Local and Online Peer-to-Peer Support
Step Up For Mental Health’s goal is clear: we believe peer support saves lives! We have support groups in a virtual or in-person setting for people who are dealing with a host of issues from lived experiences, caregivers, young adults, seniors, people coping with disabilities and chronic pain diseases that are affecting one’s mental health, along with isolation and other health-related issues. Join us throughout the month as we tackle important topics that individuals and families struggle with. We have structured events and/or open-ended conversations based on the current group. Join us! Together, we can make a difference in each other’s lives.
- Bi+ Talk: Peer Support Group
- Caregivers
- Women Peer Groups
- Young Adult (18-29)
- 50+ Peer Support Group
- Fibrioylma and Chronic Pain
- Black, Racism, and Mental Health Peer Support Group
We see you. We hear you. We are you.
Note: Our support groups are free. We will have an option to donate a small fee of $5-10 or anything you so choose if you want to support our programming. We believe in a safe and private space to share. Free from judgment, care, and empathy facilitated by Peer Support Facilitators with lived experiences.
Step Up For Mental Health®’s four-week educational group class for adults with mental health disorders or their caregivers who would like to share their stories, learn more about mental health or understanding the signs to help yourself or others in your life.
We’ve been where you are now and are trained facilitators — either as a peer or as a family caregiver with years of experience. If you need to talk and share your experiences with peers who understand your journey, join our four-week program and be part of a collective group that will support and listen to you.
Visit our Event Calendar to register for additional peer groups, webinars, and classes.
(Online Step Up Peer Support Groups are FREE, but donations are welcome to expand our mission.)
Step Up Peer Support Group (Online Only)
(See Event Calendar for Dates & Times)
Our 1 to 4-week peer-to-peer online sessions will address Five (5) topics in 2019: (24 Spots Per Class)
- Suicide & Bullying – October 25, 2019 (Bullying Prevention Month) <– Sign Up Now!
Step Up Peer Support Group | Networking Events (Local Chicago Only)
(Check back for local happenings or visit our events calendar)
1:1 Peer Chats
Need additional peer support? Join our newest program where you can talk to a Peer Chat Facilitator 1:1 via SMS, Phone or Video Chat. To schedule a 1:1 Peer Chat, please visit our Helpline page and fill out the form for an appointment with a Peer Chat Facilitator.
Note: We are not a substitute for professional mental health support and assessment. We believe peer support can be of great benefit, moreover peers who understand the many issues surrounding mental health and its effect on families.
If you are in crisis or need emergency care, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Text Line. Text START to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support.
(Step Up Peer Support Groups or some special events are FREE and held at Chicago City Libraries)
