ALL Classes onsite have been Suspended due to the pandemic. Classes available are offered through our zoom platform. Must Register to attend, see which classes are open for registration below.
~ NAMI Signature Classes ~
Online NAMI PEER-to-PEER CLASS ~ Registration OPEN
What is NAMI Peer-to-Peer? An 8-session evidence-based educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery. Provided at NO cost, the program is taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions and informative videos. The course provides an opportunity for mutual support and growth. Experience compassion and understanding from people who relate to your experiences. This is a place to learn more about recovery in an accepting environment.
Here’s what people are saying after taking the course…
“I’ve really learned how to cope with my triggers better, and I’m now on the path to truly loving myself.”
“NAMI Peer-to-Peer gave me hope when I was close to giving up. I realized that things can and do get better and that my mental health condition doesn’t define me. I learned how to speak up for myself, build a strong support network and make plans for my future. I felt welcome and like I was among friends. Most importantly, I felt heard and understood.”
If you are interested in taking this educational course – Preregister TODAY!
Thursday Evenings
September 10 – October 29
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Pre-registration LINK
Questions? abackstrom@namimchenrycounty.org or 847.379.1235
Online NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY CLASS ~ Registration CLOSED
What is NAMI Family-to-Family? An 8-session course for family, partners, friends and significant others of people living with mental illness. Provided at NO cost, the program is taught by trained teachers who are also family members and know what it is like to have a loved one living with a mental health condition. The course includes information on illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental health conditions. It is designed to help Adult family members understand and support their loved one living with mental illness, while learning to maintain their own well-being.
Thousands of families describe the program as life-changing! Here’s what two participants had to say…
“This course overall was the single most, without a doubt, helpful and informative thing ever offered in all my years searching for answers… It has helped me to understand better and communicate more effectively with my brother.”
“The course has helped me to realize that my son is still inside the body that is often times hidden by the mental illness and that I am not alone in this.”
If you are interested in taking this educational course – Contact Lachell Jeffries-Hanson
Questions? lachell@namimchenrycounty.org or 224.512.4250
NAMI BASICS ONDEMAND ~ Registration OPEN
What is NAMI Basics OnDand? Is a six-session online education program, at no cost, for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth aged 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms. NAMI Basics OnDemand is an adaptation of the in-person course offered in 43 states by NAMI affiliates. NAMI McHenry County offers a follow-up Parent Support & Resource Workshop.
What is Covered in the Course:
- The impact mental health can have on an entire family
- Available treatment options and therapies
- An overview of the public mental health care, school systems, and juvenile justice systems
- How to be an advocate for your child
- How to prepare for and respond to crisis situations
- The importance of taking care of yourself
Why Parent Support and Resource Workshop?
Parents can come to share stories, obtain additional resources, and connect with others who are facing similar journeys. Reinforce the lessons learned through NAMI Basics OnDemand with interactive discussions facilitated by a trained NAMI Facilitator. This six week 90-minute workshop offered at NO Cost includes childcare services for children 13 and under.
Register today
https://basics.nami.org
Click to download a flyer
Pre-requisite; sign-up for Basics OnDemand. When you have completed the online course, email Phyllis. Provide your full name, address, phone & email address. Your name will be added to the list for the workshop and you will be notified when it begins. Date and Location will be determined once we have a group of at least 12 participants.
~ Mental Health First Aid ~
If your organization or business would be interested in hosting a MHFA evidenced-based class, contact Phyllis Seyler for details!
ADULT MHFA CLASS ~ NO Classes at this time
This course is appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions.
WHAT IS ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?
An 8-hour training that was developed because mental health diagnoses — such as depression, anxiety, impulse control and misuse of alcohol and other drugs — are shockingly common in the United States. In fact, more than 1 in 4 American adults will have a mental health problem in a year. The National Council on Community Behavioral Healthcare has begun working with communities throughout the nation, including McHenry County Mental Health Board, to implement MHFA to equip the public with skills to help individuals who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
WHO CAN TAKE THE TRAINING?
This training is targeted for individuals (18 years or older) interested in learning ways to assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and is open to the general community. The clinical and qualitative evidence behind the program demonstrates that it helps the public better identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness, thus improving outcomes for individuals experiencing these illnesses. The course is taught by two trained Mental Health First Aid facilitators.
VETERAN MHFA CLASS ~ NO Classes at this time
For some members of the military, the battle doesn’t end when they leave the battlefield. Mental Health First Aid for Military Members, Veterans and their Families teaches people how to notice and respond to signs of mental health and addiction challenges with a specific focus on the cultural factors related to military life. This 8-hour evidence-based training addresses common mental health concerns encountered by veterans, military members and their families. Teaches strategies for family members, friends and comrades to create an environment that encourages open dialogue about mental health and offers self-help strategies to stay mentally well and suggests useful resources where someone can get professional help.
