Support Groups
Support groups are held virtually or in person and may change based on updates with the COVID-19 pandemic. 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.
To subscribe to our email list, please scroll to the bottom of this page and enter your information in the “Subscribe to MHA Lancaster E-News” form. You will immediately be added to our distribution list.
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.
Free Support Groups
This page was last updated on March 22, 2022. Considering frequent changes around COVID, feel free to reach out and make sure the group is still meeting and verify its location and/or details.
Please call MHA at 717-397-7461 for the most up-to-date information.
BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar Support Group (Educational & Support Group): Every Monday, 7-8:30 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
Anxiety, Panic, and OCD Support Group (Virtual Group):
Every Thursday from 7-8:30pm
Virtually held on Zoom
(For instructions and link, scroll down to “Accessing Virtual Groups on Zoom on this page)
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 GROUP
Every 1st, 3rd & 5th Monday of each month, 7-8:30 PM
Held at Mental Health America (MHA) 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.
*NEW* HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT GROUP
Just 2 Talk
Every Monday Starting 1/23 – 2/27, 3:30-5 PM
Held at Community Place on Washington, 61 E. Washington St. Elizabethtown, Pa 17022
Facilitator run group for teens in High School that just want to talk
Registration Required: Register Here
Accessing Virtual Groups on ZOOM
Before logging in, here are some things you should know:
2. You may want to test your connection 10 minutes before the group starts to make sure you don’t miss anything.
In order to access our virtual support groups by PHONE, please do the following:
*Someone will answer, “Welcome to Zoom. Please enter your meeting identification number, followed by the # sign.”
Passcode: 265428
STEP 3: Press #
You will be asked to enter a participant ID, or if you don’t have one, just press #.
In order to access our virtual support groups by COMPUTER, please do the following:
Struggling with tech, but want to join a group?
It is a big step to attend your first support group, but it doesn’t need to be scary.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for additional support from an MHA staff member, should you still need guidance on using this tool for mental wellness.
Contact MHA at 717-397-7461 to obtain connectivity instructions for a phone, or video and audio, connection.
Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
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– We are currently not accepting student observers for Support Groups. When we do allow this in the future, please call the MHALC office to register for observations. Not all support groups will be open to 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. Thank you for understanding.
Led by Community Organizations
Additional Support Groups
NAMI Family Support & Educational Group: 2nd Tuesdays, 7-8:30 PM
Contact Barbara Navin at 717-475-3882 and bjn4@comcast.net for more information or to inquire about the current meeting location.
Landis Communities Family Christian Support Group: 4th Sundays (except December), 3-5:00 PM
An educational program runs from 3-4:00 PM, followed by a “Share and Care” groups meeting from 4:10-5:00 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.