The strength of NAMI is in our grassroots membership. Members of our Alliance who are motivated to make a difference, speak with one voice to ensure that individuals and family members affected by mental illness can build better lives.
With over 600 NAMI Affiliates across the country, NAMI Affiliates are a critical part of our Alliance—along with our 49 NAMI State Organizations and national NAMI headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. We educate by providing education programs in thousands of communities across the United States. We advocate and help shape national public policy. We listen through the NAMI HelpLine. We lead by increasing public awareness, especially during Mental Illness Awareness Week and with NAMIWalks. Visit About NAMI for more detailed information.
Currently, we are not able to accommodate New Affiliate Development in states and US territories where there is no NAMI State Organization in place (WV, ND, PR, and VI) or outside the United States.
Interested in starting a NAMI Affiliate? NAMI Affiliates (NAs) are created by groups of individuals who embrace the mission of NAMI and its commitment to building a community of hope for all of those in need. Volunteer leaders come to NAMI with a passion to dedicate their time and resources to facilitate support groups, teach NAMI signature programs, advocate for mental health systems change, and foster peer relationships that empower and strengthen new leadership.
Basic requirements for new NAs include:
Please review the information below and then complete the submission form to get started.
NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).