NAMI Southwest Washington

NAMI Southwest Washington NAMI Southwest Washington is dedicated to all people affected by mental illness through education Each state also has a state organization.

We are dedicated to helping all individuals and families struggling with mental health challenges through education, support, advocacy, and awareness. We provide unique mental health services that otherwise are unavailable or inaccessible for many individuals and families. All of our services are offered at no charge and are confidential. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the nation, headquartered in Virginia. Communities or counties within the states have affiliate organizations. Many affiliates work under their own independent non-profit charter. NAMI SW WA was first chartered in the late 1970's. We Believe That:
• People can learn to manage their mental health diagnosis and can and will take responsibility for their recovery
• People with a mental health diagnosis are entitled to live the highest quality of life possible, in their own communities of choice
• Family and social support are essential for recovery
• Family members can learn how to cope and determine
how best to take care of themselves

NAMI advocates for access to mental health services, treatment, and support; we are steadfast in commitment to raising awareness and building a supportive community for individuals and they families who are affected by mental illness.

The pressure to hold everything together — especially during the holidays — can be overwhelming. But your worth isn’t me...
12/20/2025

The pressure to hold everything together — especially during the holidays — can be overwhelming. But your worth isn’t measured by how much you do, how much you spend, or how perfectly you manage it all.

Prioritizing your mental health isn’t selfish. It’s an act of care — for yourself and for the people who love you. When you give yourself permission to rest, set boundaries, and ask for support, you’re modeling strength and compassion for your family.

More people are turning to AI tools to ask questions about mental health — and that makes clarity and safety more import...
12/19/2025

More people are turning to AI tools to ask questions about mental health — and that makes clarity and safety more important than ever.

NAMI is leading a new effort, in partnership with Dr. John Torous, MD MBI, a member of NAMI’s Scientific Advisory Council, and Harvard-affiliated digital psychiatry researchers, to examine how AI tools respond when people seek mental health information and support.

The goal is to provide clear, independent information the public can trust, grounded in evidence and lived experience.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4oYs0T9

🎉💙 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐊𝐢𝐦! 💙🎉Today we’re celebrating Kim Schneiderman, our incredible Executive Director, and the heart beh...
12/19/2025

🎉💙 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐊𝐢𝐦! 💙🎉

Today we’re celebrating Kim Schneiderman, our incredible Executive Director, and the heart behind so much of the compassion, leadership, and impact at NAMI Southwest Washington.

Kim’s dedication to mental health advocacy, community connection, and stigma reduction continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across Southwest Washington. Her leadership inspires hope, collaboration, and a deep sense of care for everyone we serve. 🌿

Please join us in wishing Kim a very happy birthday and thanking her for all she does to uplift our community every single day! 💐

For Tom, the holiday season was never as simple as it looked in commercials. While the world seemed to slow down and spa...
12/18/2025

For Tom, the holiday season was never as simple as it looked in commercials. While the world seemed to slow down and sparkle, his life did the opposite. As a husband and father of three — two sons and a daughter — December often arrived with a tight chest and a racing mind.

What finally shifted for Tom wasn’t a dramatic breaking point, but a quiet realization: trying to do everything was costing him more than it was giving. Now, Tom shares what he’s learned with others who struggle during this season

Read Tom's full story here: https://namiswwa.org/toms-story-finding-balance-during-the-holidays/

Our Open House was a huge success because of the generosity and dedication of our amazing donors and volunteers. Your su...
12/17/2025

Our Open House was a huge success because of the generosity and dedication of our amazing donors and volunteers. Your support helped us create a welcoming space where community members could connect, learn about mental health resources, and feel supported. 🌿

Thank you to our donors for their generosity and partnership:
✨ Valo Expeditions
✨ Raising Cane’s
✨ Ripple Wellness
✨ Urban Air Adventure Park
✨ Skamania Lodge
✨ Chydell Armijo

And a heartfelt thank-you to our volunteers, whose time, energy, and compassion made the day run smoothly:
💙 Emi Everlast
💙 Amanda Hinman
💙 Dylan Forbes
💙 Ted Engelbrecht
💙 Jacqueline Noel

Because of you, we’re able to continue expanding mental health education, support, and hope throughout Southwest Washington. We are truly grateful for everything you do to help make our mission possible.

