Support groups & peer support

Some groups have no therapist or professional present. Leaders are trained members who have been through similar struggles themselves.

NAMI’s free Connection groups for adults living with a mental health condition, and its Family Support Groups for loved ones, are led by trained people who have “been there”.

Some support groups are led by a mental health professional. Hospitals, clinics and community centers often run these, for example for people living with cancer and their families.

Group therapy is treatment. A licensed therapist leads it with a plan and goals, and it is often billed to insurance. Support groups are about mutual support and shared experience, and most are free.

A support group is not a replacement for professional care when you need it, but many people use both.

Men interviewed in a UK study said groups made them feel less isolated because others were going through the same thing. They valued peers who had “walked in their shoes”.

Hearing how someone else got through a hard stretch can be more convincing than any leaflet. Peer workers build on shared understanding, respect and mutual empowerment.

Groups are a good place to swap ideas about coping, services, paperwork and everyday problems.

In the same study, many men said regular meetings gave them routine and a reason to leave the house. Supporting other members gave some a valued role.

Some people find groups easier than individual therapy because sessions are structured and they can listen to others’ stories before sharing their own.

Family groups focus on things like changing roles and relationships, money worries, and how to support the person you care about. NAMI Family Support Groups are free and for adults who love someone living with a mental health condition.

Grief groups are often run by hospices, hospitals, funeral homes and faith communities. Some are drop-in; others are closed groups that meet for a set number of weeks with the same members.

Hospitals, community centers and national health charities run groups for cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, brain injury and many other conditions. Some groups include both patients and family members.

LGBTQ+ centers, cultural organizations, veterans’ groups and faith communities often host groups where people can talk openly with others who share their experience.

Groups often focus on a topic such as depression, family, divorce or grief. National organizations like NAMI, Mental Health America and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) run or list groups.

Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are peer-led and focus on recovery from substance use.

NAMI’s groups keep discussions confidential. Still, a peer group isn’t bound by the same privacy laws as a clinician, so share what feels safe.

• Give others space to finish
• Keep what you hear private
• Speak from your own experience (“I found…”) rather than giving orders
• Step out for a moment if you feel overwhelmed

It’s common to feel tired, tearful or relieved after a meeting. Plan something gentle for afterwards, and give it a few meetings before deciding.

Peer support workers have been through recovery themselves and help others in similar situations. They help people stay engaged in recovery, lower the chance of relapse, and extend support beyond the clinic.

Some health charities run programs that match you with a trained volunteer who has a similar diagnosis or background.

Things to think about

• Ask a national organization whether they offer training or a group model
• Find a free, accessible place, such as a library or faith space
• Agree on simple ground rules, like confidentiality and respect
• Have a crisis plan, with 988 and local services ready to share
• Share leading so one person doesn’t burn out

Call or text 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. Text and chat are also available in Spanish.

Text HOME to 741741 in the U.S. It is free and confidential.

Call 1-800-950-6264 (1-800-950-NAMI), Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. It is a free peer-support line for people with mental health conditions, families and the public, and can help you find local groups. It is not a crisis line.

Find A Helpline lists free, confidential helplines around the world. Local health services and national charities can often point you to support groups.