National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organisation in the US, with affiliates in every state and over 600 local chapters. Known for peer-led education programmes, NAMI's membership has historically been dominated by family members of people with mental illness, though it has increasingly centred peer voices.
About the National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI was founded in 1979 by Harriet Shetler and Beverly Young, two mothers of adult children with schizophrenia who found no support or information available. NAMI grew rapidly as family members organised to address what they experienced as a lack of treatment options, inadequate hospital care, and the consequences of deinstitutionalisation without adequate community supports.
Today NAMI has a national office, 50 state organisations, and over 600 local chapters. NAMI's membership includes family members of people with mental illness, people living with mental illness, and mental health professionals and allies.
What they do
Education programmes: NAMI's peer-led education programmes are among its most valued contributions. Family-to-Family is a free 8-week course for family members of adults with serious mental illness. NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free recovery-oriented educational programme taught by and for people living with mental illness. NAMI On Campus supports college students.
Advocacy: NAMI advocates for mental health parity, expanded access to treatment, prevention of suicide, and criminal justice reform. NAMI has been vocal about the mental health crisis in jails and prisons and advocates for diversion programmes.
Helpline: NAMI's helpline (1-800-950-NAMI) provides information and referrals for people experiencing mental health crises and their families.
Key programs and resources
- NAMI HelpLine: Free information, resource referrals, and support
- Family-to-Family: Free 8-week education programme for family members
- NAMI Peer-to-Peer: Free recovery programme for people with mental illness
- NAMI Connection: Free peer support groups for adults with mental illness
- NAMI Ending the Silence: School presentation programme
Who they serve
People living with mental illness and their family members and caregivers, across all age groups.
Why it matters
NAMI's peer-led education programmes and national helpline reach millions of Americans each year. For family members navigating a loved one's mental health crisis for the first time, NAMI's resources can be transformative. NAMI's advocacy for parity enforcement and expanded community mental health services addresses systemic barriers to care.