Our Support Groups

All Support Groups are meeting online until further notice.

Look at our calendar for info on how to connect with every support group online.
You can also contact our Helpline, at 212-684-3264 or helpline@naminyc.org.

With 30 support groups, both family members and people living with mental illness are sure to find a group that fits.

You’ll get support, you’ll share coping strategies, and you’ll learn practical information. All groups are led by a trained volunteer with lived experience, and are 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 for family members and friends

Family and Friends – For family members and friends of people with any mental illness. 2nd Thursday of the month, 6 to 7:30pm ET.

Family and Friends of People with Mood Disorders – For family members and friends of people with a mood disorder. 3rd Monday of the month, 6:30 to 8pm ET.

Illness under mood disorders include: major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder (mania – euphoric, hyperactive, over inflated ego, unrealistic optimism), persistent depressive disorder (long lasting low grade depression), cyclothymia (a mild form of bipolar disorder), and SAD (seasonal affective disorder). (From www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/mood-disorders)

Knit 2 Unwind – Knitters have known the calming benefits of their craft since knitting began. This group combines knitting lessons, emotional support, and self-care. Experienced knitters can bring their works in progress. 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, 11am to 12:30pm ET.

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

Parents of Children and Young Adults – Support and practical information in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Share your experiences, and learn from fellow parents. 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, 1 to 2:30pm ET.

Sibling and Adult Child – For siblings or adult children of adults with any mental illness. 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 6 to 7:30pm ET.

Apoyo Para Familiares – Apoyo, intercambio de estrategias de afrontamiento, y la información práctica para los miembros de la familia de habla hispana y amigos de personas con alguna enfemedad mental. El cuarto jueves de cada mes desde 6-7:30pm ET.

EMAIL OUR HELPLINE FOR MORE INFO

Support groups for people living with mental illness

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) – Peer support for people who identify as Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and are living with mental illness or any mental health condition. 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 6 to 7:30pm ET.

Black Minds Matter – Peer support for people who identify as Black and are living with mental illness or any mental health condition. 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 6 to 7:30pm ET.

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 ET.

Job Talk – Peer support and professional guidance for individuals with any employment related issues. 4th Friday of the month, 6:45 to 8:15pm ET.

LGBTQ – This group is peer-led by people who identify as LGBTQ+ and live with mental illness. 3rd Thursday of the month, 6 to 7:30pm ET.

Living With Addiction and Mental Illness – For anyone living with a mental illness and substance addiction. Starting a new group. Read more here, and join our waitlist 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.”

Living With Anxiety and Depression – Peer support and sharing strategies for successful living for people with anxiety and/or depression. 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 6 to 7:30pm ET.

Living With Bipolar – Peer support and sharing strategies for successful living for people with bipolar disorder. Every Thursday, 6:30 to 8pm ET.

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

NAMI Connection 55+ – Peer support group for adults ages 55+living with mental illness, led by trained facilitators. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 4 to 5:30pm ET.

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 ET.

Wellness Chats – A place for anyone who needs to connect. Share how you’re handling life these days – your wellness, your mood…the good, the not-so-good, and the in-between. Share how you’re coping and dealing with anxiety during these challenging times. We all must physically distance, but we can still connect. Every Friday, 1 to 2pm ET.

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 Wednesday, 6 to 7:30pm ET.

Social groups for people living with mental illness

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 to 7:30pm ET.

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

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 ET.

Game Play – Interactive play among peers supports and promotes wellness and provides a group where people come out of isolation. We welcome peers, and family and friends to join us for an evening of great fun! Learn more here.

Fridays June 25 – August 27, 9pm to 12am ET
Sundays June 27 – August 1, 3pm to 6pm ET

Meditation & Relaxation – Come as you are. Leave feeling more relaxed. For anyone who wants to bring their shoulders down below their ears. 2nd Saturday of the month, 2:30 to 3:30pm ET.

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 ET.

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 7:30pm ET.

Short Story Reading – Do you like hearing a good book? We will take turns reading a book together. 1st Saturday of the month, 5 to 6:30pm ET.

Write To Heal – A peer group for people who find healing through writing. 4th Saturday of the month, 3:30 to 5pm ET.

We do not permit observers to our groups.

Please note: all groups will close after 25 people have joined.

Look at our calendar for info on how to connect with every group online.
For more information, please contact the Helpline at 212-684-3264 or click the button below to email us.

EMAIL THE HELPLINE