Record last updated 2023/02/07 Comment on this info .Update this info

Narrative

NAMI-Mass is a nonprofit, grassroots, education and advocacy group dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by mental illness. NAMI-Mass has been highly effective in building awareness, reducing stigma, providing support and advocating for patient rights.

The work of NAMI-Mass is concentrated in three functional areas: Education, support and advocacy. The most prominent education programs are "Family to Family" and NAMI Basics" and 'Children Challenging Behavior", which are 12-week, educational courses designed for families of persons with severe mental illness or brain disorders. These courses are free of charge and help families learn essential skills and information relevant to caring for a family member with major mental illness. Trained family members and consumers volunteer their time to teach these workshops.

NAMI-Mass' statewide information line provides referrals and support to thousands of callers. In addition, NAMI-Mass currently has 40 regularly-scheduled support groups that offer family support, education and grassroots awareness. These groups meet in churches, civic centers and community centers. They provide a vital resource for families facing the challenges of mental illness. The most publicly visible and crucial function of NAMI-Mass is grassroots advocacy. For example, NAMI-Mass played a key role in the recent passage of Parity Legislation, which mandated that mental health insurance benefits are equal to that of physical health care benefits. Currently, NAMI-Mass has strategic partnerships with Massachusetts Mental Health Association, Parents Professional Advocacy League, M-POWER, Friends of the Psychiatrically Disabled, Massachusetts Homeless Coalition and Massachusetts Human Service Coalition. As a result of these partnerships, NAMI-Mass helped spearhead the largest rally ever held on mental illness at the State House.

Service Types

• Family Support
• Socialization Activities

Program Type

• Advocacy
• Mental Health
• Support Groups

Populations Served

• Depression
• Mental Illness
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Ages Served

• 5 - 8
• 9 - 13
• 14 - 18
• 19 - 22
• 23 – 59
• 60 +

Languages Spoken

• American Sign Language
• Spanish

Accessibility Features

• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Restrooms
• Elevators

Additional Information

• Fees: Free Service