Caring for someone with an SMI is hard. You don't have to do it alone.
The SMI Caregiver Academy offers free, evidence-based training and a steady community for family members living alongside serious mental illness.
5,600+ caregivers supported globally - since 2012
We help Caregivers build the knowledge, confidence, and connection to care for Loved Ones and themselves.
Serious mental illnesses affect ALL members of a family: Loved One(s), parents, partners, siblings, grandparents. But NOBODY teaches us about how SMIs affect our brain, emotions, memories, perceptions, and behaviors. And NOBODY teaches us how to best support our Loved Ones -and- ourselves. THIS is the mission of the SMI Caregiver Academy.
Three ways we meet you ... where you are and what you need.
Free Caregiver Class
Free 12-week caregiver class: brain neurochemistry basics, how SMIs affect brain function, CG boundaries and roles, and actionable practical tools. Next class begins Sun Jan 10, 2027 at 2pm Central time (US). Via Zoom. Apply online:
"Free 12-week Caregiver Class" — read more →Fill out an application — Apply online →Free 1:1 Caregiver Coaching
Confidential 1:1 Caregiver Coaching with a 20+ year caregiver for two adults who have a No-Fault Brain Illness (aka SMI).
Grab a timeslot — schedule coaching →SMI Caregiver Blog
Patreon.com/SMICaregiver Subscribe for free or voluntary donation. Post questions and get answers to your questions. Blog posts on dozens of topics - more added every week.
Subscribe for free or voluntary donation: Patreon.com/SMICaregiver →Deep dives for the caregiver who wants to go further.
Hundreds of guidance posts. New ones added every week.
Subscribe at Patreon.com/SMICaregiver for free or a voluntary donation. Post your questions and get answers from a caregiver with 20+ years of lived experience.
Next free 12-week class begins Sunday, Jan 10, 2027 2pm Central (US) time
Class : Sun afternoons at 2pm: Jan 10, 2027 thru March 28, 2027. Meets for 12 successive Sundays. Odd # sessions: 3 hrs (with a break) Even # sessions: 90 min
tinyurl.com/CaregiverClassWinter2027
Apply for the Winter 2027 class
Proven, evidence-based
Caregiver SMI Training
Fill out an online application
"Love Can't Fix Serious Mental Illness" Apply: https://tinyurl.com/CaregiverClassWinter2027 Next class begins Sunday Jan 10, 2027 2pm CST (US)
Rescue and rebuild your relationship with your Loved One
Learn proven techniques which help you be successful with LEAP, Psychosis Reach, Open Dialogue, and other methods built from CBT, CBTp, and DBT.
Dozens of practical, actionable, skills which WORK!
Not just "theory" or "book learning" but REAL Caregiver lived-experience from 20+ years of SMI caregiving.
"It was tremendously helpful to both my husband and me. The improved communication / relationship with our son is already proving fruitful! I don't feel so helpless - I've got tools!! 5 stars-totally recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"
MARY & BEN · CAREGIVERS FOR LOVED ONE WHO HAS SCHIZOPHRENIA
SMIs: incredibly expensive. All our support is free. But you can help support us.
Every dollar goes directly to free training and peer support. We're a registered 501(c)(3), and 100¢ of each dollar supports our mission.
Tax-deductible · EIN 33-4634506 ·
Gifts are never tied to guilt — only to care.