National Alliance on Mental Illness
One out of every five families has a loved one who suffers from a major psychiatric illness (brain disorder) such as schizophrenia or bipolar illness (manic depression). Millions more suffer from depression anxiety, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). The National Alliance on Mental Illness Charleston Area is an organization that values all members of the family affected by these disorders. We provide programs for both the family members and clients, all of those whom seek support, education, and advocacy. Our support groups are designed to deliver constructive and compassionate assistance to people in need.
NAMI Charleston Area offers monthly support groups for family members and friends of those who have a loved one who suffers from a mental illness and also for individuals recovering from a brain disorder/mental illness.
Family to Family
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Institute of Psychiatry are sponsoring a valuable educational series for family members titled, "Family to Family." This are free, 11 or 12 week programs for family members and friends of individuals challenged by mental illness. The series is instructed by trained NAMI mentors who also have family member with a mental illness. Topics will include: understanding mental illness, diagnosis education, medications, communication skills, crisis management, coping skills and relapse prevention.
The MUSC program begins Wednesday, March 20, 6:00 pm - 8:30 p.m., and meets on consecutive Wednesdays for 11 weeks. See attached flyer for more details or contact Mark Stimpson: Weekdays: 792-9320, Evenings & Weekends: 881-8332 or email markstimpson@hotmail.com
A new program in Goose Creek is starting Wednesday, March 6. It will meet each Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. through May 22 at the Fleet reserve Association Lowcountry, 99 Wisteria Road (off Redbank Road behind the Quality Inn near the intersection of SR 52). See the attached flier for more details, or contact Charles or Mary Olimpio at 843 856-0955and leave a message or email colimpio@comcast.net.
Download a MUSC Family to Family flier
Download a Goose Creek Family to Family flier
Family Support Groups
NEW Beginning October 13, 2012
Charleston, Downtown
MUSC IOP
67 President Street
Support: 4:00pm
Family and friends support group meets in Room 526 classroom in North Tower. The Institute of Psychiatry (IOP) is on the corner of President and Doughty Streets in downtown Charleston.
Second and Fourth Saturday of the Month
Charleston, Downtown
MUSC IOP
67 President Street
Support: 4:00pm
Inpatient support group meets in Room 3N. The Institute of Psychiatry (IOP) is on the corner of President and Doughty Streets in downtown Charleston.
First and Third Monday of the Month
Charleston, West Ashley
Charleston Mental Heath Clinic
2100 Charlie Hall Blvd. (north wing)
Support for those in recovery: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Every Wednesday
NEW LOCATION
Charleston, West Ashley
Elks Lodge
1113 Sam Rittenberg Blvd
Support: 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Use the main entrance.
Education: 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Education meetings for consumers and family members are held together. The speakers discuss various issues related to mental health.
Second Monday of the Month
Summerville
Bethany United Methodist Church
118 West Third South Street
Support: 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Third Monday of the Month
Daniel Island
The Church of the Holy Cross
299 Seven Farms Drive
Support: 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Consumer and family members support group meets together
Fourth Monday of the Month
Download a NAMI Support Group Flier