What to Expect at Your First Meeting

Walking into a new place can feel intimidating — especially when you're already navigating something difficult. Here's what your first NAMI Tuscaloosa meeting will look like, so you know what to expect before you arrive.

Where to go: Our monthly meetings are held at Christ Episcopal Church, 605 Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd. N. in Tuscaloosa. It is on the second floor, room 222. There's free parking on-site, and the building is wheelchair accessible. When you arrive, look for our friendly volunteers that will greet you at the door and show you where to go.

What time to arrive: Anytime between 5:45 and 6:00 PM is perfect. Meetings begin at 6:00 PM sharp.

The format: Our meetings have two parts. From 6:00–7:00 PM, we host an educational program — a guest speaker, a panel, or a presentation on a mental health topic. This hour is open to anyone. From 7:00–8:00 PM, we split into two concurrent support groups: one for family members and loved ones, and one for individuals living with a mental health condition. You're welcome to attend either, both, or neither — whatever feels right.

Do I have to share? Absolutely not. Many people come to several meetings before they say a word, and that's completely fine. You're welcome to listen, take notes, or just be present.

Is it confidential? Yes. What's shared in our support groups stays in our support groups.

Is it free? Yes. There's no cost to attend, and no registration required. You can simply show up.

Can I bring someone with me? Yes, please do! Many people bring a family member or friend for support. New faces are always welcome.

Prefer to join from home? Our meetings are also available via Zoom. The link is posted on this page on meeting day, or you can message us to request it.

If you have any other questions before you come, please reach out at nami.tuscaloosa.al@gmail.com or through our Facebook page. We can't wait to meet you.


Apr
13

April's Education and Family Support Group Meeting

NAMI Tuscaloosa is pleased to welcome Laura Reeves, LICSW-S, CEAP, SAP, Manager of Special Teams at Indian Rivers Behavioral Health, as our featured speaker for April in recognition of Stress Awareness Month.

Laura will present on stress awareness, including how stress presents, its impact on mental health, and practical coping strategies.

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February Monthly Meeting
Feb
9

February Monthly Meeting

Join NAMI Tuscaloosa for our monthly education and support meeting. These free, community-based meetings offer connection, learning, and hope for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.

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Oct
13

October Education and Family/Connections Support Group Meeting

NAMI Tuscaloosa Monthly Meetings
Our meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa.

  • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Educational segment open to the public. This portion may include a guest speaker, presentation, or discussion on a mental health topic.

  • 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Support groups meet in separate spaces. We offer:

    • Family Support Group for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental health conditions.

    • NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group for individuals living with a mental health condition.

All are welcome. No registration required.

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Family to Family
Oct
2
to Nov 20

Family to Family

Location: Zoom

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program. This means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition.

NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises.

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September Education and Family/Connections Support Group Meeting
Sep
8

September Education and Family/Connections Support Group Meeting

Suicide Prevention Awareness: You Are Not Alone

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to come together to talk openly about suicide, connect those in need to life-saving resources, and reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.

We are honored to welcome Fredericka Brinkley-Pham, LICSW, Suicide Prevention Social Work Care Coordinator at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, as our guest speaker on Monday, September 8 at 6:00 p.m. Her presentation will cover warning signs, support strategies, and practical ways the community can be involved in suicide prevention efforts.

CEUs will be available for those who attend and request them.

NAMI Tuscaloosa Monthly Meetings
Our meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa.

  • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Educational segment open to the public. This portion may include a guest speaker, presentation, or discussion on a mental health topic.

  • 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Support groups meet in separate spaces. We offer:

    • Family Support Group for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental health conditions.

    • NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group for individuals living with a mental health condition.

All are welcome. No registration required.

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Aug
9

Mental Health Fair

To bring awareness to mental health issues and break down the stigma surrounding mental health, highlight resources to our community as well as provide tangible skills for participants. More information to come. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of West Alabama.

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July Education and Family/Connections Support Group Meeting
Jul
14

July Education and Family/Connections Support Group Meeting

Virtual Via Zoom and in-person

NAMI Tuscaloosa Monthly Meetings
Our meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa.

  • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Educational segment open to the public. This portion may include a guest speaker, presentation, or discussion on a mental health topic.

  • 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Support groups meet in separate spaces. We offer:

    • Family Support Group for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental health conditions.

    • NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group for individuals living with a mental health condition.

All are welcome. No registration required.

View Event →
June Education and Family/Connections Support Group Meeting
Jun
9

June Education and Family/Connections Support Group Meeting

Virtual via Zoom and in-person

NAMI Tuscaloosa Monthly Meetings
Our meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa.

  • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Educational segment open to the public. This portion may include a guest speaker, presentation, or discussion on a mental health topic.

  • 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Support groups meet in separate spaces. We offer:

    • Family Support Group for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental health conditions.

    • NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group for individuals living with a mental health condition.

All are welcome. No registration required.

View Event →
Mental Health Awareness Kickball Event
May
17

Mental Health Awareness Kickball Event

Looking for free, family-friendly fun in Tuscaloosa? Join us for the 3rd Annual Mental Health Awareness Kickball Tournament! Featuring food trucks, local first responders, and exciting games — all to support mental health awareness in our community.

Proceeds benefit NAMI Tuscaloosa and the Tuscaloosa Mental Health Alliance.

Free entry · Family fun · Support a great cause

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