Program Descriptions
NAMI Washington County group Programs
NAMI Family Support Group
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for adults who have a loved one living with a mental health condition. This group provides a safe, confidential space to share experiences, gain insight, and connect with others who understand the challenges and successes of supporting someone on their mental health journey.
Participants build coping skills, reduce feelings of isolation, and find encouragement through shared understanding. Together, we learn to navigate challenges, practice self-compassion, and strengthen our support networks.
In-Person Group (NAMI Washington County):
🗓 3rd Monday of each month
🕖 7:00 – 8:30 PM
📍 NAMI Welcome Center
279 S. 17th Ave., Suite 7, West Bend, WI 53095
One-time registration is encouraged at your first attendance —then drop in anytime afterward.
Call (262) 339-1235 or email nami@namiwashingtonwi.org to learn more!
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Virtual Option (Hosted by NAMI Fox Valley & NAMI Wisconsin):
🗓 4th Thursday of each month
🕡 6:30 – 8:00 PM
💻 Online
🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/WvvXubH5C3zAws798
You are welcome to attend either or both groups—whatever best supports you.
Creative Pathways
A space to explore, create, and grow.
Creative Pathways is a school-based Art Therapy program in middle and intermediate schools. This is a group for students navigating big emotions, stress, social challenges, or simply feeling overwhelmed.
Through art-making and guided prompts, students are supported in expressing themselves, building confidence, and developing healthy ways to cope with difficult moments. The focus is on the creative process—what’s explored, understood, and expressed along the way.
Students also have opportunities to connect with peers, strengthen communication skills, and experience a sense of support and belonging. Email Natalie Sorrentino at natalie@namiwashingtonwi.org to learn more!
Creative Pathways flyer (PDF)
Compassion Project
Compassion Project is a welcoming, peer-led support group for adults (18+) who are navigating mental health challenges or living with a mental health condition. This group offers a safe, supportive space to connect with others, share experiences, and find understanding among peers who truly “get it.”
Whether you’re looking to talk, listen, or simply be present, Compassion Project provides a judgment-free environment that fosters connection, hope, and healing.
When: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7:00–8:30 PM
Where: NAMI Washington County Welcome Center
279 S. 17th Ave., Suite 7, West Bend, WI 53095
All are welcome—no pressure, just support.
One-time registration is encouraged at your first attendance —then drop in anytime afterward.
Call (262) 339-1235 or email nami@namiwashingtonwi.org to learn more!
HOPE Connections
This peer-led support group is for individuals (18 yrs. and older) who have lost someone by suicide. The death of a loved one by suicide presents challenges with the grieving process. There is often more shock, a greater sense of injustice, more guilt and blame, and a heightened sense of hopelessness. This is a safe, non-religious space for survivors to share their loss with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings.
Offered on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
One-time registration is encouraged at your first attendance —then drop in anytime afterward.
Please contact Suzanne at (262) 629-5187 or suzanne.namiwashington@gmail.com for more information or to register for this group.
Teen Connections Support Group
Led by trained facilitators, these support groups are for teens ages 13-18 years of age with a suspected or diagnosed mental health condition. This is a safe place for teens to talk with peers and trained facilitators about emotions, symptoms experienced, positive coping strategies, and how mental health is positively/negatively affecting the challenges of being a teenager. Group members receive support and build friendships with peers who understand what they are going through. Snacks and beverages are provided.
*Offered every Thursday (year round) @ 5:15 – 6:30 pm at the NAMI Welcome Center. Contact Suzanne at (262) 629-5187 or suzanne.namiwashington@gmail.com for more information or to register for this group.
*Offered every Wednesday during the school year on a rotating schedule at Germantown High School. Contact Stephanie Kaebisch at (262) 502-7121 for more information.
*Offered every Tuesday during the school year @ 12:15 – 1pm at West Bend School District’s ESC. Contact Cassie Nolan at (262) 306-5211 or cnolan@wbsd-schools.org for more information.
*Offered every Wednesday during the school year @ 9:00 – 9:45am at West Bend School District’s ESC. Contact Cassie Nolan at (262) 306-5211 or cnolan@wbsd-school.org for more information.