12/14/2025

If you ever need a little extra motivation, NAMI’s Hopeful Notes can help. Get a small dose of hope delivered to your inbox three times a week.

Subscribe today: mailchi.mp/nami/hopefulnotes

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern — most commonly appearing in t...
12/14/2025

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern — most commonly appearing in the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. It’s more than just “the winter blues,” and it can have a real impact on mental health, energy levels, and daily functioning.

Common symptoms of SAD may include:
🌥️ Persistent low mood or sadness
😴 Fatigue or sleeping more than usual
🍞 Changes in appetite, especially craving carbohydrates
😔 Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
🧠 Difficulty concentrating or feeling slowed down

SAD is believed to be linked to reduced sunlight, which can affect the body’s internal clock, serotonin levels, and melatonin production — all of which play a role in mood and sleep.

If seasonal changes are affecting your mental health, you’re not alone — and help is available. NAMI Southwest Washington offers free support groups and resources to help you navigate seasonal depression with understanding and care. https://namiswwa.org/calendar/

Looking for a supportive space to express yourself, unwind, and explore your creativity? Join us every Friday from 11:00...
12/13/2025

Looking for a supportive space to express yourself, unwind, and explore your creativity? Join us every Friday from 11:00am–12:30pm for Creative Writing for Wellness at the NAMI SW WA office:
📍 4201 NE 66th Ave, Ste 105, Vancouver, WA

Creative writing can be a powerful tool for mental wellness. Whether you're journaling, storytelling, or simply putting thoughts on paper, writing can help:
✨ Process emotions
✨ Reduce stress
✨ Build self-awareness
✨ Foster connection

No writing experience is needed — just an open mind and a desire to explore your creativity in a safe, welcoming environment.

A huge thank-you to everyone who stopped by our NAMI SW WA Open House this afternoon! We loved meeting new faces, reconn...
12/12/2025

A huge thank-you to everyone who stopped by our NAMI SW WA Open House this afternoon! We loved meeting new faces, reconnecting with longtime supporters, and sharing more about our free mental health programs and community resources.

Tomorrow’s the day! You’re invited to our NAMI Southwest Washington Open House on December 11th between 12 PM and 3 PM (...
12/10/2025

Tomorrow’s the day! You’re invited to our NAMI Southwest Washington Open House on December 11th between 12 PM and 3 PM (4201 NE 66th Ave., Ste 105, Vancouver, WA)! Stop by to learn more about our free mental health programs and community resources—and enter our raffle for a chance to win one of four amazing prizes!

And please spread the word by sharing this post!

Address

4201 NE 66th Avenue , Ste 105
Vancouver, WA
98661

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4pm
Friday 9:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+13606952823

Website

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Our Story

We are dedicated to helping all individuals and families struggling with mental health challenges through education, support, advocacy, and awareness. All our support groups and educational classes are offered at no charge. NAMI SW WA was created in the late 1970’s as a grassroots affiliate of NAMI - National Alliance of Mental Illness. As one of the most active NAMI affiliates in the country, NAMI SW WA provides confidential educational programs and resources led by individual peers and/or family members at no charge. We Believe That: • People can learn to manage their mental health diagnosis and can and will take responsibility for their recovery • People with a mental health diagnosis are entitled to live the highest quality of life possible, in their own communities of choice • Family and social support are the cornerstone in the path to recovery • Family members can learn how to cope and determine how best to take care of themselves NAMI SW WA advocates for access to services, treatment, and support; we are steadfast in commitment to raising awareness and building our community of hope for all those in need. See our services tab for more information on what we offer for mental wellness and recovery.

We serve Clark, Skamania, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties in Washington State.

NAMI Southwest Washington 2500 Main St. Suite 120 Vancouver, WA 98660 (360) 695-2823 Learn more at www.namiswwa.org or email info@namiswwa.org.