Examining the Impact of a Peer-Provided Psychoeducational Program for Parents: NAMI Basics

NAMI Basics is a peer service program for caregivers of children with mental health needs. It was created by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and was adapted from their empirically supported model for caregivers of adult children with mental illness (Family-to-Family). The child-focused intervention, NAMI Basics, is a six-class curriculum focused on increasing caregiver knowledge about mental illness, empowering parents to advocate for their children across service systems, and introducing skills that assist in family problem-solving and communication (Brister et al., 2012). The program is currently available widely throughout the U.S. through certified trainers who volunteer with local NAMI affiliates and is provided free of charge to caregivers in a non-stigmatizing community setting (e.g., local school, church, community center). It is open to all caregivers, regardless of mental health diagnosis or time within a treatment system.