Groups for Family Members and Friends

NAMI-NYC Metro support groups connect individuals with others who live with similar challenges, and offer creative and practical solutions to specific problems or concerns. All groups are led by a trained volunteer who creates an environment of mutual respect and support.

We have a successful record of creating and maintaining groups that coincide with the needs of the community. Groups are focused on a specific membership in an effort to help people connect with others who are living with very similar issues.

The following groups are for family and friends. Please review group description and instructions for first time attendees carefully to ensure the group will meet your needs. Occasionally, groups change time or location, call the Helpline (212.684.3264) to confirm meeting.

Unless otherwise noted all support groups meet at NAMI-NYC Metro — 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1103 (at 35th Street) New York, NY10018.

Criminal Justice Group
Facilitator:	Leah Gitter
Date and Time:	Fourth Thursday of each month; 6:00 pm.
Description:	Support, sharing of coping strategies, and practical information for family members of individuals in the criminal justice system.
Instructions for First Time Attendees:	Interested parties must speak to the facilitator at 212-431-7276 before attending the group.

Daughters and Sons of Persons with Mental Illness
Facilitator:	Stasia Pasela
Date and Time:	Second Monday of each month; 6:15 to 7:45 pm.
Description:	Problem-solving, community building, and sharing in confidence any issue related to having a parent with mental illness.
Instructions for First Time Attendees:	Interested parties must speak to the facilitator before attending the group. Please leave your contact information with the Helpline, and the facilitator will call you.

Family-to-Family Group
Facilitators:	Patti Sacher and Pamela Solomon
Date and Time:	First Thursday of each month; 6:00 pm.
Description:	Ongoing support for graduates of the Family-to-Family course.
Instructions for First Time Attendees:	This group is for those who have completed the Family-to-Family Course only.

Family and Friends Group
Facilitators:	Patti Sacher and Pamela Solomon
Date and Time:	Second Thursday of each month; 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
Description:	Support, sharing of coping strategies, and practical information for family members and friends of individuals with any mental illness.
Instructions for First Time Attendees:	Interested parties feel free to attend. Call the Helpline with questions.

Family and Friends of Individuals with Mood Disorders
Facilitators:	Debbie Finn and Joan Mellon
Date and Time:	Third Tuesday of each month; 6:30 pm.
Description:	Support, sharing of coping strategies, and practical information for family members and friends of individuals with any mood disorder.
Instructions for First Time Attendees:	Interested parties feel free to attend. If you would like to speak to a facilitator before attending the group, leave your contact information with the Helpline and a facilitator will call you.

Family and Friends of Individuals with OCD
Facilitator:	Veronica O’Neil
Date and Time:	This group is on hiatus until further notice.
Description:	Support, sharing of coping strategies, and practical information for any family member or friend of an individual with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Instructions for First Time Attendees:	Interested parties feel free to attend. Call the Helpline with questions.

Sibling and Adult Child Group
Facilitator:	Sharon Bogart
Date and Time:	Second Thursday of each month; 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
Description:	Support, sharing of coping strategies, and practical information for “well” siblings or adult children of individuals with mental illness.
Instructions for First Time Attendees:	Interested parties must speak to the facilitator before attending the group. Please leave your contact information with the Helpline, and the facilitator will call you.

Spanish Family Support Group
Facilitator:	Deniece Chi
Date and Time:	First Tuesday of each month; 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
Description:	Support, sharing of coping strategies, and practical information for Spanish speaking family members and friends of individuals with any mental illness.
Instructions for First Time Attendees:	Interested parties feel free to attend. Call Deniece Chi at 212-684-3365 with questions.

Uptown Family Group
Facilitator:	Susan Hirsch
Date, Time, and Location:	First Thursday of the month at Mt.Sinai Hospital — Madison Avenue at 100th Street; 6:00 pm.
Description:	Support, sharing of coping strategies, and practical information for any family member of a person with a severe mental illness (primarily schizophrenia).
Instructions for First Time Attendees:	Interested parties must speak to the facilitator before attending the group. Please leave your contact information with the Helpline, and the facilitator will call you.

We encourage everyone to explore our other support groups and courses:

Groups for Mental Health Consumers
Groups for Caregivers of Children and Adolescents
Groups for Young Adults and Their Caregivers
Social Support Groups
Courses

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