When Dr. Alexis McLean joined LaGuardia Community College as Vice President for Student Affairs, she brought with her both deep professional experience and a personal understanding of mental health challenges. After navigating depression and panic attacks during a pivotal period …
Case Study: Workforce and Student Wellbeing at Universities Read more »
Oberland, a purpose-driven advertising agency with 35 employees, operates in one of the most high-pressure industries in New York City. Shrinking margins, rapid technological disruption, and the emotional demands of creative work all contribute to an environment where stress is …
Case Study: Strengthening Wellbeing Culture in Advertising Read more »
UBS has long invested in employee wellbeing, but its partnership with the NAMI-NYC Workplace Mental Health Collaborative has helped transform its culture of mental health support into something more visible, more connected, and more deeply embedded across the firm. For …
Case Study: Cultivating Employee Wellbeing in Finance Read more »
OUTFRONT Media, a major player in the fast-paced advertising industry, knows that its success depends on the well-being of its people. For former Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Nancy Tostanoski, workplace mental health isn’t an abstract HR …
When Seward & Kissel’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Mary Walls, first explored new options for supporting employee wellbeing, she wasn’t just responding to HR trends, but also motivated by her own lived experience. Years of supporting family members through traumatic …
Case Study: Supporting Employee Wellbeing in Corporate Law Read more »
“There’s CPR for the heart, but for mental health, words save lives. When you have the courage to ask someone, ‘Are you okay?’ it can change everything. I’ve seen it happen.” – Xan Daniels, Alight Solutions When Xan Daniels, Vice …
New York, NY – June 26, 2025 – NAMI-NYC announces the retirement of Pam Solomon, Senior Education Specialist, after more than 16 years of service to individuals and families affected by mental illness. Pam has been instrumental in expanding NAMI-NYC’s …
Pam Solomon Retires After 16 Years of Service at NAMI-NYC Read more »
Tara’s journey with NAMI-NYC began during a difficult chapter in her life. “I was in college, going through my own mental health crisis,” she recalls. “A friend saw me in a terrible state and said, ‘I think people can help …
New York, NY–NAMI-NYC is thrilled to announce the launch of our new Helpline chat, designed to provide easier access to mental health support for all New Yorkers, including young adults. The launch of our Helpline chat comes at a critical …
NAMI-NYC Launches Helpline Chat to Reach More New Yorkers, including Young Adults Read more »
When her loved one was receiving therapeutic support, Cristi wondered about support and care for herself. As a mental health caregiver, Cristi wondered what was out there for her. That’s how she found NAMI-NYC.
I have developed these 5 Pillars of Recovery to Mental Wellness by observing what has worked for me along my recovery journey and what has worked for others through my involvement as a peer support group facilitator, peer support specialist, and speaker for NAMI Westside Los Angeles.
Andrea’s journey with mental health advocacy is rooted in relationship to her father, who struggled with schizophrenia.
“But attending the walk and seeing so many people supporting such a great cause made me realize that mental health is something to be learned about and shared with others.”
This is not the time to make cuts to the nonprofit sector providing a safety net to underinvested and at-risk New Yorkers with mental health challenges.
I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Workplace Mental Health Collaborative, an initiative that has helped continue to change the way we approach mental health at Deutsche Bank.
“I can’t imagine not being a part of the NAMI-NYC community,” Alex shared.
Kendall’s journey into the world of marathon running might seem unexpected for someone who doesn’t consider herself a runner. As a segment producer for “Good Morning America” and ABC News, her life has always revolved around the fast-paced world of …
Susie’s path to NAMI-NYC began with a simple yet profound realization—the power of peer support. Introduced to NAMI through another affiliate and a NAMI Connections support group, she instantly knew that this was the community she had been searching for. …
“I loved Ending the Silence! It helped us further our knowledge on mental health and understand the steps that we can take to get help, like talk to our school psychologist,”
Familiar faces, warm hugs, and big laughs: NAMI-NYC’s Volunteer Appreciation Party, held in April, brought together the dedicated and passionate individuals who give their time and energy to support NAMI-NYC’s mission of improving the lives of people living with mental …
Learn more about NAMI-NYC’s Helpline from our Helpline Associate, Shelby Norris.
Raymond’s story is one of resilience and courage. He has faced numerous challenges in his life. Raymond has experienced mental health challenges since he was a child in the foster care system. He survived a brain hemorrhage, and today works …
“Running Saved My Life:” Marathons for Mental Health Read more »
Scott knows that stigma surrounding mental health still exists, but he wants to encourage others to seek help when they need it.
“Turning my stories into jokes is therapeutic. I love that I can make people laugh while also raising awareness about mental health.”
In celebration of Black History Month, Maybelline donated $5,000 to support NAMI-NYC’s free, community based Black Minds Matter support groups.
