Crisis Support

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line

Text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.

NAMI HelpLine

Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) M–F, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. PT for free mental health info, referrals and support.

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Nami California

NAMI California is a passionate team made of families, members, affiliates, and partners throughout the state who are leading the change on mental illness.

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Giving Back and Forward on Giving Tuesday

If you are already a NAMI member, we thank you! Won’t you consider gifting a membership or making a donation in the name of a family member, friend or colleague? Giving forward helps us help individuals, families and communities impacted by mental illness.

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Community Voices: What We’re Grateful For

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Maintaining Mental Health During the Holiday Season (and a Pandemic)

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Shopping for a Cause: Support NAMI CA While Holiday Shopping

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events

2020 Annual Conference

October 12-13, 2020

Thank you to our attendees, speakers and presenters, exhibitors, sponsors! We could not have done this without you. https://youtu.be/nsYWpBzUiz8 Miss the conference or sessions or want to revisit discussions? Watch the video replays! Each year, the NAMI California hosts a state conference to examine important trends, best practices, new treatments, activities in mental health, and ways we can work together to improve care and services for individuals, families and communities.

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While We’re At It: Let’s Fix the Systemic Racism in the Mental Health System

The mother of a son with serious mental illness discusses how systemic racism impacts those in the criminal justice system.

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Team NAMI CA Q&A: Jei Africa

NAMI California board member Dr. Jei Africa shares insights in our Team NAMI California Q&A about mental health care, inspiration, challenges, and hope.

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Ways to Stay Connected During the COVID-19 Crisis

Social distancing and being confined to home is challenging for many, especially those with mental health conditions. Many community members are expressing unease or anxiety about spending more time alone at home and away from others. It’s important that we do our best to take care of ourselves and check in on loved ones who…

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Policy News: State Budget Agreement for up to $1 billion for Mental Health Safety Net

Good news: a budget agreement between lawmakers and California Governor Gavin Newsom allows $750 million in state general funds for critical safety net services delivered on behalf of the state, including mental health and substance use disorder services.

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3-Digit Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Line Signed Into Law

The National Suicide Designation Act of 2020 was signed into law, which will establish 9-8-8 as a universal number for mental health crises and suicide prevention.

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Mental Health Impacts and Support During the COVID-19 Crisis

We are all impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and we are all in this together. To address the impacts, we have advice for those living with mental health conditions, de-stressing tips, and more trusted information to support us all through this difficult time.

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Statement on Systematic Racism and the Quest for Justice

NAMI CEO Jessica Cruz released this statement on recent racist incidents and what we must do as a community: NAMI California joins NAMI in standing in solidarity with all the families, friends, and community members who have lost loved ones senselessly due to racism.  We understand that we must take steps to right wrongs and…

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Reflections on Pride Month and Fighting for a Better World

Post by NAMI California COO Steven Kite on celebrating pride and the fight to help individuals living with mental illness and their families.

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Staying Safe and Informed About COVID-19

To help you through the COVID-19 pandemic, we are keeping this page updated with trusted information from public health officials and others. Trusted Sources For COVID-19 News And Updates State of California Updates: also follow the Governor on social media for live updates (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) California Department of Health Updates (also En Español) Centers for Disease Control (CDC)…

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Video Message on Community Efforts to Connect During the COVID-19 Pandemic

NAMI California’s Chief Operating Officer, Steven Kite, speaks about our efforts to stay connected and help one another during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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community stories

Team NAMI CA Q&A: Jessica Cruz

Jessica Cruz is the CEO of NAMI California. Here, she shares her insights in our Team NAMI California Q&A about mental health care, and what inspires her, challenges her, and gives her hope.

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Video Message On Stress During The COVID-19 Pandemic

In this video message to our members and community, NAMI California’s CEO, Jessica Cruz, discusses stress we are experiencing during the COVID-19 crisis and steps we can take to cope.

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Team NAMI Community Engagement: Comfort At Home Challenge

We are all doing the best we can during this difficult time, and we have been inspired by seeing community members share activities and practices that are helping them cope while they’re staying home to protect the public health. Let’s inspire one another with images of what we’re doing to stay comforted at home! Join…

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About Mental Health

Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and capacity to cope with even ordinary demands of life.

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Nami California
Everyone’s story is Unique

Sharing Our Stories Helps Others

We set out looking for solutions that would mend our broken hearts and the broken system.

Teresa Pasquini and Lauren Rettagliata

Community Stories

How Does NAMI CA Help?

We help more than 20,000 Californians a year through our programs.

About Nami CA
How Does NAMI CA Help?

We're here to help

Mental health conditions can disrupt your life, no matter your age, race, religion or income. We understand the complexities in seeking treatment and are here to guide you in getting help for yourself or a loved one.

Find Your Local NAMI Get Help

We put our hearts into advocating for Californians to live lives of quality and respect.

Our Work

Our Priorities

  • Access to treatment
  • Housing
  • Crisis services
  • Criminal justice and forensic issues
  • Family involvement in treatment
  • Services and support for all ages