NAMI Family-to-Family Programs Ontario, Canada


An Important Announcement

After many years of providing education and support to families affected by mental illness, NAMI Family-to-Family Programs in Ontario and Montreal have come to an end.


Since the program began in Ontario in 1998, it has helped hundreds of participants across Ontario and Montreal learn more about mental illness, develop coping strategies, connect with others who understand their experiences, and find hope and support.


We are deeply grateful to all of the families who participated in the program. Above all, we are grateful to the many volunteer teachers and agencies whose dedication, generosity and commitment made these programs possible. They gave their time, shared their knowledge and personal experiences, and created a safe and supportive environment in which families could learn, connect and find hope. Without their willingness to give so much of themselves, these programs would not have existed.


In January of this year, CMHA Ottawa ended its role as the sponsoring organization for the Ontario NAMI programs. At that time, the programs were suspended while efforts were made to find another organization willing and able to assume the provincial sponsoring and oversight role required for the programs to continue. Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts to find a way forward, no organization could be found to take on that role, and the difficult decision was made to discontinue the Ontario NAMI programs.


Looking for Support?

If you are looking for education, support or resources related to mental illness, we encourage you to contact mental health and family-support services in your local community. Your local Canadian Mental Health Association branch, mental health organization, hospital or community agency may be able to provide information about services and supports available in your area.


Website Closing

This website will remain available until December 10, 2026, after which it will be permanently closed.


We are sorry that we can no longer offer the NAMI Family-to-Family program in Ontario and Montreal. We hope that the knowledge, connections and support shared through the program over the years will continue to benefit the many families whose lives it touched.


Thank you for being part of the NAMI Family-to-Family community.


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/



  • 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 available at:  https://cmho.org/Back-to-School/.


  • 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.