Last month, Patricia Maher-Brisen, a long-time NAMI-NYC volunteer, passed away. Patricia was a psychiatric nurse who understood the feeling of isolation personally. Because she knew isolation, “she loved people and making life easier for others.” That love radiated and impacted …
Honoring A Pillar of Our Community: Patricia Maher-Brisen Read more »
At NAMI-NYC, we serve over 23,000 New Yorkers through our free mental health programs and services. We’re especially proud to have programs specifically created for members of the Black community, where participants feel seen and heard. Stephanie Colon is one …
In the Executive Budget, we must prioritize meaningful investments into community-based services and public hospitals. We also urgently need supportive housing for people living with serious mental illness.
We are grateful for Hochul’s $1B investment in mental health care, but we still need more peer-led community programs, psychiatric beds, and supportive housing units.
“As someone that identifies as a peer who has utilized mental health services to manage my bipolar diagnosis for roughly two decades, I look forward to sharing my expertise with our City’s leadership.”
NAMI-NYC has changed the way my family and I talk about mental health.
Emergency request filed in ongoing class action litigation to reform the City’s mental health crisis response and stop routine abuses December 8, 2022 A broad coalition of public interest groups and people with mental disabilities filed an emergency request to …
RE: Intro. 0522-2022, a Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring mental health professionals in families with children shelters Good afternoon Chair Ayala and members of the Committee on General …
Testimony: We need in-house mental health professionals in family shelters Read more »
Aprenda herramientas para ayudarlo a responder a alguien que esta experimentando una crisis suicida Todos pueden participar en la reducción a cero del número de suicidios. Esta sesión ayudará a los familiares y amigos no clínicos a identificar cuándo alguien …
El prevención del suicidio para amigos y familiares no clínicos Read more »
Matt Kudish, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC), is a Crain’s 2022 Notable Health Care Leader. “I’m proud of the ways NAMI-NYC has transformed how we think and talk about mental illness. …
NAMI-NYC’s Executive Director Matt Kudish Named Crain’s Notable Health Care Leader Read more »
Learn more about NAMI-NYC’s Helpline from our Coordinator Jessica Donada, who identifies as a peer and family member.
Los investigadores y los médicos han reconocido durante mucho tiempo los efectos del trauma intergeneracional: trauma que se transmite de aquellos que experimentan directamente un incidente a las generaciones posteriores. El trauma intergeneracional puede comenzar con un evento traumático que …
El reconocimiento y la curación del trauma intergeneracional y racial Read more »
I am thrilled to be running my second NYC Marathon, and honored to be a part of Team NAMI-NYC. Running has been a tremendous source of healing and community for me, especially during the most trying times with my own …
My name is Kyle and I am a 38 year old financial services professional who loves running to stay in shape and for the occasional competition. I am supporting NAMI-NYC to help an organization and cause that I feel gets …
New Yorkers facing mental health emergencies deserve help from mental health professionals, not police. To raise awareness of the new 988 hotline, please share this video with your family, friends, and your elected officials on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. #NotOneMore #HelpNotHandcuffs.
My name is Alex Kremer, I’m 30 years old and grew up in San Diego before moving out to Manhattan in August 2021. I am truly honored by the opportunity to run the NYC marathon on behalf of NAMI-NYC. As …
My name is Brittany Usinger and I graduated from Harvard in 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. I currently live in New York City and work for Modern Health, a mental health tech company. I am grateful to work at …
I have been running since 1983 in high school. In the last 10 years my running has grown enormously from daily solitary workouts, to running clubs and competitive racing. The shift has been life enriching. The love of people, life, …
I am a native New Yorker and am running my first marathon with NAMI-NYC. I chose to run with NAMI-NYC because this organization means a lot to my family and I. In 2019, I lost my twin brother due to …
Everyone experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis deserves an appropriate response. Until this point, crisis calls for help have been met with inappropriate responses in our city. Instead of getting support, many people end up in the …
My name is Wiley Gibbens. I’m 25 years old and a native of Los Angeles. I moved to Manhattan in September 2021 without ever having visited, but I’ve always wanted to experience city life here. Since I was young I …
My name is Evan Savell and I am honored to be running with Team NAMI-NYC in the 2022 NYC Marathon. The past few years have taught or reminded many of us of the importance of mental wellness. I am excited …
My name is Brooke Wildermuth and I will be joining NAMI-NYC in 2022 and will run the New York City Marathon on behalf of the organization, to support raising awareness and reducing the stigma of mental illness. I am deeply …
My name is Betsy and I am from Williamsburg, VA. I am excited to be on the ‘22 TCS New York City Marathon NAMI-NYC Runs Team! I love to run and completed 2 marathon and 1 half in 2021. Another …
I am Alexandra (Alex) Swift, a 21-year-old, self-proclaimed gypsy from Darien, CT. I recently graduated from the University of Richmond, where I completed a double major in Mathematical Economics and Leadership Studies, and I am currently employed as a Sales …
