by sharing with other parents. We are facilitated by Patricia Carver, LMFT. Please do not bring children as you need time for yourself.

Educational Meetings

4th Tuesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. Location: Trinity Lutheran Church located at 3973 N. Cedar Avenue in Fresno At the educational meetings community professionals offer their expertise on a variety of subjects related to medical, social and legal issues pertaining to biological brain disorders. To get more information on topics for the upcoming meetings call the NAMI Fresno office at 224-2469.

Peer 2 Peer

This is a free nine week, experimental education course on the topic of recovery for any person with serious mental illness who is interested in establishing and maintaining wellness. The course uses a combination of lecture, interactive exercises and structured group processes, and the diversity of experience among course participants affords for a lively dynamic that moves the course along. The course is designed to offer an opportunity for growth to any individual who experiences mental illness.

N A M I  Fresno Support Groups For more information about NAMI or the above mentioned meetings please call the NAMI Fresno Office at (559) 224-2469 or via email at info@namifresno.org