Programs and ServicesNAMI Signature Mental Health Education Classes
Classes, Programs and Services
Offered by NAMI Ventura
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Take action today to empower your mental health.
Bouncing back from life’s curveballs takes skills. Resilience is built from a foundation of self-awareness, self-care and communication. Recognizing mental health concerns early and knowing how to respond is key to keeping our minds and communities healthy. Every single person can benefit from building skills designed to support mental wellness.
Community Cares is a NAMI Ventura County-designed pilot program. The 2-hour program is built to introduce evidence and experience-based mental health education with a focus on wellness, recovery and hope. Presenters cover the importance of mental health and wellness, common diagnoses and treatment, self-care and communication skills, and introduce NAMI’s resources and programs. The workshop is presented by trained family members and peer who share their personal experiences navigating mental illness and recovery.
Participants receive a workbook designed to augment the presentation. The workbook encourages mental health awareness as well as providing activities designed to help individuals explore and practice the skills covered in Community Cares.
The goal of Community Cares is to help participants recognize, acknowledge and address mental health concerns as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who benefits from Community Cares? Everyone. Healthy minds build strong communities.
What does the program include? This two-hour presentation includes a participant workbook filled with information and exercises designed to empower mental wellness.
Who teaches Community Cares? Both family members and people living in recovery with mental health conditions are trained as facilitators. Each presenter brings personal experience navigating mental illness and recovery to the presentation.
How much does this program cost? Absolutely nothing! NAMI Ventura County programs are always free to participants. Access to mental health education and support is a firmly-held foundation of NAMI.
* While COVID-19 social distancing is in effect, Community Cares will be offered exclusively in webinar format. Should you have questions or concerns regarding your ability to participate in a webinar, please contact program coordinator Kimberly Quinn.
Registration Note: Space is limited for NAMI Ventura County programs. In order to maintain class sizes, advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link by e-mail. If you cannot attend the class after registering, please contact the office to cancel or reschedule. All programs hosted through Zoom are live and will not be recorded.
Please note this program is currently only being offered to those who live, work, or go to school in Ventura County.
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Connection Support Groups start at 6:30pm on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month. NAMI Connection Support Groups are restricted to adults (18+) living with a mental illness.
NAMI Connection is a recovery support group for adults living with mental illness. This group provides a safe, supportive place offering respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope. NAMI Connection groups offer a casual and relaxed approach to sharing the challenges and successes of coping with mental illness. Every session is facilitated by a trained individual living in recovery with mental illness.
Registration Note: Space is limited for NAMI Ventura County programs. In order to maintain class sizes, advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link by e-mail. If you cannot attend the class after registering, please contact the office to cancel or reschedule. All programs hosted through Zoom are live and will not be recorded.
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NAMI Ending the Silence is an engaging presentation that helps audience members learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.
NAMI Ending the Silence presentations include two leaders: one who shares an informative presentation and a young adult with a mental health condition who shares their journey of recovery. Audience members can ask questions and gain understanding of an often-misunderstood topic. Through dialogue, we can help grow the movement to end stigma.
Presentations are available for:
• NAMI Ending the Silence for Students: 50-minute presentation designed for middle and high school students that includes warning signs, facts and statistics and how to get help for themselves or a friend. Research has shown that NAMI Ending the Silence for Students is effective in changing middle and high school students’ knowledge and attitudes toward mental health conditions and toward seeking help
• NAMI Ending the Silence for School Staff: 90-minute presentation for school staff members that includes information about warning signs, facts and statistics, how to approach students and how to work with families
• NAMI Ending the Silence for Families: 90-minute presentation for adults with middle or high school aged youth that includes warning signs, facts and statistics, how to talk with your child and how to work with school staff
What People Are Saying
“I’m really grateful and glad that you talked to us. I often feel very alone or weird because many kids my age don’t understand. But, now I’m sure they would be more supportive of me.” – Student
“Thank you, Renee, for coming to my school and sharing your story. You have changed my life forever. The things you explained about your depression relate to how I feel. When I got home, I immediately talked to my parents and hopefully I will get some help.” – Student
“It is amazing what just one day, one talk can do. You never really know what’s going on in the brain of any particular student.” –Teacher
“Recently parents from two different families reached out to me after their children had seen NAMI Ending the Silence. Both were thanking me for the work we do along with being grateful to know about us as a resource. They were able to have very meaningful and open conversations with their children/students and happy they are getting this information in the school setting.” – ETS Program Leader
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NAMI Family-to-Family is a peer family education program designed to foster learning, healing and empowerment among individuals supporting loved ones living with serious mental illness. The program not only provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you’ll also find out that you’re not alone.