I moved from Chicago to New York in August 2021 to pursue my J.D. at Columbia Law School. I am running the NYC Marathon with NAMI-NYC in memory of my sister Orli, who died by suicide in February 2022 at …
My name is Katie Sweeney. I am 26 years old and grew up on Long Island, NY. After graduating from Boston College, I moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where I still reside today, working at a financial firm as a credit …
I am a corporate attorney at Cooley LLP and I assist clients in private and public merger and acquisition transactions, across multiple industries. I received my JD from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School in 2019. I have a …
My name is Isaiah and I live with my wife and 2 kids in NYC where I spend as much of my spare time as possible running, biking, and swimming. For work, I am a managing director at a financial …
Running keeps my mind on track. Mental health issues, of all shapes and sizes, have run through my family. Yes, I too, experience anxiety and depression. But, each morning, by quickly moving one foot in front of another, things change. …
My name is Gab Roth. I’m 26 years old and from Colts Neck, New Jersey. I became a runner when I moved to Washington DC for college in 2014. Running quickly became my go to activity when I was seeking …
I am an entrepreneur and certified pharmacy technician. I am also part of the pageant community and currently hold the title of Miss Mission Puerto Rico. As someone who struggles from anxiety and panic attacks, I have become a big …
I was born and raised in Spokane, Washington and moved to NYC in 2019. In addition to running, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading books of all kinds, and eating food (pretty much everything besides broccoli). I’m …
After a decade of mostly running for fun, I will be running my first NYC Marathon in 2022, and I’m proud to be doing it in support of a cause that’s so important to me. Having watched some of those …
I am a technology professional working at Google in NYC. I have family and friends who have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. With this first hand experience, I am passionate about providing access to care …
2022 will be my 2nd NYC Marathon and I am excited to run for NAMI-NYC! I have been working as a Registered Dietitian for the past 3 years seeing clients who are working towards eating disorder recovery. Working with eating …
My name is Madailein and I am 24 years old. I currently live in Brooklyn and I am a mental health therapist at New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center. I am a huge advocate for accessible and affordable mental health …
My first marathon was the Philadelphia Marathon in 2018. This will be my second marathon, and first NYC Marathon. I have been a staff member at NAMI-NYC for about a year now. As the Support Groups Coordinator, I’ve had the …
My name is Alessandra Masone and I am so excited to be running my first marathon with team NAMI-NYC. I am originally from Seattle, WA and am currently a nursing student at Boston College. In 2020, I lost a friend …
I live in Slidell, LA (a suburb of New Orleans) with my beautiful wife Ashlie, our dog Molly, and Ellie, the kitten we recently brought in from the street. I am an 11-year Air Force veteran and Tulane University graduate. …
I am 25 years old and work as an Electrical Engineer in New York City. I like to spend my free time with friends, usually checking out new spots around the city! I am and have always been a strong …
My name is Joyu Lee (she/her), and I am the owner of Music and Your Mind, LLC, and a founding member of Vida Strings. I am a Senior Therapist at UNC Health in Chapel Hill, NC, and primarily work with …
I became involved with NAMI-NYC while in college at Santa Clara University, organizing panels to educate students on the different types of mental health disorders and how to seek help for yourself or someone else. Having a father who had …
My name is Trey Laughlin and I am from Richmond, Virginia. I played football at a small college in Virginia before moving up to the city this year for work. This is my first time running a marathon though I …
My name is Ashley Latimer. I live in Long Beach, California with my husband Robbie, son Jackson, age 6, and daughter Scotlynn, who is one and half. I am a kindergarten teacher, enjoy running with my sister and mom, and …
My name is Gabriella Jimenez and I grew up in San Diego, California. I have always been super active and played division 1 field hockey at the University of California, Berkeley before graduating and moving to New York. My whole …
Born and raised in New Orleans, I have been a runner since joining the JV cross country team in high school. By day, I am a Special Projects Manager, working closely with teams in advertising, creative technology, and the arts. …
A global pandemic caused by COVID-19 aside – in 2020, my family witnessed my dear cousin Mirta’s passing at the age of 31, following a tough, lengthy battle with a mental illness. With the hope that sharing Mirta’s story would …
Mental health is something that is extremely important to me. Sexual abuse, incarceration, and homelessness are issues that run deep within the roots of my family, and growing up with all of this trauma led to me really prioritizing the …
My name is Casey Herrmann and I currently live–and run–in Washington, D.C. Whether it was high school cross country meets or leisurely runs around my college campus to completing my first marathon this year, running has always played an important …
My name is Virginia and I am so excited to be part of Team NAMI-NYC because the organization has personally been a great resource to my family and I. Running is such a beneficial coping mechanism for me, so I …
