NAMI Seattle
Advocacy, education, and support for people impacted by mental health conditions in Washington’s Seattle area
Filling Gaps in Mental Health
NAMI Seattle’s presentations, classes and support groups bridge the gap when medical models fail to meet our needs. We have over 40 years of experience elevating stories of lived experience and shining a spotlight on the unique needs of people and families navigating their own mental health journey.
For People with Mental Health Conditions
For Friends and Family Members
For Professionals and Community Groups
NAMI Seattle en español
Need Help?
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or Text 988
Crisis Clinic 24-Hour Crisis Line 866-427-4747
NAMI SEATTLE PROGRAMS
Support Groups
Recovery Support Group
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others who’ve been there.
Family Support Group
NAMI Family Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.
Black, Indigenous and People of Color Support Group
Open to all BIPOC individuals looking for mental health support and connection.
NAMI SEATTLE PROGRAMS
Classes & Presentations
Family-to-Family / De Familia a Familia
NAMI Family-to-Family (available in Spanish as De Familia a Familia) is a free, 8-session educational program for family, partners and friends of people living with mental illness. It is a designated evidenced-based program. Research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to an individual living with a mental health condition.
Ending the Silence
NAMI Ending the Silence is an in-school presentation designed to teach middle and high school students, parents/caregivers, and teachers about the signs and symptoms of mental illness, how to recognize the early warning signs and the importance of acknowledging those warning signs.
In Our Own Voice
NAMI In Our Own Voice presentations change attitudes, assumptions and stereotypes about people with mental health conditions. These 40- 60- or 90-minute presentations provide a personal perspective of mental illness, as presenters with lived experience talk openly about what it’s like to live with a mental health condition.
Peer-to-Peer Class
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 8-session educational program for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understand their condition and journey toward recovery. Taught by a trained team of people who’ve been there, the program includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises.
Connect
You are not alone
Our Story: ConChord Music Fundraising Event for NAMI Seattle
View the Fundraising Concert flyer and ticket details here. ConChord Music Fundraising Concert for NAMI SeattleDecember 10, 20236:30pm – 9:00pmLee Theatre at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart4800 139th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98006 CONCHORD MUSIC...
“My time as a corrections officer really helped me begin to understand how complex mental health is, and how much it ties into everything else in a person’s surroundings.”
An interview with Abagail Reiman, board member of NAMI Seattle on how her experience as a corrections officer informed her on the intersections between mental health and the cycles of incarceration and homelessness. Abagail Reiman on a warm sunny day next to “ The...
Pawsitive Healing: Therapy Dogs Bringing Joy
Volunteers of College Dogs in front of the UW Bothell campus(left: Jen & Finn , middle: Julie & Romio , right: Lisa & Mara) By Jacquelyn Johnson and Bennett Jochim, University of Washington Bothell School of Business As we waited patiently and eagerly for...
![“…[I]f we can deal with it [coercive control] early…we’re in a sense preventing further crime.”](https://namiseattle.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Jonathan-Lack-Blog-2-400x250.png)
“…[I]f we can deal with it [coercive control] early…we’re in a sense preventing further crime.”
A discussion with Commissioner Jonathon Lack on the impact of domestic violence on mental health and the update to the Washington domestic violence statute to include coercive control in the definition of domestic violence. By Karl Kafer, Medha Vadlamudi, Scott...
Awakening
I got as close as I ever would to ending my life when I was 28 years old. My mental health had deteriorated to a point where I felt helpless to find a way out of the darkness of depression and self-loathing I existed in. Instead, I turned to alcohol and other destructive behaviors to cope with my pain and that led me deeper into the morass of hopelessness. I teetered on a precipice, barely clinging to life. And I realized that if things didn’t change, I wasn’t going to make it.
World Mental Health Day – Support Local Businesses
NAMI Seattle comes together with local businesses to celebrate World Mental Health Day on October 10th Join us in celebrating World Mental Health on October 10th and support local businesses who support mental health! We are incredibly thankful for these businesses...
Baking a Difference: An interview with Yasuaki Saito, A Passionate Entrepreneur and Baker on a Mission to Promote Mental Health and Strengthen Community.
“It's really important to us to create an environment that reduces stress and that gives our staff the feeling of being valued.” By Drew Miller, Daniel Kulik, Malicte Tesfaye, Jacob Wittkamp, Sevda Samandari, and Calvin NguyenUniversity of Washington Bothell School...