This program is a free, 8-session educational class is a designated evidenced-based program. 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. For information on the research base for the program, visit nami.org/research. The course was written by experienced family members and mental health professionals, and is taught by family members who are NAMI-trained.
Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Other points of focus include communication, problem solving, treatment, and recovery. The course is designed to increase understanding and advocacy skills while helping participants maintain their own well-being. All participants receive a binder with information, resources, and references.
Included in the course:
Week One: Learning About Normal Reactions When Mental Illness Strikes a Family
Week Two: Understanding Mental Health Conditions and Preparing for Crisis
Week Three: Getting a Mental Health Diagnosis and Sharing Our Stories
Week Four: Overview of Mental Health Conditions
Week Five: Treatment Options
Week Six: Communication Skills & Problem Solving
Week Seven: Empathy & Recovery
Week Eight: Moving Forward, Celebration & Graduation
Registration Note: Space is limited for NAMI Ventura County programs. In order to maintain class sizes, advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link by e-mail. If you cannot attend the class after registering, please contact the office to cancel or reschedule. All programs hosted through Zoom are live and will not be recorded.
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Esta serie de 12 clases, la cual se lleva a cabo una vez por semana, está diseñada para ayudar a los miembros de familia a educar, comprender y apoyar a nuestros seres queridos mientras se mantiene un ambiente de salud personal y de bienestar en el hogar.
Aprende Mas…
The NAMI Family-to-Family Educational Program
Class in person
Click here to register or to receive more information
This is a program that helps transform the family from despair and isolation, through better knowledge and family support, until the following conditions are overcome:
Severe depression
Bipolar Disorder (Also known as manic depressive)
Schizophrenia
Schizoaffective Disorder
Anxiety and Panic
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Dual Diagnosis (Substance Abuse and Mental Illness)
This series of 12 classes, which takes place once a week, is designed to help family members educate, understand and support our loved ones while maintaining an environment of personal health and well-being at home. .
NAMI’s Family to Family educational program is free! However, you need to register as soon as possible.
Click here to register or to receive more information
NAMI FAMILY TO FAMILY COURSE PROGRAM
CLASS 1: Introduction to Family Education
CLASS 2: Symptoms of schizophrenia, severe depression, bipolar disorder, mania and schizoaffective disorder, Coping with critical periods of crisis
CLASS 3: Subtype of depression and bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and simultaneous brain disorders and addictions, Telling our stories
CLASS 4: Fundamentals of brain biology and the causes of mental disorders
CLASS 5: Seminar on Problem Solving
CLASS 6: Review of medications
CLASS 7: Empathy; Let’s understand mental illness
CLASS 8: Seminar on communication skills
CLASS 9: Taking care of yourself
CLASS 10: Rehabilitation; Options for recovery
CLASS 11: Fighting against stigma; Advocacy and advocacy work
CLASS 12: Evaluation, Certification and Celebration
FAMILIA A FAMILIA FORMULARIO DE INSCRIPCION
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What is the NAMI Family & Friends Webinar?
NAMI Family & Friends is a free webinar that informs and supports family members, partners, friends and significant others who have loved ones with a mental health condition. Participants learn about diagnoses, treatment, recovery, communication strategies, crisis preparation and NAMI resources. Webinar leaders are also family members and know what it is like to have a loved one with a mental health condition.
Registration Note: Space is limited for NAMI Ventura County webinars. In order to maintain class sizes, we ask that each person who will attend the program registers in advance. If you cannot attend the class after registering, please contact the office to cancel or reschedule. Webinars are live and will not be recorded.
*While COVID-19 social distancing is in effect, Family & Friends will be offered exclusively in webinar format. Should you have questions or concerns regarding your ability to participate in a webinar, please contact program coordinator Kimberly Quinn at kimberly@namiventura.org.
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Tap or Click for the Registration Form
NAMI Ventura County will be offering support groups in both a Zoom online format and In Person. starting on March 1, 2023.
(Note: Space on Zoom is limited to 18 participants each week, registration must be submitted by 4pm on day of group to receive link for that week)
FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS
Care & Share Family Support Groups provide support, education, advocacy and information to family members and friends of those suffering with severe mental illness. Each person has an opportunity, if they wish, to share their current situation with the group. Since everyone attending has or is going through similar issues, everyone can offer understanding and comfort. Often group members are able to offer helpful ideas, suggestions and resources.
Each group is coordinated by a trained support group facilitator who is also the family member of a person living with serious mental illness.
Family Support Groups meet regularly as shown below. Please call NAMI Ventura County at (805) 641-2426 for more information.
