NAMI California is a passionate team made of families, members, affiliates, and partners throughout the state who are leading the change on mental illness.
We are the leading organization of individuals working with mutual respect to provide help, hope and health for those affected by serious mental illness and their families, providing support for more than 20,000 Californians a year through our programs.
Important NAMI CA News
Save the date for the 2026 NAMI California Annual Conference on October 8 and 9 in Anaheim, California!
NAMI California is seeking proposals for workshops and presentations for the conference.
Please find more information and the application here.
Our priorities are:
Access to treatment
Individuals with mental illness must have timely access to clinically appropriate medications, evidence-based services, and treatment, including psychotherapy, that are provided in a person-centered approach.
Family involvement in treatment
Treatment should be collaborative. Family members are a central resource in the treatment of children and adults living with serious mental illnesses and should be an integral part of the treatment team and empowered to facilitate mutually agreed upon treatment team goals.
Crisis services
A comprehensive crisis care system must exist to ensure Californians receive the care they deserve in the most expedient way possible.
Criminal justice issues
Mental health systems have ultimate responsibility for treating all people with severe mental illness. A substantial number of people with severe mental illness require twenty-four hour, seven day a week structured care, either for long or short periods of time. It is never appropriate to allow the care of such persons to be shifted to the criminal justice system.
Housing
Housing is critical to recovery and must be available to individuals with mental illness. Individuals with serious mental illnesses need a wide array of options for permanent, decent, and affordable housing, based on an individual’s needs and choices.
Services and support for all ages
Comprehensive mental health services and support must be available and accessible to individuals of all ages, with a focus on early intervention, accessible treatment options, and community support systems.