NAMI Basics

What is the practice? 

NAMI Basics is a parent-led education and support group developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States. NAMI Basics is a six-class curriculum provided free to caregivers in a non-stigmatizing community setting (e.g., local school, church, community center). NAMI Basics is focused on increasing parent 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. 

Who is the practice for? 

NAMI Basics is intended for caregivers of children younger than age 22 with mental health concerns, broadly defined. 

What outcomes does the practice produce? 

• Increase in parental knowledge about youth mental health 
• Increase in parental self-efficacy in managing youth’s condition 
• Increase in parental intention to seek mental health treatment 
• Decreases in parent-rated child mental health concerns 

What is the evidence? 

Bearman, S. K., Jamison, J. M., Lopez, M. A., Baker, N. M., & Sanchez, J. E. (2022). Testing the impact of a peer-delivered family support program: a randomized clinical effectiveness trial. Psychiatric Services. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.202100278 

This study was a randomized controlled trial comparing parents referred to one of five NAMI affiliates and assigned to receive NAMI Basics or a wait-list control condition. NAMI Basics consisted of six two-hour classes offered by trained parent peer leaders. Compared with caregivers in the waitlist condition, NAMI Basics participants reported significant increases in parent engagement and activation, as well as intentions to engage with mental health services. NAMI Basics participants also reported significant decreases in their child’s intrapersonal and interpersonal distress, compared with those in the waitlist group. No significant differences were noted on measures of parenting stress, attitudes toward mental health services, or stigma. 

Brister, T., Cavaleri, M. A., Olin, S. S., Shen, S., Burns, B. J., & Hoagwood, K. E. (2012). An evaluation of the NAMI basics program. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 21(3), 439-442. 

The authors conducted a quasi-experimental study of NAMI Basics, a peer-delivered family education program for family caregivers of children and adolescents with mental illness. Over six classes, family members are given information (e.g. education about mental illness and treatments), skills training (e.g. family communication skills) and advocacy support. Data from 36 caregivers who completed pre and posttest instruments showed significant improvements in self-care, empowerment, and “incendiary” family communication after participation in the program. Results suggest that NAMI Basics may improve both parental functioning and familial processes. 

How is the practice implemented? 

NAMI Basics is offered by NAMI affiliates. Training to become a NAMI Basics peer parent takes approximately 15 hours. Training is led by NAMI State Trainers, who have undergone this training previously, have experience observing and leading NAMI Basics classes, and have been recommended by their local affiliate. 

Who can implement the practice? 

NAMI Basics peer parents are caregivers of a child who experienced mental health symptoms before age 13 and have received training to lead the course. 

What are the costs and commitments associated with becoming trained in this practice? 

Not applicable. 

What resources are useful for understanding or implementing the practice? 

• NAMI Texas Affiliates: https://namitexas.org/find-your-local-affiliate-or-start-up-group/  
• NAMI Basics in Texas: https://namitexas.org/basics/  
• NAMI Basics OnDemand course: https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Basics  

Rating: Promising

Secondary components: Building Relationships, Managing Emotions, and Decision Making Skills; Positive Youth Development