Please note – These NAMI groups are restricted to family members or friends who are supporting a person with a mental illness.
Online Groups start at 6:30 pm on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month.
Starting March 6th – In Person Groups start at 6:30 pm on the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. (Encounter Church, 6950 Ralston St., Rm 302, Ventura)
Starting March 1st – In Person “Faithnet” Group starts at 6:30 pm on the 1st Wednesday of each month. (First Presbyterian Church of Santa Paula, 121 Davis Street, Santa Paula, follow signs)
Registration form is required to receive the Zoom link to the group by e-mail.
Please Register for the In Person Groups.
(For consumer/client support groups, see the NAMI Calendar.)
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Join us on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:45 pm to hear expert speakers present information.
Learn about the next meeting here.
New Zoom General Meeting
Please join us for our February NAMI Ventura County general meeting on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm. We will be holding our general meeting via Zoom format!
Our meeting topic will be on Ventura County’s Mental Health Diversion Program – A multi-agency panel discussion
(NOTE THE TIME FRAME IS DURING THE DAY)
To attend the meeting on Zoom, please use the registration form below and you will be emailed the log in and password for the meeting.
805-641-2426 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Please click below to register and receive zoom link.
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Request a Presentation • More Information • Register Now • Download Flyer
In Our Own Voice is a presentation by individuals that creates awareness about what is involved in recovery from mental illness. A powerful anti-stigma tool to change hearts, minds, and attitudes about mental illness.
What It Is:
- A presentation by people living with mental illness that creates awareness about what is involved in recovery from mental illness. A powerful anti-stigma tool to change hearts, minds, and attitudes about mental illness.
- An opportunity for people diagnosed with a mental illness to gain self-confidence and self-esteem while serving as community role models.
- Living proof that recovery from mental illness is an ongoing reality.
The Presentation:
- Hear from people who have struggled with disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other severe mental illnesses.
- Presenters tell their story in five topics: Dark Days, Acceptance, Treatment, Coping Skills, and Successes, Hopes, and Dreams.
- Gain insight into how people with serious mental illnesses cope with the realities of their disorders while reclaiming productive lives.
- Ask questions to and get honest answers from the real experts — the consumers are the ones who “have been there.”
The Audience:
A wide variety of audiences benefit from the In Our Own Voice presentation. Many types of organizations host this program for different reasons like:
- Family and friends who need reassurance about the possibility of recovery for their loved ones.
- Health care providers who want to strengthen communication with their clients and improve outcomes.
- Law enforcement officials working to increase awareness of and sensitivity of behaviors linked to mental illness.
- Faith communities improving responsiveness to people with mental illnesses who may first turn to their spiritual community for guidance.
- Students wanting to expand their knowledge about living with mental illness.
- Any community or civic organization who may be interested in learning more about mental illnesses and recovery.
Why Have This Program?
- Raises awareness in communities about recovery from mental illness.
- Empowers people living with mental illness by providing a path to recovery.
- Presents the real face of mental illness.
- Combats stigma by opening dialogue.
- Provides supported, positive volunteer opportunities for people living with mental illness.
- Introduces NAMI Ventura County as a local resource.
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Peer-to-Peer Class
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NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a recovery-focused educational program for adults who wish to establish and maintain wellness in response to mental health challenges. The course provides critical information and strategies related to living with mental illness.
Learn More…
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a recovery-focused educational program for adults who wish to establish and maintain wellness in response to mental health challenges. The course provides critical information and strategies related to living with mental illness.
There is no cost to attend Peer-to-Peer, but you must register to participate. To register for the upcoming class complete the form below or call the NAMI Ventura County office, 805-641-2426.
Next Class: Day of Week TBD- 4pm-6pm
Zoom Online
Spring 2023
NAMI Online Zoom (Please register to receive zoom link)
What You Should Expect
- Eight two-hour sessions, free of charge.
- Designed for individuals (18 and over) living with mental illness.
- Taught by a trained team of individuals living in recovery from mental illness.
- Incorporates presentations, discussion and exercises.
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Tap or Click for the Registration Form
This training course is for mental health professionals, case managers, residential care givers, front office staff, R.N.’s, psychologists, homeless outreach workers, vocational rehabilitation and job counselors, club house programmers, psychiatrists, therapists, and all those who serve individuals with serious mental illness.
Learn More…
NAMI Provider Schedule:
Next Provider Education: Tuesday, June 15 (10am-2:30pm) via Zoom
NAMI Provider is a 4-hour staff development program for health care professionals working directly with people experiencing mental illness. It’s important to understand the unique challenges people and families experience when facing a mental health challenge: social isolation, complex family dynamics and the unpredictability of illness.
