Support Groups
NAMI Chicago offers support groups virtually and in-person for people with mental health conditions to connect with one another, as well as family groups for people who are supporting someone living with a mental health condition. Participants must be 18 years or older. All support groups are free, safe and confidential places to talk things through with others who understand your experience, led by people who have had similar experiences too.
Please note this safe space means that we do not allow outside observers. If you need to observe a group for a class or an accreditation please call the Helpline for guidance.
Some groups require registration beforehand, see descriptions for details. For virtual registration, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link and call-in number to access the group. With questions about groups or technical assistance, contact our Helpline at 833-626-4244 or email recovery@namichicago.org.
PLEASE NOTE: Tuesdays group is back to in person! Please join us every Tuesday at 1pm starting December 17th. The new location is Sulzer Regional Library 4455 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625. Hope to see you there!
Family Support Group
Support group for family, friends, loved ones, or caregivers of people struggling with or managing mental health conditions.
Virtual groups weekly, alternating night and day times. For example, Thursday September 5th is a night group 6pm-7:30 pm, followed by a day group the following week on Thursday, September 12th from 1:00pm- 2:30PM. This pattern continues throughout the month.
Peer Support Group
Support groups for people who are managing mental health symptoms and conditions, led by certified "peers" who are on a similar journey.
In Person at NAMI Chicago every Tuesday from 1:00-2:30pm
Virtual, Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm-7:30pm and Fridays from1:00pm-2:30pm.
Grupo de Apoyo para Familias y Personas en Recuperación
Grupo de Apoyo para Familias y Personas en Recuperación El grupo sirve como un grupo de apoyo para familiares, amigos y seres queridos dedicado al desarrollo de una comunidad entre individuos que tienen experiencia apoyando a alguien con condiciones de salud mental.
LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group
Peer led group by LGBTQ+ identifying peers, offering a supportive space to have conversations around wellness and the challenges of the LGBTQ+ community.
Offered bi-weekly Thursday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.
The Stories of Our Lives
Short story reading peer support group where participants read stories that relate to current individual life stressors. Register to receive the reading assignments for the upcoming week.
Virtual, every Monday from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Wellness through Creativity - Specific Locations
Creativity-based support groups where participants can use a creative medium (art, poetry, music, etc.) to discuss and practice their wellness with one another.
Currently scheduled bi-weekly at Sarah’s Circle.
To provide the best support possible, we ask that all attendees read and adhere to the below guidelines before joining a group. Participants interested in an in-person group should also be familiar with our In Person Groups and Classes Policy. For virtual groups, please note that meeting rooms will be closed to new attendees 15 minutes after the start time.
Please note we do not allow outside observers.
With questions about groups or technical assistance, contact our Helpline at 833-626-4244 or email recovery@namichicago.org.
Looking for our classes?
Check out our new Classes page to register for WRAP and more!
Don’t see a group that’s right for you?
Call the NAMI Chicago Helpline at 833-626-4244 for more resources.