Ways We Help
Who We Are
NAMI-NYS is the state organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families.
The purpose of NAMI-NYS is to serve as an alliance of local mutual support, advocacy and self-help groups dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with serious mental illness.
NAMI-NYS provides support to family and friends of individuals with mental illness and persons living with mental illness through our affiliates across New York State. We welcome you to become part of this great organization
Support
The common denominator of NAMI New York State’s local affiliates is a support group that can provide families with the emotional and practical wherewithal to help their loved ones deal with a serious mental illness. These groups share information and experiences and come up with creative ways to solve difficult problems.
Many affiliates also have consumer support groups for people who are in the process of recovering from a mental illness. Specialized groups for people who have a chemical dependency as well as a mental illness, for young people, siblings or children of people with a severe mental illness, are also offered by some affiliates.
Programs
NAMI is a pioneer in educational programs, giving people affected by mental illness a place to turn to find a strong network of support and tools to reclaim their lives.
NAMI Family-to-Family is an evidence-based program offered to and taught by individuals who have a loved one with a serious mental illness. NAMI Basics is a program for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illness.
In Our Own Voice offers an opportunity for those who have struggled with mental illness to gain confidence and share their individual experiences of recovery and transformation. Peer-to-Peer is a unique learning program for people with any serious mental illness who are interested in establishing and maintaining their wellness and recovery.
ADVOCACY
Local affiliates advocate for better care on municipal and county levels. Many have been successful in bringing vital services to their communities. They also advocate within the system for individuals who find themselves in
difficult situations and need real help. Through their efforts, the qualities of many people’s lives have been improved.
On the state level, NAMI-NYS advocates in Albany on a host of issues related to better services and justice for persons with psychiatric disabilities, including access to treatment, housing and health insurance.
Each year we hold a legislative conference in Albany, members meet with their legislators and discuss the issues confronting mental health care.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
Our affiliates present community forums, conferences, workshops and speakers on a variety of topics. From a screening of a recent documentary to a candlelight vigil for friends and neighbors who have taken their own lives, they strive to educate their communities about mental illness; what it is and what it is not.
NAMI-NYS works with affiliates to share “how to” knowledge on subjects such as Kendra’s Law, suicide prevention, police training and mental health courts. Each year, NAMI-NYS presents an educational conference where families learn about the latest developments in research, meet treatment and service providers, and interact with other advocates and policymakers.
NEWS & INFORMATION
NAMI-NYS publishes a statewide newsletter twice each year, filled with valuable information for families and consumers.
Our website, www.naminys.org, provides information on mental health topics and the latest news from around the state. Members can also subscribe to our news listserv for weekly updates and action alerts. We distribute pamphlets on many mental health topics through our affiliates.
The NAMI-NYS Helpline, which can also be reached by calling 1-800-950-3228, provides information on a wide variety of issues pertaining to mental illness and mental health care. The Helpline can also put you in touch with your local affiliate.