Support Groups
Support groups are held virtually or in person.
Please read below for details on each group. Look for email updates and informational posts on our Mental Health America of Lancaster County Facebook Page.
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Free Support Groups
Depression
Depression Support Group (Educational & Support Group):
Every Wednesday, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Held in-person at Mental Health America at 245 Butler Avenue, Suite 204, Lancaster PA 17601
Peer-led support group for adults struggling with depression and seeking community, support, and ideas for wellness: drop-in, confidential, and free.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Support Group (Educational & Support Group):
Every Monday, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Held at the Disability Empowerment Center: 941 Wheatland Ave, Lancaster PA 17603
Peer-led support group for adults and families of those with bipolar disorder: drop-in, confidential, and free.
Directions: Please park in the parking lot on the corner of Race Rd and Wheatland Avenue and enter the building’s side entrance directly off of the parking lot.
Anxiety, Panic, & OCD
Anxiety, Panic, and OCD Support Group:
Every 1st & 3rd Thursday from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Held in-person at Mental Health America: 245 Butler Ave, Suite 204, Lancaster, PA 17601
Peer-led support group for adults struggling with anxiety, OCD or panic attacks seeking community, support, and ideas for wellness. Support groups are drop-in, confidential, and free; no registration required.
Families of Suicide Loss Support Groups
**CLOSED TO OBSERVATION**
Every 1st & 3rd Monday of each month, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Held at Mental Health America: 245 Butler Ave, Suite 204, Lancaster, PA 17601
Peer-led support group that welcomes those who have had someone close to them die by suicide. Support groups are drop-in, confidential, and free; no registration required.
Led by Community Organizations
Additional Support Groups
NAMI Family Support & Educational Group: 2nd Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Contact Barbara Navin at 717-475-3882 and info@namilancopa.org for more information or to inquire about the current meeting location.
“No Longer Alone” Family Support Group: 4th Sundays (except December), 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
A program of Landis Communities: A place for those who have a loved one experiencing a mental illness to receive Christian Support. An educational program runs from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, followed by “Share and Care” groups meeting from 4:10 PM – 5:00 PM.
Psychology Today Support Group Listings: Click the title to find groups that apply to you and your needs in the listings provided here.
Therapy Den Group Listings: Click the title to find groups that apply to you and your needs in the listings provided here.
American Foundation of Suicide Prevention Support Group Listings: Click the title to find groups that apply to you and your needs in the listings provided here.
Prevent Suicide PA Support/Survivor Group Listings: Click the title to find groups that apply to you and your needs in the listings provided here.
What to Expect
At Your First Support Group Meeting
Peer-facilitated support groups are a great place to start your recovery journey. we hope you’ll find that by hearing others’ stories, you’ll feel less alone in your experience.
MHALC’s programs are peer-facilitated, which means the group leader has been in your shoes. He or she will truly understand what you’re going through, and can provide insights and advice based on firsthand experience.
All groups are free and held on a drop-in basis. You don’t have to sign-up in advance, and if you attend one time and it doesn’t feel like the right fit, you don’t have to come back. However, we do recommend that you give the group a few chances, as the dynamic can change every meeting and you might find your place after a few tries.
All meeting groups are confidential – this helps us build an environment where individuals can be honest and open.
You do not have to share your story at your first meeting; you can choose to just come and listen to others share – as you may feel more comfortable hearing how others have dealt with situations that are familiar to you. Or, you should feel welcome to share if you’re ready to do so and could use a caring ear to listen to your own story.
Reach out today – we are here to support you.
If you have questions regarding the groups,
call MHALC at 717-397-7261.
Note to Student Observers– You must be registered to attend as an observer; without a registration, you will be asked to leave the support group and return on a different evening. To register as an observer, please contact Dave Krahling at dkrahling@mhalancaster.org. Thank you for understanding.
You Are Not Alone
Support groups are a helpful addition to, or alternative to, traditional counseling and provide an opportunity to talk – or just listen to- other adults going through the same struggle as you.
Peer support is learning through information sharing. Join to just listen and let the group know if you are not ready to talk. That decision will be understood and respected.