Friday, January 1, 2021

NAMI MC - support groups that support mental health

The National Alliance on Mental Illness – Montgomery County (NAMI MC) was established in 1978

by five local families, seeking to support each other and to educate others about mental illness. With little insight easily available, harsh existing approaches to treatment, and few current support services available, the movement of families and caregivers seeking to cope with the mental illness of their loved ones grew across the nation.

A true grassroots movement, this national effort grew and changed names several times over the years to today become the largest grassroots mental health organization in the country. NAMI MC predates the national organization (based in Arlington, VA) and provides a large array of different free classes and support groups for individuals – and family members of those individuals – living with a mental illness. All classes and support groups are offered free of charge and multiple times a week at various locations within Montgomery County and surrounding areas.

The families and members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Montgomery County, MD (NAMI MC) are here to help! We offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness. 

NAMI MC is excited to provide free support groups during this difficult time with COVID-19 social distancing and self-quarantining. We are temporarily moving our groups to an online meeting platform, Zoom.

Follow these links to:
Join a Support Group Online
Online Support Group Schedule & Registration
Zoom Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for the online Support Group schedule and registration



You may use your phone (using the Zoom app or by calling in), your computer, or a tablet. After registering and then joining the meeting, you can use your device’s microphone. If you do not have access to a computer or tablet with a microphone, you can call into the meeting using either of the phone numbers provided in your confirmation email. Then enter the Meeting ID number that is associated with the group.

NAMI group facilitators will be running the meeting on-screen with full video/audio of themselves. NAMI asks that you participate to the best of your ability through your computer, smartphone, or calling in on your phone. You are NOT required to appear on-screen.

However you join NAMI,  please bear NAMI is like the rest of us experiencing trial-and-error stage of moving their groups onto Zoom. Thanks in advance for your understanding and patience as we all work together at this time.

Tips:
  • If you are unable to join the call from the link, download the Zoom app first and then try again. You may also watch this video on how to join a Zoom meeting.
  • If you are not being heard, or can not hear others in the call, please leave the call by clicking “Leave Meeting” in the top or bottom right hand corner. Join the same meeting again, making sure to follow the guidelines.
  • Please remember these are confidential meetings and our group guidelines still apply even if you are physically not in the group.
  • If you can’t join a Zoom group, please consider donating to help continue offering our support groups at no cost to participants.