WHO CAN TAKE THE TRAINING?
- Military members
- Veterans
- Families and friends of military members or veterans
WHAT IT COVERS
- A discussion of military culture and its relevance to the topic of mental health.
- A discussion of the specific risk factors faced by many service members and their families such as mental and physical trauma, stress, separation, etc.
- How to break down the stigma associated with substance use disorders and mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more.
- How to reach out to those who suffer in silence, reluctant to seek help.
- Community resource information and support
YOUTH MHFA CLASS ~ NO Classes at this time
This course is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
WHO CAN TAKE THE TRAINING?
This course is targeted for individuals (18 years or older) interested in learning ways to assist youth experiencing a mental health crisis and is open to the general community. The clinical and qualitative evidence behind the program demonstrates that it helps the public better identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness, thus improving outcomes for individuals experiencing these illnesses. The course is taught by two trained Mental Health First Aid facilitators.
LAW ENFORCEMENT MHFA CLASS ~ NO Classes at this time
This courses is for first responders. In this 8-hour class, participants will receive an extensive manual outlining common mental health diagnoses, and ways first responders can assist people experiencing a mental health crisis. This module is specific to first responders, and covers topics including: Statistical information for mental illness, individual wellness and resiliency, depression and anxiety signs and symptoms, PTSD signs and symptoms, psychosis, and substance use disorders. Mental Health First Aid courses for first responders – free, 8-hour class. Participants in the class will receive an extensive manual outlining common mental health diagnoses, and ways first responders can assist people experiencing a mental health crisis. This module is specific to first responders, and covers topics including: Statistical information for mental illness, individual wellness and resiliency, depression and anxiety signs and symptoms, PTSD signs and symptoms, psychosis, and substance use disorders.
WHO CAN TAKE THE TRAINING? WHO CAN TAKE THE TRAINING?
This training is targeted for First Responders (ONLY) to be trained to assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The clinical and qualitative evidence behind the program demonstrates that it helps the First Responders better identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness, thus improving outcomes for individuals experiencing these illnesses. The course is taught by two trained Mental Health First Aid facilitators. This training is targeted for First Responders (ONLY) to be trained to assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The clinical and qualitative evidence behind the program demonstrates that it helps the First Responders better identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness, thus improving outcomes for individuals experiencing these illnesses. The course is taught by two trained Mental Health First Aid facilitators.
*Due to the funding for this course being McHenry County-Based, at least 50% of registrants must be employed by a McHenry County agency.
~ WRAP Classes ~
Questions? tkaraway@namimchenrycounty.org or 815.308.0854
COMMUNITY WRAP ~ NO Classes at this time
PROMOTING RECOVERY, FINDING POSSIBILITIES AND CREATING WELLNESS WITH WRAP
An eight (8) week commitment with a personal manual for wellness that can be used for many facets of life!
- Develop a comprehensive, personalized and strength-based WRAP plan to help you achieve your recovery goals
- Manage symptoms yourself / maintaining a healthy well-being
- Improve your quality of life
- Courses are at NO COST
- Taught by trained WRAP facilitators
- For individuals affected by mental illness & who are over the age of 18
CAREGIVER WRAP ~ NO Classes at this time
For those caring for a loved one with a mental health diagnosis.
- Develop a comprehensive, personalized and strength-based WRAP plan to help you achieve your wellness goals
- Manage anxiety yourself
- Improve your quality of life
- Courses are at NO COST
- Taught by trained WRAP facilitators
- For caregivers of individuals living with mental illness who are over the age of 18
Are you interested? Here’s what you need to know:
- An eight (8) week commitment
- A personal manual for wellness
- Can be used for many facets of life
~ QPR, Suicide Prevention Training ~
Questions? Education@namimchenrycounty.org
QPR, Suicide Prevention CLASS ~ NO Classes at this time
What is a QPR Gatekeeper? A QPR Gatekeeper is anyone in a position to recognize the warning signs of someone who might be contemplating suicide. This QPR presentation will teach you simple suicide prevention techniques. Much like CPR or the Heimlich maneuver, the use of QPR may save a life.
Who should take QPR training? School staff, social workers, first responders, public officials, faith communities, staff of parks and recreation; anyone who works with people, regardless of their field of employment, can benefit.
FACTS:
- Across the country nearly 45,000 people die by suicide each year.
- Suicide is a Public Health Problem. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death.
- In Illinois suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for people ages 15 – 34.
- 123 completed suicides each day. For each completed suicide, we can estimate approximately 25 people will have made an attempt.
- In McHenry County, suicide took the lives of 43 in 2017, 34 in 2018 and 25 in 2019.