New programming at a Dubuque nonprofit aims to help both parents and kids understand and manage mental health struggles. The Dubuque chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness recently implemented the NAMI Basics program, a course included in the national organization’s set of programming. In addition to that, the Dubuque chapter is also providing continued programming specifically for kids. NAMI Basics is a program for parents and caregivers of people 22 years old or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The course sessions cover topics exploring how mental health struggles can impact families, treatment options, navigating mental health care and the juvenile justice system, self-care and advocacy. The NAMI Basics course sessions for families include personal meetings between a NAMI team member and family, and Bauer said while the course usually includes six sessions, it can be altered to fit a family’s schedule. Registration is open and available at www.namidubuque.org/basics.
