Support Groups For People With A Mental Health Condition

All of our in-person Support Groups are suspended until further notice, due to the increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in NYC, as of March 13, 2020.

You can still get support from us.
Contact our Helpline, at 212-684-3264 or helpline@naminyc.org
Read more about our online Support Groups, as well as our other services that are still available for you.

You’ll get support, share coping strategies, and learn practical information. All groups are led by a trained volunteer with lived experience, in a safe and judgment-free environment of mutual respect.

“Our support groups are powerful because they show, you are not alone. And they’re not led by a mental health professional. Peer support values lived experience. Leaders are facilitators, not professional experts. Everyone is an expert in the room…an expert on themselves.” — Kinsey McManus, former Services Director

Support groups

Addiction and Mental Illness – (formerly called “MICA”) For anyone living with a mental illness and substance addiction. Read more about the group here. Starting new group. Contact the Helpline if you’re interested.

  • Also called “co-occurring disorders,” this group is for people with concurrent (“at the same time”) Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders. Other terms used are “dual diagnosis,” “dual disorder,” “MICA” (Mentally Ill Chemical Abuser, or Mentally Ill Chemically Affected), “MISA” (Mentally Ill Substance Abuser), “CAMI” (Chemical Abuse and Mental Illness), and “SAMI” (Substance Abuse and Mental Illness), or “double trouble.”

Black Minds Matter – Peer support for people who identify as Black and are living with mental illness or any mental health condition. 4th Friday of the month, 6 to 7:30pm.

Bipolar – Peer support and sharing strategies for successful living for individuals with bipolar disorder. 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 6:30 to 8pm.

Hearing Voices – Peer support for anyone who identifies as a voice hearer. Voices, visions, or other unusual or extreme experiences may be unique, but they are not uncommon. This is the only open group for voice hearers in NYC. Read more about the group here. 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 3:30 to 5pm.

Job Talk – Peer support and professional guidance for individuals with any employment related issues. 4th Friday of the month, 6:45 to 8pm.

NAMI Conexión – Un grupo de apoyo para la recuperación de cualquier adulto que viva con los retos asociados con una enfermedad mental.

NAMI Connection – Peer support group for adults living with mental illness, led by trained facilitators. Every Wednesday, 6 to 7:30pm.

NAMI Connection 55+ – Peer support group for adults ages 55+ living with mental illness. Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday, 4 to 5:30pm.

Spirituality Speaks – Discussing ways to use spirituality as an ingredient in one’s recovery to wellness. Help to improve your outlook, open your mind, and de-stress from a hectic day. 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 4 to 5:30pm.

Suicide Attempt Survivors – A peer group for suicide attempt survivors. Read more about the group here. This is an 8-week closed group – you must register to attend.

Young Adult – For people ages 18 to 30 with mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. Develop coping skills, share common experiences, gain self-advocacy skills, and make friends. Read more about the group here. Every Tuesday, 6 to 7:30pm, OR Every Wednesday, 6 to 7:30pm. (Attendance limited to once per week.)

Social groups

Creative Writing – A fun and safe environment where aspiring authors come together to share, critique, and improve their work. With assistance from Columbia University student teachers. Every Tuesday, 6:30 to 8pm.

Expressive Arts Workshop – All levels of talent and creativity are welcome. And all materials and supplies are provided… Just bring your enthusiasm and imagination! 5th Saturday of the month, 5:30 to 7pm.

Find Your Funny (and You’ll Find You’re Funny!) – Peer support using humor—no experience necessary. Become more emotionally flexible and resilient; heal your mind, emotions, and body with laughter and joy; and remember, a good sense of humor prevents hardening of your attitude. 4th Saturday of the month, 5:30 to 7pm.

Games People Play – Board games, cards games, and many more games to play in a safe, supportive, and relaxed atmosphere. 2nd Saturday of the month, 5:30 to 7pm.

Movie Club – Good movies and discussion, and a chance to meet new people. Enjoy a different movie every month! 1st Saturday of the month. Doors open at 4:30, movie starts 5pm.

Music Group – If you have an instrument to play, bring it. And if you like to sing along, that’s great too! Open to family members and adults living with mental illness. 2nd Saturday of the month, 4 to 5:30pm.

Pet Therapy – Peer support and therapeutic interaction with trained pet therapy dogs from the Good Dog Foundation. 3rd Saturday of the month, 5:30 to 7pm.

Poetry Workshop – Where poets gather to share stories, tips, and techniques. Also a place to learn and experiment while encouraging others to keep reading and keep writing. 3rd Thursday of the month, 6 to 8pm.

(TAG) The Advocacy Group – Develop and implement advocacy strategies to improve mental health care access and policies on the local, city, state, and federal level. 1st Monday of the month, 6 to 7:30pm.

Yoga For You – Stressed? Burnt out? Overwhelmed? This Saturday Yoga class for NAMI participants and family members will teach you deep relaxation, deep breathing, meditation, and poses to assist you in coping and healing. 2nd Saturday of the month, 12 to 1:30pm.

For more information about any of our Support Groups, please contact the Helpline at 212-684-3264 or click the button below to email us.

Email The Helpline