Education
NAMI McHenry County (MCH) offers a wide range of evidence-based educational opportunities for those suffering from mental illness, their friends and families, and their communities.
Register for classes at no cost or get access to more information and resources.
Educational Classes
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Peer-to-Peer
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.
What is the cost?
Provided at no cost to you.
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Family-to-Family
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 well-being.
What is the cost?
Provided at no cost to you.
For the Community
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NAMI Talks
A community education program designed to educate the community on different topics to assist individuals living with a mental health condition and their families to achieve a better life.
See our Workshops section for details and dates.
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QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Ask A Question, Save A Life.
QPR saves lives and reduces suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.
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Ending the Silence
NAMI Ending the Silence for Families:
1-hour presentation for adults with middle or high school-aged youth that includes warning signs, facts, and statistics, how to talk with your child, and how to work with school staff
Mental Health First Aid
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Adult Focused
Adult Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in adults.
What you will learn:
Identifying common mental health challenges and disorders, a 5-step action plan, Identifying various types of professional and self-help resources, Increasing confidence in helping an individual in distress, and demonstrating increased mental wellness themselves
Each attendee will receive a workbook and certificate of completion, as well as additional resources.
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Teen Focused
Teen Mental Health First Aid teaches high school students how to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use issues in their friends and peers.
What you will learn:
The common signs and symptoms of mental illness, substance use, mental health crisis (particularly suicide), how to open the conversation about mental illnesses and addiction, the impact of school violence and bullying on mental health, and how to seek the help of a responsible and trusted adult.
Each attendee will receive a workbook and certificate of completion, as well as additional resources.
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Youth Focused
Much like first aid in emergency situations, Youth Mental Health First Aid is training for adults who regularly interact with youth to help adolescents experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or are in crisis.
What you will learn:
The common mental health challenges and disorders in youth, typical adolescent development, a 5-step action plan, substance use in youth, and how to Interact with a youth in crisis
Each attendee will receive a workbook and certificate of completion, as well as additional resources.
For the Schools
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NAMI on Campus
Student-led, student-run mental health student organization
This program aims to end the stigma that prevents students from discussing their mental health challenges and accessing the support they need.
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QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Ask A Question, Save A Life.
QPR saves lives and reduces suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.
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Ending the Silence
NAMI Ending the Silence is an engaging presentation that helps middle and high school-aged youth learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.
What is NAMI Basics?
NAMI Basics is a 6-session education program for parents, caregivers, and other families who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. This program is free to participants, 99% of whom say they would recommend the program to others. NAMI Basics is available both in person and online through NAMI Basics OnDemand.
The in-person course is taught by a trained team with lived experience raising a child with a mental health condition. They know what you’re going through because they’ve been there too.
The OnDemand program is also guided by parents and family members with lived experience but is self-paced and available 24/7. OnDemand offers the flexibility of participating in the course on your schedule. Both formats provide identical information, strategies and the opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers.
What you will gain
By participating in NAMI Basics, you’ll realize that you are not alone. You’ll find support and shared understanding—compassion, reinforcement, and empathy from people who truly get your situation. And don’t forget: Your experiences may also help others in the course. Together, you will all learn that recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
The impact mental health conditions can have on your entire family
Different types of mental health care professionals, available treatment options and therapies
An overview of the public mental health care, school, and juvenile justice systems and resources to help you navigate these systems
How to advocate for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings
How to prepare for and respond to crisis situations (self-harm, suicide attempts, etc.)
The importance of taking care of yourself
NAMI Basics Covers:
Upcoming Workshops
Meet your Education NAMI of McHenry County Team
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Edith Sanchez
Manager Education and Outreach Coordinator
Oversees all education programs and makes connections in the community.
Email: edith@namimch.org
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McKayla Babcock
Education and Outreach Coordinator
Focuses on coordinating Adult programs and community outreach events. Adult programs include Peer-to-Peer, Family-to-Family, Adult Mental Health First Aid, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, and Expressive Arts.
Email: mckayla@namimch.org
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Clarissa Bartlett
Youth Education and Outreach Coordinator
Focuses on NAMI youth programs such as Ending the Silence, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Youth QPR Suicide Prevention Training.
Email: clarissa@namimch.org
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Neva Wright
Firearm Safe Storage Coordinator
Focuses on Fire Arm Safe Storage Presentations, works on the initiative distribution of gun locks and safes, and Firearm Restraining order education.
Email: geneva@namimch.org