Help in a Crisis
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 information, referrals and support.
Local Support
Our local NAMI affiliates in California offer free support groups and classes for those living with mental health conditions and their families. Find your local affiliate to find out more about how you can find help and hope.
Find Your Local NAMIOnline Resources
Beyond NAMI CA’s programs listed below, NAMI CA has additional information and helpful resources about mental illness and health.
What is Mental Illness? Types of Mental Illness Warning Signs of Mental Health Conditions Mental Health Facts & Statistics Mental Illness FAQs Navigating a Mental Health Crisis What You Can Do To Prevent Suicide Guide for Families and Caregivers NAMI CA's BlogNAMI Connection
A confidential support group for adults living with mental health challenges. NAMI Connection offers a safe environment for adults who live with mental health challenges to express themselves without being judged, and provides opportunities to learn positive coping skills and receive support.
- Meets weekly or monthly for 90 minutes
- Free group
- Available in Spanish: NAMI Conexión
NAMI Peer-to-Peer
A recovery education course open to anyone experiencing a mental health challenge. The course is designed to encourage growth, healing and recovery among participants by providing information, skills, and guidance.
- 8 sessions held weekly for 2 hours
- Free and confidential
- Available in Spanish: De Persona a Persona de NAMI
Connect with your local NAMI to find a class!
Find Your Local NAMINAMI Family-to-Family
This course is designed to help all family members understand and support their loved one with mental illness while maintaining their own well-being. This course includes information on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and other mental health conditions.
- Free group
- 12-class education program
- Available in Spanish: NAMI De Familia la Familia
NAMI Family Support Group
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.
- 60-90 minutes long and meets weekly, every other week or monthly (varies by location)
- Free group
- Available in Spanish: Grupo de Apoyo para Familiares
NAMI Basics
A confidential support group for adults living with mental health challenges. NAMI Connection offers a safe environment for adults who live with mental health challenges to express themselves without being judged, and provides opportunities to learn positive coping skills and receive support.
- Meets weekly or monthly for 90 minutes
- Free group
- Available in Spanish: NAMI Bases y Fundamentos
NAMI In Our Own Voice
What is NAMI In Our Own Voice?
NAMI In Our Own Voice is a unique presentation in which two trained speakers share their compelling personal stories of living with mental health challenges and achieving recovery.
• NAMI In Our Own Voice is a free presentation designed to shatter negative stereotypes against people with mental illness
• Personal experiences with major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder and other brain disorders are discussed
• NAMI In Our Own Voice demonstrates that recovery is possible
• Audience members are encouraged to ask questions and share their own experiences. This exchange helps combat the stigma and misinformation which surrounds these illnesses
For more information:
• In Our Own Voice Flyer
• NAMI National’s Website
• IOOV Summary of Findings
Mental Health 101
Mental Health 101 is devoted to giving individuals an opportunity to learn about mental illness through an informative presentation, short videos, and personal testimonies that represent a variety of cultures, beliefs, and values.
Participants will learn the signs and symptoms of mental illness and are given ideas about how to help themselves, friends or family members who may be in need of support through the lens of their own cultural and personal experience.
The goal of this program is to create a multi-generation of culturally diverse individuals that can help address the stigma associated with mental illness through education, support, and advocacy.
Find Your Local NAMIFinding A Missing Loved One
The thought of a family member, a friend or someone else you care about going missing can be terrifying. You don’t know where they are, if they’re hurt or if they need help. When this person lives with a mental health condition, the situation may be even more serious. Taking action quickly can make a difference.
Find Your Local NAMI