A FundaMental Evening
Join NAMI Seattle at rue Santé's A FundaMental Evening in celebration of World Mental Health Day this October 10th. We invite you to celebrate with us as we raise a glass, raise awareness, and raise funds for NAMI Seattle. Join us for an evening of music, laughter,...
Suicide Prevention Week of Action
Suicide Prevention Week of Action NAMI Seattle kicked off Suicide Prevention Week of Action with a resource tabling on World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th. A big thank you to Rue Sante and Lazy Cow Cafe for having us talk about suicide prevention.King County...
Spreading Hope for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Opportunity Join NAMI Seattle’s video campaign to raise awareness and spread hope for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this September. Shame and stigma thrive in silence, but telling our stories shares hope and spreads healing. We invite you to share your story and...
“Nothing ever comes easy. The journey has not been easy. I’m not going to tell you it is.” – Howard Behar
Mr. Behar joined us for an interview with a cheerful and welcoming demeanor. His warm smile and rosy cheeks, with glasses that sat perfectly on the arch of his nose, immediately gave us a feeling of understanding and comfort.
An Interview with Rania Rampersad, King County Superior Court Judge
By Rhett Whiteman, Kalin Natzev, Faiza Khalif, Ramla Geilani, Ebrima Jammeh, Sophie Udell, University of Washington Bothell School of Business Content warning: The following post contains topics that may be unsettling or triggering, including rape, torture, war...
The Forest and The Trees
I lay my head back against the upholstered chair and take a deep breath. I don’t quite feel settled, so I wriggle around until I find just the right spot to rest. All the while, I’m listening to the facilitator, her voice soft and low, like a lullaby coaxing me to let go
La importancia del sueño para la salud
El sueño es una necesidad fundamental de la naturaleza humana, tan necesaria como el agua y la comida. Dormir impacta directa y positivamente en nuestra salud y es vital para nuestra productividad durante el día y para nuestra salud física, mental y emocional. Una...
Shine 4 Mental Health
Join us as we Shine 4 Mental Health this summer! Raise awareness about the importance of mental health, share your story of hope, and connect with new friends, all while helping us raise funds for NAMI Seattle’s essential community-led programs.Volunteer! Create a...
Work it Out: A Conversation
I’m sitting at a small table across from my personal trainer, Greg Novasky, in an office at the back of the Emerald City Gym in Seattle. I glance around at the coral walls and scribbles on a whiteboard and then I look over at Greg who appears eager to talk about his experience – poised for conversation. He’s leaning forward, with a smile in his blue eyes.
“It is important to take our place and say that we belong here.”- Justice Mary Yu
Reflections on LGBTQ identities in America, Arlene’s Flowers, and healthcare access with Justice Mary Yu of the Washington State Supreme Court By Estefany Aguillon, Liann Tran, Bezawit Mulugeta, Andranik Gabriyelyan, and Ronaldo Carrada, University of...
En Nuestra Propia Voz: Presentaciones de salud mental
Presentaciones de salud mental Presentaciones gratuitas de la comunidad virtual Estas presentaciones cambian actitudes, suposiciones e ideas sobre las personas que viven con una condición de salud mental. Estas presentaciones gratuitas brindan una perspectiva personal...
NAMIWalks Washington 2023 THANK YOU!
NAMIWalks Washington 2023 Thank you to everyone who joined us, NAMI Washington and other NAMI affliates at NAMIWalks Washington on June 3rd. It was an honor to walk with you all for mental health awareness and mental health for all. You are an inspiration! We had a...
Navigating Through Compassion Fatigue
My Passion and Compassion Fatigue Becoming a nurse was a dream come true for me because I had always wanted to help people. But a few years into my career, I got burnout due to the increase in demand and workload. Things got worse during COVID. I got irritated easily....
Brother, Brother
The clang of the doors closing behind us made me shudder. I suddenly felt the gravity of the loss of one’s freedom. A prison guard, stern and unflinching, ushered us through massive steel doors to security where we relinquished our driver’s licenses through a steel cage barrier.
Stigma Free Seattle- Thank you!
NAMI Seattle's Stigma Free Seattle Event Thank you to everyone who joined us on May 20th for our first Stigma Free Seattle event to stop the stigma of mental illness and celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month! We were inspired by you all and truly had a blast...
Empathy and Justice: King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion and Senior Deputy Prosecutor Pete DeSantos’ Vision for Handling Cases Involving Severe Mental Illnesses
An interview with King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion and Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Pete DeSanto (Part 2 of 2)
“Having an educated discussion with my family or friends is essential.”
