Parent Education Program

Offered By NAMI

FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will sponsor the NAMI Basics Education Program, specifically for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents with behavioral health problems or mental illness.

The six-week series of classes is being offered in Fairfield on Mondays, beginning March 2, from 7 to 9:30 pm, at the First Church Congregational, Elliot Room, 148 Beach Road.

The course will cover information about ADHD, major depression, bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, schizophrenia and substance abuse disorders; coping skills, such as handling crisis and relapse; basic information about medication use in the treatment of mental illness in children; listening and communication techniques; problem solving skills; and an overview of the mental health and school systems’ roles in treating children and teens with mental illnesses.

The curriculum was written by an experienced family member mental health professional. The course will be taught by two volunteers who are parents of individuals who developed mental illness as children.

“This course is a wonderful experience!” said Rebecca Fletcher, one of the instructors. “It balances basic psychoeducation and skill training with emotional support, self-care, and empowerment. We hope parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents with behavioral or mental illnesses will take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

The course is free, but preregistration is required. For more information or to register for the class at either location, call Ms Fletcher at 203-259-9779 or email thistleblu@sbcglobal.net.