Family-to-Family is a free twelve-week course specifically for family members and significant others of persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Trained NAMI IOWA volunteer family members teach each two-and-one-half-hour session.
Although the course is not diagnosis-specific, it covers information about schizophrenia, the mood disorders (bipolar disorder and major depression), panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. The curriculum, written by an experienced family member who is a mental health professional, is regularly updated.
The curriculum includes: symptoms and treatments of mental illnesses, brain biology, medications, recovery and rehabilitation. Coping skills, self-care, communication skills, problem-solving and advocacy strategies are also vital elements.
Family members achieve greater knowledge,
self-efficacy, improved well-being, empowerment, and
self-esteem.
"The Family-to-Family course is truly life-changing. I gained information, insight and understanding. I only wish I had had this class twenty years ago!"
— Family-to-Family graduate
Paid for by the Iowa Department of Human Services through its contract with
Magellan Health Services for Iowa Plan for Behavioral Health Medicaid Community Reinvestment funding.
The information available on and through the NAMIIOWA.COM Web site is presented in summary form as a supplement to, and NOT a substitute for, the knowledge, skill, and judgment of qualified psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians and health care professionals. The information on NAMIIOWA.COM has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, NAMI IOWA makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of this information. Should you have any health, medical or disability questions or concerns, please consult a physician or other health care professional. Information accessed on or through NAMIIOWA.COM is neither complete nor exhaustive and does not cover all disabilities, diseases, illnesses, and physical conditions or their management or treatment. Information accessed on and through NAMIIOWA.COM is provided "AS IS" and without warranty, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. View our terms of use for more information.