Online Support Groups
Support & Education
About Mental Illness
A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning.
What is Recovery?
Recovery from serious mental illness is not only possible, but for many people living with mental illness today, probable. The notion of recovery involves a variety of perspectives.
We're Here to Listen
In Crisis?
Call the NAMI Helpline at
1-800-273-8255
Or in a crisis, text "NAMI" to 741741
Registration is now required for all Online Support Groups. Please complete the registration form below.
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Download Online Group Schedule
Your health and wellbeing are of utmost importance to us, so NAMI Bucks County PA has made the decision to move all support groups to a virtual model to reduce the risk of illness. This move takes effect immediately, and will continue until it is safe to hold in-person meetings again.
Our commitment to providing you with the support, education, and resources you need to build better lives will not be interrupted. Those of you who do not have computer access will be provided with a telephone number and access code to participate via phone. Anyone concerned with privacy issues should know that NAMI Bucks County will not record virtual sessions, capture your personal information, or use any information you provide during groups for any reason unless Pennsylvania laws for mandated reporting and mandated reporters dictate otherwise.
The same Group Guidelines and Principles of Support that apply to in-person meetings will be used to guide NAMI Online Support Groups, and each NAMI Online Support Group will be led by two NAMI-trained facilitators who are either family members or individuals in recovery themselves. These groups are offered free of charge, as are all NAMI Programs. We have taken measures to ensure the same support you receive in times of wellness, you receive in times of illness.
There is help, there is hope, and until there’s a cure, there’s NAMI.
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Joining NAMI Online Support Groups
NAMI Bucks County PA will use Zoom to host Online Support Groups. Zoom is a web-based video conferencing tool with a local, desktop client and a mobile app that allows users to meet online, with or without video. Prior to attending a NAMI Online Support Group, you’ll need to download the Zoom application on your computer or smartphone. You can contact Nick Emeigh, Director of Outreach and Development, at nemeigh@namibuckspa.org with any questions.
Zoom has introduced mandatory passwords as a safeguard for meetings. Below is a quick link to access our meetings, along with the meeting ID and password. You’ll need this for all meetings going forward, and the credentials will be the same for each group.
Join Zoom Meeting: bit.ly/NAMIVirtual
Dial-in by Phone: 1-646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 912 202 4943
Meeting Password: 202901
Please note: NAMI Online Support Groups and Forums are not intended to replace or be used as a substitute for clinical or medical services, and facilitators are NAMI-trained peers, not mental health professionals. By attending and participating in NAMI Bucks County’s Online Support Groups and Forums, you agree to abide by Group Guidelines and Principles of Support outlined at the start of each meeting, and can be removed and/or banned from any meeting at the staff and/or facilitators’ discretion.
Downloads
- Download Zoom for Desktop
- Download Zoom for Android (Google Play)
- Download Zoom for iPhone (App Store)
Help & Tutorials
Registration (Required)
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Online Support Group Schedules
Be mindful of the “Join Group” link when joining groups in September as some meet in different Zoom rooms than others and use different links. If you have trouble, e-mail Nick at nemeigh@namibuckspa.org.
Download Online Group Schedule
Monday
(Beginning 9/14. No groups on 9/7 in observance of Labor Day.)
