Helpful Elephant - Support Groups

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Support Groups & Peer Support

Support groups can be an invaluable resource for individuals facing mental health challenges. They provide a safe space to connect with others who understand your struggles, share coping strategies, and build a sense of community. The Twin Cities offers a variety of support groups tailored to different mental health needs, from specific conditions like anxiety and depression to broader issues like grief, trauma, and recovery. Additionally, peer support can empower individuals to feel heard and validated in their recovery journey.

General Mental Health Support Groups

NAMI Minnesota Support Groups
Website: www.namihelps.org
Phone: 651-645-2948
NAMI Minnesota offers free, peer-led support groups for individuals living with mental illness and their families. These groups are designed to help participants feel supported, reduce isolation, and learn from others’ experiences. There are groups focused on specific mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

DBSA Twin Cities (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)
Website: www.dbsa-twincities.org
Phone: 612-379-1234
DBSA provides support groups for people living with mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. These peer-led groups are designed to offer comfort, understanding, and strategies for managing symptoms. The groups focus on empowerment and providing mutual support.

Mental Health Support Groups at the University of Minnesota
Website: www.counseling.umn.edu
Phone: 612-624-3323
The University of Minnesota offers free, drop-in support groups for students experiencing mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, and depression. These groups focus on building coping skills, managing emotions, and connecting with peers who are experiencing similar challenges.

The Wellness Center of Minnesota
Website: www.thewellnesscenterofmn.com
Phone: 612-877-3784
The Wellness Center offers support groups for people living with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. They provide in-person and virtual group options for individuals seeking community support in their recovery.

Support Groups for Specific Mental Health Conditions

Grief and Loss Support Groups

The Grief Resource Center: Offers support for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one, whether through death, divorce, or other significant losses.
Website: www.griefminnesota.com
Phone: 763-432-0989
Hospice of the Twin Cities: Provides grief support groups for those who have lost someone to death.
Website: www.hospicemn.org
Phone: 612-930-1200

Trauma Support Groups

The Minnesota Trauma Project: Provides trauma recovery groups for those who have experienced childhood abuse, violence, or other traumatic events.
Website: www.mntraumaproject.org
Phone: 612-824-1074
EMDR Therapy Support Groups: Some therapists in the Twin Cities offer support groups for people undergoing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which is particularly effective for trauma survivors.

Substance Use & Mental Health Support Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) / Narcotics Anonymous (NA): AA and NA offer support groups for individuals struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. These are free, peer-led groups that focus on recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, with a strong emphasis on managing mental health challenges alongside addiction.
- AA Minneapolis Area Intergroup: www.aaminneapolis.org
  Phone: 612-338-3113
- NA Twin Cities Area Service Committee: www.tcna.org
  Phone: 612-521-1957

Bipolar Disorder Support Groups

DBSA Twin Cities Support Groups: Provides peer support for individuals living with bipolar disorder, focusing on managing symptoms, increasing emotional regulation, and sharing coping strategies.
Website: www.dbsa-twincities.org
Phone: 612-379-1234

Online and Virtual Support Groups

7 Cups of Tea:
Website: www.7cups.com
7 Cups is a free online platform offering virtual, anonymous support through trained listeners. Whether you are seeking mental health support or just need someone to talk to, 7 Cups provides an accessible and confidential space for emotional support.

Mental Health America (MHA) Online Support Groups:
Website: www.mentalhealthamerica.net
MHA offers online support groups that cater to different mental health conditions. You can join a group based on specific issues such as anxiety, depression, or OCD to engage in peer support and gain insights from others facing similar challenges.

The Mighty:
Website: www.themighty.com
An online community where people living with mental health conditions can share their stories, connect with others, and find support. The Mighty has a range of articles, group discussions, and resources to help with mental health recovery.

How to Find and Join a Support Group

Assess Your Needs: Think about the mental health challenges you’re facing. Are you dealing with a specific condition, such as anxiety or depression, or seeking general emotional support? Choose a group that aligns with your needs.
Find Local Groups: You can search for local support groups through organizations like NAMI Minnesota, DBSA Twin Cities, or Psychology Today. Many mental health clinics also provide information on local support groups.
Consider Virtual Groups: If attending in-person meetings is challenging, look for virtual support groups, which are often easier to access and offer more flexibility.
Reach Out for Support: Many groups offer an initial meeting or consultation. Reach out to learn more about the group’s focus, schedule, and registration process.

Benefits of Participating in Support Groups

Emotional Connection: Support groups provide a sense of belonging and reduce isolation, which is especially important for individuals living with mental health challenges.
Shared Experiences: Listening to others’ stories can help you realize you're not alone in your struggles. Hearing coping strategies from peers who understand can be invaluable.
Empowerment: Support groups foster empowerment by giving participants a space to share their challenges and successes. This exchange can be inspiring and motivate individuals in their recovery journey.
Structured Support: Many support groups follow structured formats, which can create consistency and routine for those seeking ongoing support.

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