More than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness and for many, healthcare interactions can be negative or even traumatic. NAMI Provider is our evidence-based, dedicated program to help change that.
This staff development program is for healthcare providers, administrative staff, operational staff and students working directly with people affected by mental illness. It’s an experience that equips participants with a deeper understanding of mental illness and the confidence to serve individuals and families in a collaborative manner.
Each of the NAMI Provider program’s three instructors live locally and have direct experience with mental illness. It’s led by an individual living well in recovery, a family member and a mental health professional with lived experience.
NAMI Provider is offered as a 15-hour program spread over five sessions or in a four-hour seminar. The time commitment is intentionally robust to cover a lot of meaningful material.
Past participants have reported improved attitudes, beliefs and behavior in partnering with individuals and families experiencing mental illness, among other benefits:
“Healthcare providers increasingly need a heightened sensitivity and deeper knowledge to meet the challenges of helping individuals and families dealing with mental health issues.”
– NAMI Provider participant
“When the NAMI Provider teachers share their stories about how mental health crises have touched their lives, and what helped and didn’t help from the medical system, those stories are immensely powerful for our students. Our students know the technical information about diagnosis and treatment, and they want very much to help, but in the moment, in the middle of a crisis, they don’t always know the best response. These stories that they hear stay with them, and will hopefully guide them into more effective ways to connect with and support families in times of deep vulnerability.”
– Lisa Streyffeler, PhD, Chair, Department of Behavioral Medicine, Medical Humanities & Bioethics, DMU
There are 23 NAMI Provider programs currently available throughout the U.S. Connect with your local NAMI Affiliate to participate in an upcoming program.
Interested in implementing NAMI Provider in your area or organization, but not sure how to get started? Please connect with your local NAMI Affiliate to learn more.
Below are key resources that highlight the need case for NAMI Provider and provide background and context around its efficacy.
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).
