The following support groups related to mental health exist in the Champaign-Urbana area:

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Champaign County offers the following support groups:

  • Family Support for people who have a loved one with mental illness
  • Consumer Support for people who have a mental illness
  • Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
    Contact: Sten Johansen
    Phone: (217) 344-7901

  • The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program

    • A free 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe brain disorders (mental illnesses). The course is taught by trained family members.  All instruction and course materials are free for class participants.

      The Family-to-Family curriculum focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), clinical depression, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The course discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively.

      The class is held periodically throughout the year at the Mental Health Center at 202 W. Park Ave., Champaign.  If you are interested in taking this course please contact an appropriate class contact.

  • Visions for Tomorrow

    • A series of workshops for direct primary caregivers of children and adolescents with brain disorders. Participants in Visions for Tomorrow should be those who are direct caregivers and, depending on family circumstances, may be an extended family member (aunt, uncle, grandparent), respite care provider, or foster parent. There is no charge to family members or primary caregivers who wish to enroll in this course. Visions for Tomorrow teachers are trained family members who have experienced first hand the rewards and challenges of raising children with brain disorders. The course offers caregivers the opportunity to share mutual experiences and learn valuable lessons from one another. Visions for Tomorrow covers educational material and provides the basics for day-to-day caregiving skills.

      The class is held periodically throughout the year at the Mental Health Center at 202 W. Park Ave.,  Champaign.  If you are interested in taking Visions for Tomorrow, please contact an appropriate class contact.

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