NAMI Provider:
A seminar for health care providers about the experience of mental illness
This program offers the tools health care professionals need to combine the medical and recovery models of care so you can better serve your clients. It’s designed to help enhance the relationships you have with the person in your care, and with their family. This 4-hour seminar is based on the NAMI Provider curriculum.
Each member of the teaching team has experienced mental illness firsthand as a family member or person with a mental health condition.The three-person teaching team is made up of a mental health professional, a family member, and a person living in recovery. They will help you understand the importance of establishing a partnership with your client and their family to aid them in the journey to wellness and recovery.
The objectives of NAMI Provider are for participants to:
• Understand NAMI’s mission and the types of programs we offer
• Recognize the traumatic impact that mental illness has on the person and the family, even in times of wellness
• View lived experience as an important perspective that enhances the care health care professionals provide
• Learn about the collaborative model of care and how to incorporate it into their treatment services
• Learn the emotional stages of response to mental illness experienced by the individual and their family
• Identify why health care professionals may want to refer families and caregivers to NAMI programs
There is no charge for the class, however, registration is required.
Continuing Education Credits can be provided to the following professionals:
Nursing CE contact hours: Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP 15325, for up to15 contact hours. Credit provided upon successful completion of all 5 sections (no partial credit available). Provider Name: Ventura County Behavioral Health. (Note: Webinars are 4 CEU hours, 2 day classes are 10 contact hours)
LMFT and LCSW CE contact hours: Course meets the qualifications for up to 15 hours of continuing education credit for LMFT’s and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Must complete all 5 sections (no partial credit available). Provider Name: Ventura County Behavioral Health. Provider number: PCE 4184. (Note: Webinars are 4 CEU hours, 2 day classes are 10 hours of continuing education credit)
Drug and Alcohol Counselor CE contact hours: Provider approved by CAADAC (Provider Number 2C-92-284-0410) and CAADE (Provider number CP10 805 C 0510) for 15 CEH’s. Must complete all 5 sections (no partial credit available). Provider Name: Ventura County Behavioral Health. (Note: Webinars are 4 CEU hours, 2 day classes are 10 CEU’s)
There are three ways to register for Provider Seminar:
Register online with the form below.
Call: (805) 641-2426
Email: info@namiventura.org
Please Note: Space is limited for NAMI Ventura County webinars. If you cannot attend the class after registering, please contact the office to cancel or reschedule.
*NAMI Ventura County expects to offer the classroom-based Provider Education Program when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, NAMI encourages you to register for the Provider Seminar. Please consider taking the 10-hour Provider Education course when it becomes available.
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Stigma is a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart. When a person is labelled by their illness, they are seen as part of a stereotyped group. Negative attitudes create prejudice, which leads to negative actions and discrimination. NAMI Ventura County works hard to eliminate stigma.
What is Stigma?
Stigma is a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart. When a person is labelled by their illness, they are seen as part of a stereotyped group. Negative attitudes create prejudice, which leads to negative actions and discrimination.
Stigma brings experiences and feelings of:
- Shame
- Blame
- Hopelessness
- Distress
- Misrepresentation in the media
- Reluctance to seek and/or accept necessary help
How can we challenge stigma?
- Learn and share the facts about mental health and illness.
- Speak up in protest when friends, family, colleagues or the media display false beliefs and negative stereotypes.
- Offer the same support to people when they are physically or mentally unwell.
- Don’t label or judge people with a mental illness, treat them with respect and dignity as you would anyone else.
- Don’t discriminate
- Talk openly of your own experience with mental illness
- Host or attend one of NAMI Ventura County’s Stigma Reduction Programs
NAMI Ventura County Stigma Reduction Programs
In Our Own Voice:
A powerful anti-stigma tool to change hearts, minds, and attitudes about mental illness. The program unmasks mental illness, using speaker stories to illustrate the individual realities of living with mental illness. You gain a better understanding of what it is like to live with mental illness and stay in recovery. NAMI In Our Own Voice can change attitudes, preconceived notions and stereotypes regarding mental illness. Learn more…
Ending the Silence:
NAMI Ending the Silence is an in-school presentation about mental health designed for high school students. Students can learn about mental illness directly from family members and individuals living with mental illness themselves. Learn more…
Provider Education:
The NAMI Provider Education program helps people who work with individuals living with mental illness understand the experience of mental illness from individual and family perspectives. Through exposure to personal stories, participants may gain tools that increase their empathy and professional skills thereby improving patient care. Learn more…