My name is Sarah and I was born and raised in New Jersey. I currently live in Hoboken and am so excited to be running the NYC Marathon this year with NAMI-NYC. I currently work at a company called Bucket …
In 2015, I ran my first Marathon and raised funds for NAMI-NYC. Even though that year I got a bib in the lottery, I wanted to partner with NAMI-NYC to raise awareness and funds in my community. My connection with …
My name is Andra Graham and I’m first-generation American from a Latvian family. I currently live in southern California with my husband David and two pugs. I’m an Art Center College of Design graduate and have been a professional visual …
My name is Ashley Galloway. I’m a 34 year old technology consultant and animal lover. Running is my passion and has played a key part in my own mental well-being over the years. I am proud to be supporting the …
My name is Becky Flaherty and I grew up in central Indiana, but have been on the east coast since starting school at New York University in 2016. During the summer of 2021, I was hospitalized and diagnosed with anxiety …
The 2022 TCS New York City Marathon will be my second NYC marathon and I am thrilled to be running as a member of the NAMI-NYC team! I am an investor in the healthcare industry. Over the past 15 years, …
I am an attorney focused on special needs planning, guardianship for adults with disabilities, and trusts and estates. I was introduced to NAMI-NYC after my son’s second psychiatric hospitalization. I attended the Family-to-Family program and my life was forever changed. …
My name is Kara and I am a NYC-based writer, artist, and dog mom. I have personally dealt with anxiety and depression, and am passionate about ending the stigma around mental illness as well as advocating for better access to …
My name is Colin Courchesne and I am a New Jersey native with a BA in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Virginia. I graduated in 2019 and then returned to New York for a career at Credit Suisse. …
This will be my second marathon, and my second NYC Marathon! I am a PhD candidate in Art History at NYU, working on my own research and teaching art history to undergraduates. My love for running was inspired by my …
This will be my first marathon and I am so excited to be able to raise money for NAMI-NYC along the way. I’m really passionate about the work NAMI-NYC does to raise awareness around mental health and am looking forward …
My name is Adam Ciarleglio and I live with my partner in Washington, DC, where I am an assistant professor of biostatistics at George Washington University. I’m a life-long runner and am excited to be a member of the NAMI-NYC …
I am a technology sales professional currently working at Google Cloud and have resided in NYC for 11 years. During my 11 years here, I have experienced a lot of different people within NYC, including those living with mental illness. …
My name is Rachel Breindel and I am a Vice President at J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank, providing wealth management solutions and advice to individuals and families across their investment, lending, estate planning and banking needs. I primarily work with senior …
I live in Atlanta, GA and am looking forward to completing my first ever marathon this fall. I am running to honor my sister and to continue to raise awareness around mental health.
My name is Amy and I am a 53 year old mother of 4. I’m an avid runner and exercise enthusiast. I also have a serious meditation practice. I find exercise and meditation to be the foundation of wellbeing. Nothing …
It bothers me when mental and physical health are spoken about so differently. I believe the most powerful muscle in your body deserves the most amount of fitness, conditioning and care! I have watched people manage their mental health around …
I am a psychiatrist working in community psychiatry in Manhattan. I found my passion for working in mental health in medical school which continued to grow during my residency training at Mount Sinai Morningside and West. As a psychiatrist, I …
My name is Michaella Baker and I am a global and mental health advocate from Chicago. I received my BA in History of Science, Medicine and Public Health from Yale University in 2016 and received my Master of Public Health …
New York, NY, June 15, 2022—The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC) has been awarded the Cross Cultural Innovation and Engagement Award. NAMI Awards, presented at the annual NAMI convention or NAMICon, recognize individuals and organizations …
NAMI-NYC Wins National Award for Diverse and Inclusive Programs Read more »
Únase a nosotros para escuchar a los panelistas compartir sus experiencias de pérdida por suicidio. Es devastador perder a un ser querido por suicidio. Además de esto, muchos sobrevivientes sienten que no pueden discutir o ser abiertos sobre sus experiencias. …
Más allá de sobrevivir: sobre la pérdida de un ser querido por suicidio Read more »
Losing a loved one to suicide is devastating. On top of this, many loss survivors feel unable to discuss or be open about their experiences, leading to isolation and shame. But it doesn’t need to be this way. Join NAMI-NYC …
Beyond Surviving: Conversations on Losing a Loved One to Suicide Read more »
Why hasn’t NAMI-NYC’s office been open? We have been planning our move to a new space, and we can’t wait to welcome you when we’re ready. Where are you located? Our new address will be 307 West 38th Street, a …
Nueva York, NY, 16 de mayo, 2022 – La Alianza Nacional de Enfermedades Mentales de la ciudad de Nueva York (NAMI-NYC), una organización dirigida por compañeres que ayuda a familias e individues afectados por enfermedades mentales, ahora ofrece servicios adicionales …
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