NAMI Peer-to-Peer
Free 8-Session educational program for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understand their condition and journey toward recovery
NAMI In Our Own Voice
People with mental health conditions share their powerful personal stories in this engaging presentation, changing attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes by describing the reality of living with mental illness.
NAMI Homefront
Free, six-session class for family, friends and significant others of Military Service Members/Veterans with mental health conditions. Topics covered include mental health, communication, handling crises, treatment and recovery.
Education Programs
For individuals living with mental illness
NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group
Free, safe, confidential peer-led support group for adults living with mental illness. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who've been there.
Online Support Groups & Socials
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we had to get creative and digital! We are now offering our Connections Recovery Support group online in addition to our in-person groups
NAMI Virginia
Visit NAMI Virginia's website for other support group offerings and links to affiliates. Including support groups for youth provided by Youth MOVE Virginia and The Virginia Family Network
Support Groups
For individuals living with mental illness
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 8-session educational program for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understand their condition and journey toward recovery. Taught by a trained team of people who've been there, the program includes presentations, discussion, and interactive exercises. Everything is confidential, and NAMI never recommends a specific medical therapy or treatment approach.
What You’ll Gain
NAMI Peer-to-Peer helps you:
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Create a personalized relapse prevention plan
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Learn how to interact with health care providers
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Develop confidence for making decisions and reducing stress
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Stay up-to-date on mental health research
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Understand the impact of symptoms on your life
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Access practical resources on how to maintain your journey toward recovery
What People are Saying
"NAMI Peer-to-Peer has allowed me to take the focus off my illness and learn to balance it with the rest of my life. By engaging in recovery I am able to be more relaxed and productive both at work and home."
"It made me feel I was not alone in coping with mental illness. It gave me hope that I could recover and that my life would not always be filled with chaos, and it gave me positive role models to inspire me to strive for recuperation and success in life."
Sign Up for a Class
Registration is required. Click on the header CLASSES AND COMMUNITY EVENTS for the latest information on dates and locations. You can sign up using this link and you will be contacted as soon as possible.
NAMI In Our Own Voice presentations change attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes by describing the reality of living with mental illness. People with mental health conditions share their powerful personal stories in this 90-minute presentation.
What You'll Gain
NAMI In Our Own Voice adds a critical perspective to the popular understanding of what people with mental illness are like. Going to this presentation will provide you:
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A first-hand account of what it's like to live with a mental illness. Presenters humanize this misunderstood topic by demonstrating that it's possible—and common—to live well with mental illness.
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A chance to ask the presenters questions, which allows for a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and dispel stereotypes and misconceptions.
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The understanding that every person with a mental illness can hope for a bright future.
What People are Saying
“Amazing presentation with amazing presenters! You 100% erased any stigma I used to associate with mental illness.”
“Several of the mental health staff stated that they saw recovery as a real option—for the first time ever.”
“Participating in the IOOV program is the single most effective thing I am doing to maintain my mental health. Time after time I see the audience respond with curiosity and interest. I know I am changing the face of mental illness and that I have transformed my pain into the power to make a difference.”
Schedule an IOOV Presentation
If you would like to host a NAMI In Our Own Voice presentation, please contact us at contact@namicoastalvirginia.org.
Did you know NAMI Homefront is now Offered Online! NAMI Homefront is a free, six-session class for family, friends and significant others of Military Service Members/Veterans with mental health conditions. The class helps families comprehend what their Military Service Member/Veteran may be experiencing related to trauma, combat stress, PTSD, reintegration into civilian life and other challenges. Topics covered include mental health, communication, handling crises, treatment and recovery.
The program is designed to help family members understand and support their Service Member/Veteran while maintaining their own well-being. NAMI Homefront leaders have personal experience with mental health conditions impacting their Service Member/Veteran.
Attending an in-person class can be difficult for busy individuals and families. As an alternative, NAMI Homefront online classes meet weekly in a virtual classroom - providing participants with the same level of interaction and learning as traditional in-person classes. Participants must have access to a laptop, PC or tablet with a stable internet connection to take part. Audio participation is done through a landline or cell phone and a headset is recommended.
Although the class is free, participants are highly encouraged to attend all six sessions to get the most from the class and from each other. To register, please visit nami.org/Homefront.
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental illness. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who've been there.
By sharing your experiences in a safe and confidential setting, you gain hope and develop relationships. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community.
What You’ll Gain
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group will help you:
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See the person first, not the illness
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Recognize that mental illnesses are medical illnesses that may have environmental triggers
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Understand that mental illnesses are traumatic events
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Aim for better coping skills
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Find strength in sharing experiences
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Reject stigma and not tolerate discrimination
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Not judge anyone’s pain
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Forgive ourselves and reject guilt
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Embrace humor as healthy
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Accept that we cannot solve every problem
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Work for a future that is yours to shape
What People are Saying
“NAMI Connection has enabled me to take a good look at my illness and see that I am not alone. The program has given me additional tools to not only accept my illness, but to help others along the way.”
“… People can solve problems [at a NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group]. It isn't just a bunch of sad stories; people are coming up with solutions and stuff to do for the next week. One of our group attendees is taking her meds and getting herself to her counselor and is just about able to go back to her career in great part due to Connection.”
Find a Support Group
NAMI Connection is open to adults,18+ experiencing symptoms of mental illness. You are welcome to drop by and share feelings, difficulties, and successes. Groups meet weekly or twice monthly for 90 minutes. Registration is not required.