NAMI/VA Collaboration and “Class 13”
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Transcript NAMI/VA Collaboration and “Class 13”
Starting Small
Using the Memorandum of Understanding
as a doorway
Connection with Local Recovery Coordinator
NAMI Connection with VA and Vet Centers
Providing NAMI literature to Behavioral Health Clinics
Tabling at Veterans’ fairs
Invitations to speak with NAMI
Starting Small
Involvement with local Veterans’ support groups and
Veterans’ Collaboratives
Adjusting informational materials to be more
military/Veteran friendly
Persistence is Key
This Summer’s Family-to-Family course took three tries to
get up and running due to issues with recruitment…
Despite presentations by F2F Coordinator, LRC, written
materials provided to clinicians/other VA & Vet Center
staff
NAMI Webinar fundamental to learning recruitment tools
Decision to conduct the course even with a small number
of participants
Getting the Course Started
Use of Veteran-friendly materials and emphasis on PTSD
class. Flyer developed: “Are you a family member of a
Veteran with PTSD or other mental health issues? If so,
this class is for you!”
Instructor’s personal and professional interest in Veterans
Speaking with prospective family members
Working within VA guidelines for use of VA space
Our Class
Combination of Veteran and non-Veteran connected
families
Veterans who have relatives struggling with a mental illness
and/or who have challenges of their own
Relatives who have a Veteran about whom they
are concerned
VA employees/volunteers
Introductions included indications of military/Veteran
connections
“Class 13”: PTSD
Presented as Class 4 following other classes focusing
on specific disorders
Use of “A Supplemental Take-Home Module for the
NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program:
Understanding and Coping with PTSD” as guide for
the class
Presents an abundance of information that, if included
in its entirety, could not be covered in only one class
“Class 13”: PTSD
Chose specific parts to focus on, based on voiced needs of
the participants: symptoms, other related problems, effects
on families, treatment and the family’s role in treatment
Added additional information that may be helpful:
References to additional psychophysiology information (e.g.,
Bessel van der Kolk’s and Babette Rothschild’s work)
Reference to a constructivist view of the difficulties associated
with PTSD to increase empathy and understanding
How to communicate with VA/Vet Center providers
Finding the “Expert”
Each VA Medical Center has clinicians who specialize in
the treatment of PTSD
In our case, LRC’s previous clinical focus was trauma and
with some quick refreshing, was able to conduct the class
(and wanted to)
After –hours class time may present an issue; try to recruit
a presenter well before the class, work with the LRC to find
the person willing to present the class. VA employees can
work with supervisors to allow for comp time or flex hours
Good Stuff!
High level of bonding around the issue of PTSD as well as
trauma in general
Degree of respect, gratefulness, and pride
regarding Veterans evident
Several teenagers/young adults present who expressed
relief in finding others struggling with similar issues
Family members remain in touch after the class ending;
reunion at next year’s walk being planned
Course Feedback
“This is a wonderful class. I have learned so much about how to be
more understanding, compassionate, and an advocate for all people
with a mental illness, but especially for my son.”
“I have learned an incredible amount…how to speak with the affected
person – I am changing my behavior and speech.”
“It was good to get to know other people with a family member who has
a mental illness.”
“I felt close and trusting with our instructors and those members who
attended regularly.”
“Hopefully, some long-lasting friendships have been established.”
Speaker Contact Information
Dr. Laurie Sheerer
916-843-9282
[email protected]
Kay Derrico
NAMI Contra Costa
925-933-4012
[email protected]
Susan Norwick Horrocks
NAMI Contra Costa
925-262-3404
[email protected]