MENTAL HEALTH CLIENT
SUPPORT RESOURCES 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  NAMI programs should not be used to replace the specialized training and professional judgment of mental health professionals. We cannot, and will not, assume
the role of a physician or therapist. NAMI cannot be held responsible for the use of the information we provide. Please always consult a trained mental health professional before making any decision regarding treatment of yourself or others.

| Self-Help | Wellness Centers |Patient's Rights Advocate | Consumer Liaison |
| Advance Directive |  Other Resources |

YOLO COUNTY SELF HELP

NAMI CONNECTION

IMPORTANT: - NAMI Connection is taking time off and will not meet until more facilitators can be trained.  If you are interested in being notified when meetings begin again or are interested in being trained as a facilitator, please email friends@namiyolo.org or phone the NAMI Helpline at 530-756-8181.

NAMI Connection is a recovery support group program for adults living with mental illness that is expanding in communities throughout the country. These groups provide a place that offers respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope.

NAMI Connection groups offer a casual and relaxed approach to sharing the challenges and successes of coping with mental illness. Each group:

• Meets weekly for 90 minutes
• Is offered free of charge
• Follows a flexible structure without an educational format
• Does not recommend or endorse any medications or other medical therapies

All groups are confidential - participants can share as much or as little personal information as they wish. Meetings will be guided by NAMI Connection’s Principles of Support.

WHO CAN ATTEND A  NAMI CONNECTION SUPPORT GROUP?
Support groups are open to all adults with mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. Participants should feel welcome to drop by and share feelings, difficulties, or successes. Everyone is a valued participant.

• Phone:  (916) 483-5616 for meeting locations in Woodland.
• Open to members or consumers 18 or older
• recovery-inc.com

YOLO COUNTY WELLNESS CENTERS
Bauer Building,137 North Cottonwood, Suite 1530m Woodland
People with mental illness can often benefit from supplemental services besides medical treatment. In Yolo County, the Wellness Center in Woodland can be a gateway into those services. Any person with mental illness who has Medi-Cal insurance is welcome to drop in and participate in activities. These programs  also can provide referral to a benefit specialist to help people without health insurance and little or no income get benefits to help them get needed treatment.

The Wellness Center has active programs 5 days a week and includes  groups such as career/education, job readiness, life skills, healthy relationships, relaxation . . . as well as time for arts and crafts, sports, games, etc.  Additionally a variety of activities and groups are offered such as dual diagnosis, physical wellness, social skills, temper tamers, creative writing, cooking, movies, etc.

For information about the Wellness Center call Yolo County Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health at the Woodland Clinic 530-666-8630

SACRAMENTO SELF-HELP

• Obsessive-Compulsive Support Meeting (OCD)
  • When:  every Monday of each month
  • Where: Sutter Center for Psychiatry, 7700 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento
  • Contact:  Jim (916) 223-6541 or Steve (916) 456-1996
     
• Schizophrenics Anonymous Support Meeting
  • When: Saturday from10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Where: St. John's Lutheran Church, 1701 L Street, Sacramento (Please enter the church through the side door).
  • Contact: Glenn or Richard at (916) 441-0874 for further information.
     
• Bipolar Disorder Support Meeting (website)
  Consumer/family/friend can attend together or separate; free-will donation.
  • When 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Sutter Center for Psychiatry, 7700 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento
  • Contact: Andrea Hillerman at andrea@mhasc.org or Phone: 916.875.471
  • Contact: Marilyn Hillerman at marilynhillerman@yahoo.com or Phone: ( 916.875.5644
     
• DBSA "Balanced" Support Meeting
  Practical tools to improve life; consumer/family/friend can attend together or separate; $5 donation (waive?); call ahead to pre-approve 14-17-year-old consumer attendance.
  • When: Every Wednesday 7:00 - 8:30 pm
  • Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 1500-27th Street, Sacto
  • Contact: Joe Long 916.834.0004
     
• Recovery, Inc., Self-Help Mental Health Meetings
  • Phone:  (916) 483-5616 for meeting locations.
  • Open to members or consumers 18 or older
  • recovery-inc.com

PATIENT'S RIGHTS ADVOCATE
Patients' Rights Advocates are  staff members who function within the Yolo County mental health system who are required by California law to represent a mental health client's rights and interests.  Advocates do not determine what is in the client's "best interests." but will discuss available options with the client and will assist the client in making an informed choice.  Advocates help with:

• Complaint Resolution

• Information and Referral

• Representation and assistance at Certification Hearings

• Explanation and notification of Patients' Rights

Phone: 1-877-965 6772

See also, the booklet Rights for Individuals in Mental Health Facilities

ADVANCE DIRECTIVE
An Advance Health Care Directive (Advance Directive) is a written document that describes a patient's directions and preferences for treatment and care during times when they are having difficulty communicating and making decisions. Yolo County has a brochure about advance directives which could be of use to Mental Health Clients.  English  Spanish  Russian

OTHER RESOURCES

• Living on a Shoestring:  Yolo County Resources for people on low income budgets. 

• Nami Consumer Outreach.

• Tips for Coping with a Psychiatric Disorder 

• Ten Rules for Safer Medication Use

• Hearing Voices that are Distressing: Self Help Resources and Strategies