NAMI Seattle is a grass-roots organization in the Seattle area working specifically to fill the gaps in our local mental health system through peer-led education, referrals, and support. Originally established by Eleanor Owen as “Washington Advocates for the Mentally Ill” in 1978, we worked with other concerned groups across the country to launch a national advocacy and support organization: The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Today, NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the nation.

Our peer-led 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.