*Offered every Monday during the school year on a rotating schedule at West Bend High Schools. Contact Krystal Monday at kmonday@wbsd-schools.org for more information.
Making Space – Creative Expression Group for Teens
Making Space is a weekly creative expression group for teens living with a suspected or diagnosed mental health condition offered through NAMI Washington County.
This supportive group invites teens to slow down, create and connect in a safe, welcoming environment.
Through art-making, participants explore their thoughts and emotions, build self awareness, and experience a sense of being seen and understood.
No art experience need!
If there is a change, it will be noted in the announcements on the first page of this website, or Natalie will be in touch.
Thursdays 4 – 5:15 pm
Please contact Natalie at natalie@namiwashingtonwi.org for more information or to register for this group.
Stronger Together
Support Groups for LGBTQ+ Youth (ages 12-17) & their caregivers. We are stronger together when community rallies around empowering youth. NAMI Washington County and The Youth & Family Project have partnered to create safe, supportive, and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and their
caregivers—fostering connection, strengthening families, and supporting mental and emotional well-being. Youth and caregivers will meet simultaneously in separate, supportive spaces.
- 2ND & 4TH Thursdays
- June 11 – November 12, 2026
- 5:45 -6:45 PM
- Meeting location: NAMI Washington county Welcome Center
EmpowerMEnt!
EmpowerMEnt is a supportive, drop-in group for youth ages 13–17 who want a safe place to talk, learn, and grow. This program provides a welcoming environment where teens can explore their thoughts about substance use through open conversation, education, and evidence-informed strategies. Participants connect with peers, build confidence in decision-making, and develop skills that support healthy choices and resilience.
Through participation, youth can build healthy coping tools, strengthen resilience, learn accurate information about substance use, understand the reasons behind use, and increase awareness of risks. The group encourages connection, hope, and confidence in a supportive and non-judgmental space.
When: 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, 3:45–4:45 PM
Where: NAMI Washington County Welcome Center
279 S. 17th Ave., Suite 7
West Bend, WI 53095
Details:
Free of charge
Drop-in sessions
Open to youth ages 13–17
Facilitated by Elevate staff:
Kayla Doege, Youth Resiliency Coordinator, (262) 357-4369
Maggie Reed, SAC-IT, Intervention Coordinator, (262) 665-7779
Register using the QR code on the flyer, or go to Register for EmpowerMEnt! or call NAMI Washington County at 262-339-1235.
NAMI Washington County Community Education Programs
NAMI Family & Friends Peer Support Group
This peer-led support group is for adult family members and friends of someone living with a mental health condition. In a safe, confidential setting, participants can share experiences, find hope, learn about community resources, and build supportive connections with others who understand.
Our nonjudgmental environment encourages open expression, helps participants cope with feelings such as guilt or grief, explore forgiveness, and embrace humor as a healthy and meaningful part of healing.
🗓️ 3rd Monday of each month
⏰ 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Welcome Center (279 S. 17th Ave., Suite 7 West Bend, WI, 53095)
NAMI Ending the Silence Education Class
NAMI Ending the Silence Education Class is a free, evidence-based, 90-minute (or 2 class periods) presentation designed for middle, intermediate, and high school students. Taught during the school day and led by trained instructors and speakers, students learn about mental health conditions through a brief presentation, short videos, and personal testimony. Research has shown that NAMI Ending the Silence Education Class is effective in changing middle, intermediate, and high school students’ knowledge and attitudes toward mental health conditions and toward seeking help.
NAMI’s Ending the Silence class has been taught at 5 Washington County high schools and 5 Washington County middle schools for the past 9 years. We have reached an average of 1600 students every year.
NAMI Family-to-Family Education Class
Are you supporting a loved one living with a mental health condition? You are not alone, and help is available.
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-week educational class for family members, partners, and friends of adults living with mental illness. Taught by trained volunteers who have been there, this class offers insight, practical tools, and a supportive community.
This course meets every Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:30 pm, beginning October 6 through November 24, 2026.
What you’ll gain:
A better understanding of mental health conditions Communication and problem-solving skills Strategies for self-care and setting boundaries Support from others who truly understand
Whether you’re new to the mental health world or have been supporting a loved one for years, this class is designed to help you find connection, strength, and hope.
Registration is required, and space is limited.
