The increase in novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in NYC impacts many people in our community, including those who are affected by mental illness.

Although our physical location is closed for the time being, we are still here for you. In times of crisis, having support you can count on is vitally important. We still offer a variety of support resources to help you or a loved one with general or COVID-related mental health concerns.

Contact Our Helpline

Our Helpline is available as a source of information and support.  You can call us from 10 am to 6 pm ET Monday through Friday – or email us anytime. Call 212-684-3264. If you reach our voicemail, please leave a message and we’ll get right back to you. Or you can email us at the button below.

• Email the Helpline

Our classes by video.

Go to the page for the class and contact us.

For family and friend caregivers

NAMI Family-to-Family – an 8-week class for families, partners and friends of adults with mental illness. The class facilitates a better understanding of mental illness, increases coping skills, and empowers participants to become advocates for their family members.

NAMI Basics – a 6-week class for parents and other family of children and teens who are showing signs of emotional and/or behavioral difficulties, or who have a mental health diagnosis.

NAMI Family & Friends – a 90-minute seminar for families, partners, and friends of adults experiencing a mental health challenge. The presentation helps people better understand mental illness, increases coping skills, and empowers participants to become advocates for their family members.

For individuals

NAMI Peer-to-Peer – open to anyone experiencing a mental health challenge. This 8-week class encourages growth, healing, and recovery among participants. We also have a course for people who identify as LGBTQ+.

Our support groups by video and by phone.

Nearly all of our support groups are available for you.

Please see our calendar for when and how to connect.

Additional Information & Resources

• COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide from NAMI: Considering the news, here are tips and practices we recommend to maintain your mental well-being.
• NYC and New York state coronavirus info: Go to the New York State Department of Health or the New York City Department of Health.
• National and global coronavirus info: Go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization.
• Feeling anxious? The anxiety and existential depression from events like this virus can be difficult to deal with. Check out our weekly Wellness Chats.

March 12, 2020

Dear NAMI-NYC community,

Because of the increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in NYC, we are taking a cautious approach – so NAMI-NYC closed our office until further notice, effective Friday March 13, 2020. We made this decision based on current guidance from the New York City Department of Health and New York State that limiting contact is a sound practice. The health and safety of our program participants, volunteers, staff, and community at large is our utmost priority – now, and always – which is why we made this decision.

However, we are still here for you. In times of crisis, having support you can count on is vitally important.

Our Helpline continues to be available as a source of information and support.  As always, you can call us from 10 am to 6 pm – or email us anytime. Reach us at 212-684-3264 or helpline@naminyc.org. If you reach our voicemail, please leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Many of our weekday Support Groups are available by phone.

All other NAMI-NYC programs – regardless of location – are suspended until further notice. This suspension includes all classes, Saturday social groups, public education events, and community presentations.

Our staff will continue to work remotely, and will be available to respond to email and calls during the work day.

Take Care of Your Mental AND Physical Health

We also encourage you to get information from reliable sources. It is important to get accurate information – for the health of you, your family, and the community – and to not spread rumors or false information.

The anxiety and existential depression from events like this virus can be difficult to deal with. If you need to talk with someone, call or email our Helpline. Take breaks from news and social media. Give yourself a chance to slow down.

We will continue to update you as plans change.

Meanwhile, take care of yourself and each other.

Sincerely,
The NAMI-NYC staff