NAMI WC has support groups for people who live with a mental health condition and family members and friends who live in support of someone with a mental health condition. Group leaders have personal experience with a mental health condition and are trained in group facilitation.
NAMI support groups are not condition-specific, meaning that people who attend may have varying diagnoses, including but not limited to: anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, personality disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, psychosis, or addiction.
The support groups are offered in either Zoom or hybrid (simultaneous Zoom and in-person) formats. See the registration forms for the type that is offered for each group. NAMI WC serves Washtenaw County communities, including the cities of Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Saline, and Ypsilanti.
As a reminder, our support groups and classes are confidential. Therefore, we do not allow students to observe for their studies. Please respect our need to ensure our attendees comfort and wellbeing.
Groups For People Who Live with a Mental Health Condition
| Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7-8:30 PM | Online through Zoom | To register visit: https://namiwc.org/about/mental-health-support-groups/connection-support-group-registration/. Please remember to indicate which Wednesday session you plan on attending (see registration form for details). |
Support Group Description:
This group is now open to anyone with a mental health condition aged 18 and above.
“It is not easy to talk about what’s really going on with you,” said Pat, a group leader. “The NAMI Connection format helps smooth the way, especially for newcomers, with the structure of an agenda, group guidelines, and principles of support.”
Meetings are mainly devoted to discussion conducted with these guidelines and principles in mind, such as absolute confidentiality, respect for others, and aiming for better coping skills.
Group member Anna finds the other participants supportive and resourceful. Merely attending meetings can have a therapeutic effect, she said.
| 1st and 3rd Wed. 7-8:30 PM | Online through Zoom | Register at https://namiwc.org/wedyoungadult/ |
NAMI’s Young Adult Support Group (ages 18-30) is a support group for people who live with a mental health challenge. Meetings begin with a brief check-in and then move to deeper sharing about feelings and topics such as relationships, medication, and therapies; both tried and true and alternative. Group members benefit from shared experiences and group wisdom to help with current problems and struggles.
Supported by the Washtenaw County Public Safety & Mental Health Preservation Millage.
| 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 7-8 PM starting February 2024 | Online through Zoom | Register at https://namiwc.org/campuses-in-color-support-group/ |
Join us for a tri-campus well-being support group for graduate and undergraduate students of color at U-M, EMU, and WCC. Support group meetings will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 7-8 pm through Zoom. Please register to receive the Zoom link for the next session.
Groups For People Who Live in Support of a Someone who has a Mental Health Condition
| Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 7-8:30 PM | Online through Zoom | For more information and to register, email Alison at alisonpaine21@hotmail.com. |
Support Group Description:
This mental health support group is for parents of children aged 12 to 25 who have contemplated or attempted suicide. Rather than struggle alone with how to get help for your child and yourself, join this group and share effective strategies with others in the same situation.
| Every 1st Tuesday of the Month from 7-8:30 PM* | Online through Zoom | To learn more and register for the next Tuesday group visit: https://namiwc.org/tuesday-family-and-friends-registration/ |
Support Group Description:
This group is for adults who have a friend or family member with a mental health condition. Meetings revolve around topics of interest to people caring for others, including self-care.
Caring for someone with a serious mental health condition can feel lonely and dispiriting. However, said a group member, “coming to meetings empowers me. I feel so much less alone and am inspired by the courage of group members.”
Participants trade strategies and learn from one another. Meetings end “with everyone sharing something they are going to do for themselves that they enjoy,” Chuck, a group leader, said.
*F&F will not be held on July 4th 2023 – the next F&F meeting will occur on July 19th. If you would like to register, please do so through the 3rd Wednesday F&F link
| Every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7-8:30 PM | Hybrid: in-person and online through Zoom | To learn more and register for the next Wednesday group visit: https://namiwc.org/about/mental-health-support-groups/wed-friends-and-family-support-group/ |
Support Group Description:
This group is for adults who have a friend or family member with a mental health condition. Meetings revolve around topics of interest to people caring for others, including self-care.
Caring for someone with a serious mental health condition can feel lonely and dispiriting. However, said a group member, “coming to meetings empowers me. I feel so much less alone and am inspired by the courage of group members.”
Participants trade strategies and learn from one another. Meetings end “with everyone sharing something they are going to do for themselves that they enjoy,” Chuck, a group leader, said.
| Every 4th Monday of the month from 6:30-8 PM | Online through Zoom | To learn more and register for the Monday group please visit https://namiwc.org/about/mental-health-support-groups/family-friends-online-support-group-registration/ |
Support Group Description:
This group is for adults who have a friend or family member with a mental health condition. Meetings revolve around topics of interest to people caring for others, including self-care.
Caring for someone with a serious mental health condition can feel lonely and dispiriting. However, said a group member, “coming to meetings empowers me. I feel so much less alone and am inspired by the courage of group members.”
Participants trade strategies and learn from one another. Meetings end “with everyone sharing something they are going to do for themselves that they enjoy,” Chuck, a group leader, said.
Groups For Both People Who Live with and in Support of a Someone who has a Mental Health Condition
| Every 2nd Tues. 7-8:30 PM & 4th Tues. 7:30-9 PM of the month | 2nd Tuesday – Online through Zoom 4th Tuesday – Hybrid – Online through Zoom and in-person at Saline First United Methodist Church, 1200 N. Ann Arbor St. | To register for the group please visit https://namiwc.org/about/mental-health-support-groups/nami-faith-support-group-registration-2/ |
NAMI Faith Group combines scripture lessons, educational topics, and sharing time to promote support and spirituality in mental health. They believe that a person’s faith can play a positive role in their mental health experience.
The group is open to adults living with mental health challenges, and to anyone who wants to learn how to better support those living with a condition. There is no fee or registration required. Attendance is on a drop-in basis and each meeting will have a new lesson. NAMI Faith Group is inclusive and welcomes all religions and all people.