Peer support means getting support from others who share similar identity, experience, or journey. It’s based on the principle that people who have this shared “lived experience” can offer unique support and understanding to one another. Below is a collection of peer support resources for people dealing with mental health symptoms or related experiences.
updated September 2024
Need help figuring out which peer support option would work best for you? Looking for more peer support options beyond what is listed? Reach out to our Compass Helpline! Compass keeps an far-reaching list of peer support groups, warmlines, and options for one-on-one peer support. The Compass Helpline is available Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm. Call us at 617-704-6264, email us at compass@namimass.org, or schedule a call with us.
NAMI Connection is a free support group for people living with a mental health condition. Groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators and provide a safe, private, and non-judgmental setting.
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free eight-week program designed to empower participants to take the next steps in their recovery process. Class participants explore coping skills, goal setting, whole health, and establishing relationships.
Recovery Learning Communities (RLCs) are communities of people who have come together to support one another. They are open to adults who are dealing with mental health symptoms or related experiences. RLCs offer peer support groups, one-on-one support, peer bridging, training, workshops, and more.
Young Adult Access Centers (YAACs) are drop-in centers for young people dealing with mental health symptoms and other life stressors. They help young people build skills for independent living, learning, and employment. YAACs offer peer support and mentoring, art and social activities, connections to resources, and more.
Warmlines are numbers that people can call to get support when they are feeling lonely, anxious, sad, or simply need someone to talk to. They can also provide resources to callers.
Peer-led crisis programs are led by people who have had experiences that are typically labeled as mental health symptoms themselves. They provide support for people dealing with a crisis, or to help prevent times of crisis.
