NAMI Western Riverside

05/29/2026

We hope to see you at our general meeting next Monday, June 1, 2026, 7:00 pm! Our guest speaker Dr. Peter Ureste will present on the topic, "The Healing Power of Animals: Pet Therapy and Emotional Wellbeing".

To join the meeting via Zoom: http://bit.ly/NAMIWRC

Our next general meeting:
Monday, June 1, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Topic: The Healing Power of Animals: Pet Therapy and Emotional Wellbeing
Speakers: Peter Ureste, MD, MACM, Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor, Psychiatry Residency Program Director, UC Riverside School of Medicine

This talk will explore the role of pet therapy and animal-assisted approaches in supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing. Participants will learn about the potential benefits of pet therapy. The session will also clarify the differences between pet therapy, emotional support animals, and service animals, while discussing practical ways animals can support wellbeing.

Meeting will be held online via Zoom
Meeting ID: 865 6258 7058
Passcode: 627157
Phone: (669) 900-9128
http://bit.ly/NAMIWRC

Free – All are Welcome. Please share!

05/21/2026

This free 6-week support group helps students learn coping skills and methods to improve their mental wellbeing. This cohort of the Uplift Teen Group is open to ALL students in California in 9th-12th grade.

NAMI San Mateo County’s Uplift Teen Group (High School Edition) is starting on Saturday, June 6th from 11 am to 12 pm on Zoom.

This free 6-week support group helps students learn coping skills and methods to improve their mental wellbeing. This cohort of the Uplift Teen Group is open to ALL students in California in 9th-12th grade.

If you want to learn more or register for our next cohort, please scan the QR code or click this link: https://forms.gle/YzRTHHae2anzikbJ9

For any questions, please email [email protected]

05/21/2026

Our next general meeting:
Monday, June 1, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Topic: The Healing Power of Animals: Pet Therapy and Emotional Wellbeing
Speakers: Peter Ureste, MD, MACM, Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor, Psychiatry Residency Program Director, UC Riverside School of Medicine

This talk will explore the role of pet therapy and animal-assisted approaches in supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing. Participants will learn about the potential benefits of pet therapy. The session will also clarify the differences between pet therapy, emotional support animals, and service animals, while discussing practical ways animals can support wellbeing.

Meeting will be held online via Zoom
Meeting ID: 865 6258 7058
Passcode: 627157
Phone: (669) 900-9128
http://bit.ly/NAMIWRC

Free – All are Welcome. Please share!

05/04/2026

Our next general meeting:
Monday, May 4, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Topic: Beyond the Diagnosis: Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
Guest Speakers: Crystal Do, MD; Jonathan Odufalu, MD; Tass Sang, DO; Psychiatry Resident Physicians, UC Riverside

This presentation will provide an overview of Borderline Personality Disorder, including what it is, how it can present, and the factors that may contribute to its development. We will also discuss evidence-based treatment approaches and how individuals can be supported on their path to stability and well-being.

Meeting will be held online via Zoom
Meeting ID: 865 6258 7058
Passcode: 627157
Phone: (669) 900-9128
http://bit.ly/NAMIWRC
Free – All are Welcome. Please share!

04/06/2026

Reminder: General meeting tonight at 7 pm. Guest speakers from UCR Psychiatry - UC Riverside School of Medicine will present on the impact of social media on mental health. We hope you will join us!

Our next general meeting:
Monday, April 6, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Topic: The Digital Brain: Understanding the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Speakers: Charles Hutchison, MD; Jonathan Perez-Cuevas, MD; Joseph Smittick, MD; Psychiatry Resident Physicians, UC Riverside

This presentation explores the neurological psychological effects of frequent smartphone use and social media consumption. We will discuss the link between digital habits and conditions such as anxiety and depression while providing evidence-based strategies for a healthier relationship with technology.

Meeting will be held online via Zoom
Meeting ID: 865 6258 7058
Passcode: 627157
Phone: (669) 900-9128
http://bit.ly/NAMIWRC
Free – All are Welcome. Please share!

03/21/2026

Our next general meeting:
Monday, April 6, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Topic: The Digital Brain: Understanding the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Speakers: Charles Hutchison, MD; Jonathan Perez-Cuevas, MD; Joseph Smittick, MD; Psychiatry Resident Physicians, UC Riverside

This presentation explores the neurological psychological effects of frequent smartphone use and social media consumption. We will discuss the link between digital habits and conditions such as anxiety and depression while providing evidence-based strategies for a healthier relationship with technology.

Meeting will be held online via Zoom
Meeting ID: 865 6258 7058
Passcode: 627157
Phone: (669) 900-9128
http://bit.ly/NAMIWRC
Free – All are Welcome. Please share!

03/01/2026

Please join us on Monday, March 2, 2026, 7 pm for a presentation on "Cultural Pride in Youth Mental Health" by guest speakers from the Department of Psychiatry at UC Riverside School of Medicine!

Our next general meeting:
Monday, March 2, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Topic: Cultural Pride in Youth Mental Health
Speakers: Adrienne Carter, MD; Paula Mendoza, MD; Pedro Mota, MD; Psychiatry Resident Physicians, UC Riverside
This talk explores how helping children and adolescents feel proud of who they are and where they come from can support their mental health. We’ll share research, real-life experiences, and practical tools families can use to nurture cultural pride, confidence, and emotional well-being.

Meeting will be held online via Zoom
Meeting ID: 865 6258 7058
Passcode: 627157
Phone: (669) 900-9128
http://bit.ly/NAMIWRC

Free – All are Welcome. Please share!

02/19/2026

Our next general meeting:
Monday, March 2, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Topic: Cultural Pride in Youth Mental Health
Speakers: Adrienne Carter, MD; Paula Mendoza, MD; Pedro Mota, MD; Psychiatry Resident Physicians, UC Riverside
This talk explores how helping children and adolescents feel proud of who they are and where they come from can support their mental health. We’ll share research, real-life experiences, and practical tools families can use to nurture cultural pride, confidence, and emotional well-being.

Meeting will be held online via Zoom
Meeting ID: 865 6258 7058
Passcode: 627157
Phone: (669) 900-9128
http://bit.ly/NAMIWRC

Free – All are Welcome. Please share!

01/26/2026

Join our upcoming general meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30 pm!

Topic: NAMI WRC Overview: Mental Health Programs & Support for Individuals / Families affected by Mental Illness
Speaker: Dr. Vernita Black, Board President of NAMI Western Riverside County

Meeting will be held online via Zoom
Meeting ID: 865 6258 7058
Passcode: 627157
Phone: (669) 900-9128
http://bit.ly/NAMIWRC

Free – All are Welcome. Please share!