Pre-register here and someone will contact you with further information: https://forms.gle/GpSDuVPLkbyGjrcc6
West Bend (exact location TBD)
Questions? Contact 262-339-1235
Q.P.R. Suicide Prevention Training
Created in 1995, the mission of Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical, and proven prevention training. Much like CPR – short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation – an emergency medical intervention, Q.P.R. is an emergency mental health intervention for suicidal persons. The intent of the Q.P.R. process is to identify and interrupt the crisis and direct that person to the proper care. Once trained, participants know the warning signs of a suicide crisis, understand how to respond, how to offer hope, and know local resources to help to save a life.
CIT – Crisis Intervention Team Training
Each year NAMI Washington County staff facilitates the National Crisis Intervention Team Program for law enforcement officers. The training is designed to help create connections between law enforcement officers, mental health providers, hospital emergency services, and community members affected by mental health conditions. CIT Training brings together a continuum of community leaders to help keep individuals with mental health conditions out of jail and in treatment. Diversion programs like CIT reduce arrests of people with mental health conditions while simultaneously increasing the likelihood that individuals will receive and/or mental health services. Some of the topics covered in the training are mental health conditions and diseases, prescription medication affects and outcomes, de-escalation techniques, effective listening strategies, trauma-informed care, and community resources for diverse populations.
NAMI Education on Demand and Online Support Groups
NAMI Basics OnDemand (for parents and caregivers of elementary age children)
NAMI Basics OnDemand is a free, online, 6-session education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The OnDemand program is guided by parents and family members with lived experience but is self-paced and available 24/7. OnDemand offers the flexibility of participating in the course on your schedule. This format provides information, strategies and the opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers.
By participating in NAMI Basics OnDemand, you’ll realize that you are not alone. You’ll find support and shared understanding—compassion, reinforcement and empathy from people who truly get your situation. And don’t forget: Your experiences may also help others in the course. Together, you will all learn that recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
The course covers:
- The impact mental health conditions can have on your entire family
- Different types of mental health care professionals, available treatment options and therapies
- An overview of the public mental health care, school and juvenile justice systems and resources to help you navigate these systems
- How to advocate for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings
- How to prepare for and respond to crisis situations (self-harm, suicide attempts, etc.)
- The importance of taking care of yourself
What People Are Saying
“This is such a great step-by-step program that walks parents through every step. It’s as if they’re holding your hand through it all.”
“This class was unexpectedly wonderful! I did not expect to learn so very, very much! This program is well-written with excellent segues between topics. It covers so much more than BASICS—the title doesn’t do it justice.”
“I find it truly remarkable that this is free to those who are interested.”
Let’s Talk About Mental Illness (for parents/teachers of elementary school-age children)
A fun and engaging video made for elementary age kids to start the conversation about mental illness. After watching the video with your children or class, check out our free downloadable worksheets to continue learning about mental illness. You can find the videos and worksheets free to use on NAMI Wisconsin’s website at namiwisconsin.org/lets-talk-about-mental-illness
NAMI Homefront (for families, caregivers, & friends of military service members and vets)
NAMI Homefront is a free, 6-session educational program for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and vets with mental health conditions.
NAMI Homefront Mental Health Resources is a suite of online resources for military service members, veterans and their families! To register and learn more, visit: https://homefrontresources.nami.org
Learn more about NAMI Homefront
NAMI Education on Demand and Online Support Groups
Being Together – NAMI Wisconsin
Being Together – NAMI Wisconsin, provides a directory of online support groups and classes for individuals across the state who do not have a local NAMI Affiliate or do not have certain support groups or classes provided by their local affiliate. This is a way to bring those in need of support together, regardless of their location. These support groups and classes are open to anyone in need within Wisconsin. Being Together NAMI Wisconsin
Is there a specific topic in mental health or illness you’d like to learn more about? Are you looking for a presentation for a specific audience? Are you a leader for a non-profit organization, faith-based organization, corporation, service club, or parents’ group? NAMI Washington County partners with many of the county’s mental health experts. NAMI Washington County’s team plus a mental health professional are more than ready to provide the education and information you are seeking to help those living with mental illness live their best lives. Contact us at executivedirector@namiwashingtonwi.org or call (262) 339-1235