- 1:00 PM: New! New to NAMI: Welcome Group (9/21) Join Group >
- 1:00 PM: New! Black Minds Matter Support Group (9/14 & 9/28) Join Group >
- 3:00 PM: Peer Wellness & Recovery Support Group Join Group >
- 6:30 PM: New! Provider & Professional Group (9/14 & 9/28) Join Group >
- 7:00 PM: New! Black Minds Matter Support Group (9/21) Join Group >
Tuesday
- 10:00 AM: Peer Wellness & Recovery Support Group Join Group >
- 4:00 PM: New! Teacher’s Support Group (9/8 & 9/22) Join Group >
- 6:30 PM: Alternatives to Suicide (9/1, 9/15, 9/29) Join Group >
- 7:00 PM: New! Suicide Loss Survivor Group (9/8/ & 9/22) Join Group >
- 8:30 PM: LGBTQ+ Support Group (9/1, 9/15, 9/29) Join Group >
Wednesday
- 6:30 PM: Self-Harm & Self Injury Support Group Join Group >
- 6:30 PM: Veteran’s Support Group (9/8 & 9/23) Join Group >
- 6:30 PM: QPR Suicide Prevention Training (9/30) Register >
- 7:00 PM: NAMI Family Support Group Join Group >
- 9:00 PM: Feeling The Music Process Group (9/2 & 9/30) Join Group >
- 9:00 PM: Dance & Movement Group (9/9) Join Group >
- 9:00 PM: Art For Recovery Process Group (create your own) (9/16) Join Group >
- 9:00 PM: Writing For Self-Care Process Group (create your own) (9/23) Join Group >
Thursday
- 4:00 PM: Peer Wellness & Recovery Support Group Join Group >
- 6:30 PM: Parent Support Group (9/3, 9/10. 9/24) Join Group >
- 6:30 PM: Youth Group Ages 12-17 (9/3, 9/10. 9/24) Join Group >
- 6:30 PM: Refuge Meditation & Mindfulness Join Group >
- 7:00 PM: NAMI Virtual Forum with James Mast (9/17) Join Group >
- 7:00 PM: “Suicide the Ripple Effect” Film Screening (9/24)
- 10:00 PM: Night Owl Open Discussion (9/3, 9/17) Join Group >
Friday
- 7:00 PM: LGBTQ+ Support Group (9/4 & 9/18) Join Group >
- 7:00 PM: Wellness & Recovery Group (9/11 & 9/25) Join Group >
- 9:00 PM: Off Campus College Group (9/4 & 9/18) Join Group >
- 9:00 PM: Regaining Our Sense of Self (9/11 & 9/25) Join Group >
Saturday
- 12:00 PM: Women’s Support Group Join Group >
- 4:00 PM: Alternatives to Suicide Support Group Join Group >
- 6:30 PM: Peer Wellness & Recovery Group Join Group >
- 8:30 PM: Game Night with NAMI (9/5 & 9/19) Join Group >
- 8:30 PM: Movie Night with NAMI (9/12 & 9/26) Join Group >
Sunday
- 3:00 PM: Meditation Group Flow Join Group >
- 6:30 PM: Peer Wellness & Recovery Support Group Join Group >
- 8:30 PM Creative Minds Art Sharing Group Join Group >
Special Events
Special events replace any regularly scheduled groups for that day during the specified time(s).
- 9/17 at 7:00 PM: NAMI Virtual Forum: Parent & Caregiver Back-to-School Burnout
Across the country caregivers brace themselves for a school year brimming with uncertainty. How do we manage caregiver fatigue? What are some strategies that partners and co-caregivers can use to make it work at home? How do we help our children stay on course, while protecting them from stress and burnout? Join James Mast LPC as these questions and more are explored in a seminar focused on supporting caregivers of children returning to school in the midst of a pandemic. - 9/24 at 7:00 PM: “Suicide the Ripple Effect” Film Screening
“Kevin Hines, who at age 19 attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge, chronicles the impact of his suicide attempt on others and his work as a mental health advocate since that time.” - 9/30 at 6:30 PM: QPR Training: Question, Persuade, Refer for Suicide Prevention
QPR Gatekeepers are trained to understand and recognize a mental health crisis. They learn the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide and are given the language to talk about suicide. Using simple QPR steps, gatekeepers will learn how to offer hope and help individuals access appropriate supports.
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About Our Groups
African American Connection Group
Introducing a NAMI Support Group dedicated to the overall wellness of African Americans. This is a free, peer-led support group for any African American, led by African American facilitators. This group launches on July 9, 2020 at 7:00 PM and will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM and on every Saturday of the month at 1:00 PM.
