National Alliance on Mental Illness

National Alliance on Mental Illness
Founded1979; 45 years ago (1979)
FoundersHarriet Shetler
Beverly Young
TypeNonprofit 501(c)(3)
43-1201653
FocusMental Health, Crisis Intervention
Headquarters4301 Wilson Blvd., Arlington County, Virginia, U.S.
Area served
United States
MethodSupport, education, awareness, advocacy, and research
Websitehttps://nami.org/

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a United States–based nonprofit organization[1] originally founded as a grassroots group by family members of people diagnosed with mental illness. NAMI identifies its mission as "providing advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives" and its vision as "a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares".[2] NAMI offers classes and trainings for people living with mental illnesses, their families, community members, and professionals, including what is termed psychoeducation, or education about mental illness.[3][4] NAMI holds regular events which combine fundraising for the organization and education, including Mental Illness Awareness Week and NAMIWalks.[2]

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, NAMI has around 1,000 state and local affiliates and is represented in all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.[5] Funding comes from individual contributions, corporate sponsorships, events, and grants.[6] NAMI publishes a magazine around twice a year called The Advocate.[7] NAMI also runs a HelpLine five days a week.[8]

  1. ^ NAMI National (December 31, 2021) [2020]. "Financial Statements and Independent Auditors' Report" (PDF). NAMI. p. 10. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 20, 2022. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
  2. ^ a b "National Alliance on Mental Health". Archived from the original on September 19, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  3. ^ "Psychosocial Treatments". nami.org. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 17, 2019.
  4. ^ "Our Structure". Archived from the original on March 28, 2019. Retrieved March 17, 2019.
  5. ^ "Find Your Local NAMI". www.nami.org. Archived from the original on March 30, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  6. ^ "NAMI Our Finances". Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 18, 2019.
  7. ^ "Publications and Reports". Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 17, 2019.
  8. ^ "NAMI HelpLine". Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 18, 2019.