An interview with King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion and Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Pete DeSanto (Part 1 of 2)
Stigma Free Seattle: Showcase your art, read your poetry, volunteer!
NAMI Seattle is hosting a free, public event called Stigma Free Seattle to celebrate National Mental Health Awareness month this May! Join us in community for a vibrant event featuring a variety of fun and uplifting experiences, including the work of talented local...
“I was raised to remember that I come from those who survived.” : A discussion with Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis
A discussion with Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis on the traumas of the Native American boarding school experience
NAMIWalks Washington 2023
Join NAMI Seattle for NAMIWalks Washington! We're coming together with partners, members, and affiliates from across the state to walk for Mental Health for All! With NAMIWalks, we raise awareness about mental health and raise critical funds for NAMI's free, peer-led...
Farewell Katie Mahoney
We are sad to announce Katie Mahoney, Senior Manager of Programs, is leaving NAMI Seattle for her next adventure. Katie started working for NAMI Seattle in 2015, overseeing all volunteer-led community programs for individuals and families impacted by mental health...
Finding My Way Home
By: Sharon Nelson It was in my first year of recovery. That was over 30 years ago, but I still remember, oh too well. The moods and feelings I’d once medicated with alcohol, nicotine, and various distractions were there for me to contend with. Unfiltered. Raw. A true...
“Demand the services that you need, and push back. You belong here.”
An interview with Mary Yu, Washington State’s first Asian American, Latina, and openly gay woman to serve on the state Supreme Court, on the intersection of the criminal justice system and mental health issues.
The Latest with NAMI Seattle
Awakening
I got as close as I ever would to ending my life when I was 28 years old. My mental health had deteriorated to a point where I felt helpless to find a way out of the darkness of depression and self-loathing I existed in. Instead, I turned to alcohol and other destructive behaviors to cope with my pain and that led me deeper into the morass of hopelessness. I teetered on a precipice, barely clinging to life. And I realized that if things didn’t change, I wasn’t going to make it.
World Mental Health Day – Support Local Businesses
NAMI Seattle comes together with local businesses to celebrate World Mental Health Day on October 10th Join us in celebrating World Mental Health on October 10th and support local businesses who support mental health! We are incredibly thankful for these businesses...
A FundaMental Evening
Join NAMI Seattle at rue Santé's A FundaMental Evening in celebration of World Mental Health Day this October 10th. We invite you to celebrate with us as we raise a glass, raise awareness, and raise funds for NAMI Seattle. Join us for an evening of music, laughter,...
“Nothing ever comes easy. The journey has not been easy. I’m not going to tell you it is.” – Howard Behar
Mr. Behar joined us for an interview with a cheerful and welcoming demeanor. His warm smile and rosy cheeks, with glasses that sat perfectly on the arch of his nose, immediately gave us a feeling of understanding and comfort.
La importancia del sueño para la salud
El sueño es una necesidad fundamental de la naturaleza humana, tan necesaria como el agua y la comida. Dormir impacta directa y positivamente en nuestra salud y es vital para nuestra productividad durante el día y para nuestra salud física, mental y emocional. Una...
Navigating Through Compassion Fatigue
My Passion and Compassion Fatigue Becoming a nurse was a dream come true for me because I had always wanted to help people. But a few years into my career, I got burnout due to the increase in demand and workload. Things got worse during COVID. I got irritated easily....
Ready to Make a Difference?
Get Involved
Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of NAMI Seattle! Directly work with those impacted by mental health conditions or help behind the scenes. Your gift of time and talent keeps our programs free and available!
Learn more >
Host A Training
NAMI Seattle offers online interactive trainings for your staff, community group, or leadership team on a variety of mental health topics. Typical trainings are between 1-2.5 hours as either a stand-alone session or a 2-3 session series. Learn more >
Subscribe
Please join us! Sign up to get emails and updates from NAMI Seattle!
Become A Member
Become a member of NAMI Seattle and add your name to the list of thousands raising their voices to demand services, support, and respect for the millions affected by mental health conditions.
Learn More >
Join Eleanor's Circle
In honor of Eleanor Owen, Founder of NAMI Seattle and Co-Founder of NAMI, we invite you to continue her cause by becoming a sustaining NAMI Seattle member. A monthly recurring gift honors her commitment and sustains her legacy. Learn More >
More Ways to Give
Want to give to NAMI Seattle, but short on cash? There are many ways to give!