Alternatives to Suicide Support Group
The Online Alternatives to Suicide Support Group will focus on connection (relationship-building) and exploration (putting our suicidal thoughts in context and discerning our unique paths forward). We will reclaim the notion of being able to name difficult themes/emotions and hold them safely. Meaningful connections are built by sharing our individual stories rather than by identifying a common diagnostic code in our medical charts.
Art/Dance/Music/Writing Process Groups
All are welcome to create and share art, dance, music and writing that expresses thoughts, feelings and emotions as they relate to recovery. Create works of art based on prompts given by our trained leaders, and process the feelings and emotions that arise in the safety of our confidential support group environment.
Creative Minds Group
NAMI Creative Minds is a free, weekly online group for any creative individual to share their work in a supportive environment. Anyone is welcome to join us to display, perform, or to be inspired.
Family Support Group
The NAMI Online Support Group for Families & Loved Ones is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.
LGBTQ+ Support Group
The NAMI Online Support Group for the LGBTQ+ Community is designed for LGBTQ+ individuals living with mental health conditions. We will provide a sense of belonging and a safe space to discuss lived experiences while receiving the support of LGBTQ+ peers trained by NAMI.
Off Campus Support Group
The NAMI Off Campus Student Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any college undergraduate or graduate student who has experienced stress, overwhelm, burnout, or other symptoms of a mental health condition, trauma, and/or substance use. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders living in recovery themselves.
Parent Support Group
The NAMI Online Support Group for Parents of Young Adults is a group that provides support, education, and resources for parents, caregivers and other adult supporters of all youth who have experience with mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, substance use, foster care or juvenile justice issues.
Provider & Professional Connection Group
Introducing a NAMI Provider & Professional Support Group focused on maintaining the self-care, longevity and overall wellness of those working in the helping professions beginning on Friday, June 26, 2020 from 7-8:30 PM on Zoom.
Refuge Meditation Group
Join NAMI volunteer Anthony as he takes you on a guided meditation journey to uncover deeper meaning in recovery. Learn about deep meditation practices, mindfulness, breathing, and other useful coping mechanisms.
Regaining Our Sense of Self Support Group
The NAMI Regaining Our Sense of Self Support Group* is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition or trauma resulting in struggles with identity, attachment, derealization or depersonalization. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders living in recovery themselves.
Suicide Loss Survivor Support Group
The NAMI Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group* is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has been left to cope with the loss of a loved one by suicide. This group provides a safe space to share your experience and gain insight from others’ lived experiences while providing support on your journey toward hope and healing in a group setting led by other loss survivors.
Teacher’s Support Group
The NAMI Online Teacher’s Support Group is a free, peer-led support group dedicated to the overall wellness of our educators. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders in the field of education.
Veteran’s Support Group
The NAMI Online Veteran’s Support Group is a free, peer-led support group connecting Veterans in the Greater Philadelphia area to other Veterans who’ve “been there.” This is a safe and confidential space to gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who are also Veterans living in recovery themselves.
Wellness & Recovery Group (NAMI Connection)
The NAMI Online Wellness and Recovery Support Group for Individuals in Recovery is a peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there.
Women’s Support Group
The NAMI Online Women’s Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult who identifies as female and has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition, trauma, and/or substance use. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders living in recovery themselves.
Youth Support Group
The NAMI Online Support Group for Young Adults is designed for youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who are living with mental health challenges or those who might be dealing with a difficult school or home life. This group provides a safe space to connect with one another, share your stories, and receive support and encouragement.–
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From Next Door To Across Your Region
Become a Member
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Get Involved
Thank you for your generous tax-deductible donation. You are helping us provide support, education, and advocacy to thousands of people living with mental illness in Pennsylvania.
Get In Touch
The families and members of NAMI Bucks County are here to help! We offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness.
