NAMI Citrus

4067 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, FL, 34465

NAMI Citrus is the Citrus County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a nonprofit that provides free education, peer support and advocacy for people living with mental health conditions and their families. The organization has served the county since 2001. Its stated mission is to increase awareness and provide education and support to everyone affected by mental illness. The group operates from a recovery center at 4067 N. Lecanto Highway in Beverly Hills, in the Beverly Plaza. The space includes a learning center with books, materials and computers, and volunteers answer phones and help walk-in visitors. Visitors can also arrange one-on-one conversations with a certified recovery peer specialist. The office is open Monday through Thursday, with hours that should be confirmed by phone at (352) 681-4531. NAMI Citrus also maintains NAMI Navigator Citrus, a free website with mental health information and a directory of treatment and support options. Support groups are a central part of the schedule. According to the organization's calendar, a family support group and a Connection Recovery support group each meet in person on Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and both are also offered online at 7 p.m. with registration required. The calendar also lists a virtual group for survivors of suicide loss and a women's grief group that meets on the third Monday of the month. All groups are free, and the calendar should be checked for current dates and locations. Education is the other pillar. NAMI Citrus offers the national NAMI courses, taught by trained volunteers, including Family-to-Family, an eight-week Peer-to-Peer class for adults living with a mental health condition, Mental Health First Aid, and In Our Own Voice, a presentation intended to reduce stigma. A speaker series is held online in the evening. NAMI Citrus is funded largely by donations and grants. In a crisis, the organization directs people to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which offers free call or text support at any hour, and to 911 for imminent danger. More information and a calendar are available at namicitrus.org.