Note:  Prior to January, 2008, we were not aware of any Phoenix-area mental health services that were specifically "gay-friendly" for GLBT individuals or their family members.  That's not to say that they don't exist -- if they do, we simply were not aware of them.  In January, 2008, we were contacted by a gentleman affiliated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Arizona (NAMI Arizona) who wanted to let us know that the national NAMI organization, through their Multicultural Action Center (MAC), had recently published some resources to assist GLBT individuals dealing with mental illness issues (whether shorter term such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorder, or potentially longer term mental illnesses) and their families and friends.  Those resources can be found in our Resources section, under the "Health & Mental Health" section.  Below is some brief information from the local NAMI Arizona website (which is subject to revision at any time, so always go to their website for the most up-to-date information) about services offered in Arizona.  It is our understanding that the NAMI Arizona organization is working towards making their services more "gay-friendly" for GLBT individuals and their families and friends.  Again, check with them directly if you have any questions regarding the services they offer and whether a GLBT individual/family member/friend would be comfortable talking to their staff or in their support groups about mental illness issues AND related GLBT issues.

From the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Arizona (NAMI Arizona) website (Jan., 2008):

"All of NAMI Arizona programs are FREE to the general public. They are sponsored by NAMI Arizona as a community service for families in many cities and towns across the state."

Education Programs:

Long term mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder, cause differences in thinking, feeling, mood, and interpersonal relationships. Research has shown that mental illnesses are neurological brain disorders. Currently they cannot be prevented or cured but do respond to a combined treatment of medication, psychosocial rehabilitation, and support. By educating ourselves and the community at large, we become empowered to dispel the stigma, misinformation, and discrimination that surround serious mental illnesses.

• Family-to-Family Education Program

• Peer-to-Peer Education Program

• VISIONS for Tomorrow Education Program

• Provider Education

Support Services Programs:

Support groups statewide offer opportunities to share feelings and concerns, network about resources and information, and give and receive mutual support. Those affected have comfort in knowing “they are not alone” when mental illness strikes their family.

• Family-to-Family Support Groups

• NAMI C.A.R.E. Support Groups

Public Information and Awareness Programs:

NAMI Arizona presents public information and awareness programs to both inform the public about mental illness and reduce stigma that is attached to mental illnesses.

• "In Our Own Voice" Presentation

Advocacy Programs:

NAMI Arizona members promote a coordinated continuum of care for persons with serious mental illnesses that is community-based, treats people with dignity, promotes recovery and rehabilitation, fosters empowerment, and provides for choice. Our voices raised in unison gain respect and impact others.

• Mobilizing the Lived Experience

Be sure to check the NAMI Arizona website for additional information about their programs, scheduling information about upcoming classes, access to their online brochures, and access to the many links on their Resources page.