NAMI Family-to-Family Programs Ontario, Canada
Families Helping Families
NEW! National suicide crisis and emotional distress helpline is available throughout Canada - If you need help or know someone who does, just reach out by phone or text to 9-8-8, in English or French, at any time of the day and any day of the week.
and At NAMI Family-to-Family Programs, Ontario, we understand what it's like for families coping today with the challenges of a loved one experiencing a mental health condition or mental illness. We understand because we are family members too. We want you to know that you are not alone; we can help.
We offer educational courses in select cities in Ontario and in the Montreal West Island area and connect you to resources near you. For family caregivers, we offer the NAMI Family-to-Family Education course and the NAMI Basics Education course, which is still in a pilot phase at this time. We also offer the NAMI Provider Education course for anyone who, as part of their work, comes into contact with an individual with a mental illness.
Today, families have more choices than ever in seeking help and accessing resources available to them. If you are dealing with a loved one with a mental health condition, seek the supports that you need. Let us help you.
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In the Spotlight
- FREE access to virtual mental health courses. Recovery Colleges are focused on personal recovery in mental health and well-being. They provide an innovative learning space where anyone can access free courses, webinars, workshops, and events to learn, gain new skills, and connect with others in their community. To learn more, go to cmha.ca/what-we-do/national-programs/recovery-colleges/.
- Mental Health and Wellness Support: iCBT - internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is available anywhere in Ontario 24/7, free and confidential! iCBT is a program for adults and youth (16+), with online activities, videos and exercises, as well as check-ins with a therapist online and over the phone. To get started and learn more, go to ontario.ca/iCBT.
- 1Call1Click - A new mental health resource for kids and youth. Launched by the Kids Come First Health Team which coordinates more than 20 organizations offering mental health and addiction care for children, youth and their families in eastern Ontario. You can access the service by calling 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (toll free for eastern Ontario), or fill out an online form at 1Call1Click.ca.
- Good Mental Health: The Canadian Mental Health Association reminds us that "good mental health doesn't mean feeling happy all the time." CMHA invites us to name, express and deal with our emotions— even the uncomfortable ones. Let's embrace all of our emotions—whether they feel good or challenging or difficult. Visit the site for toolkits, information and articles: https://mentalhealthweek.ca/
- Learn about Addiction Treatment During the Covid-19 Pandemic. This American website does not promote any specific clinic or services but provides helpful information about what to do during the pandemic if you or your loved one has an addiction. Click on the link to learn more: https://addictionresource.com/treatment/addiction-during-covid-19-outbreak/.
- Returning to work? A new toolkit for employees and employers was launched by CMHA to help people navigate the mental health implications as they return to a physical workplace.
- Back to School Mental Health Kit - The Children's Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) has prepared a Back-to-School Mental Health Kit. Families worried about their child's mental health will find some supports in the mental health kit.
- More Feet on the Ground - An online resource for anyone (campus professional or student) who wants to understand more about mental health and help refer a student to relevant programs or departments.
- A new resource for Parents of Suicidal Youth was recently launched by PLEO (Parents’ Lifeline of Eastern Ontario). Parents can find answers to the questions of what is most helpful and hopeful offered by parents and youth with lived experience, clinicians, and suicide prevention experts. To access the resource, visit the PLEO Website. View a short trailer that introduces the project.
Our Courses
- NAMI Family-to-Family Education Course: A free 8-week course for family caregivers.
- NAMI Basics Course: A free 6-week course for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents experiencing mental health symptoms.
- NAMI Provider Education Course: A free 15-hour course for health care professionals and those interacting directly with individuals with a mental illness.
About Mental Illness
A Few Facts About Mental Illness
- Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.
- One in five Canadians will personally experience a mental health problem or illness at some point in their life.
- It can produce changes in the way an individual thinks, behaves and feels and affect one’s ability to cope and function.
- With the right support, mental illness is treatable and individuals can lead a full and satisfying life.
