Finding Group Therapy and Other Resources for Schizophrenia: 5 Tips

Getting a schizophrenia diagnosis can feel isolating. You might have the sense that the people in your life don’t fully understand how you’re feeling and what you’re going through. Around half of people living with schizophrenia also experience some other mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, which can amplify the loneliness you feel.

These feelings are a reason why group therapy and similar resources can be helpful for people living with schizophrenia. Group therapy can help you cope with loneliness and isolation while developing social skills, relating to other people with the same diagnosis, and feeling more motivated about treatment for schizophrenia.

In this article, we share five tips for finding group therapy and similar support resources in your community and online.

1. Check Your Local Mental Health Clinics

Mental health clinics in your area may specialize in providing services like group therapy and support groups to members of the community. This can be a great place to start if you’re interested in trying group therapy or a support group for schizophrenia.

Some local mental health clinics are funded by your state’s mental health department and may offer low- or no-cost options for group therapy and support groups.

A simple online search might direct you to local mental health clinics in your area. Otherwise, your family doctor or clergy member can direct you to the right place. Be aware that some local mental health clinics have waitlists for support groups.

2. Visit Community Centers

In addition to mental health clinics, many community centers offer local support groups. Community centers offer a variety of programs for people with specific needs within a community, as well as services for the community at large.

Some community centers are government-run. Others are funded by local nonprofit organizations, churches, or other organizations. In any case, community centers have a common goal of reducing social isolation and strengthening connections within a community, so they often offer support groups.

If you know of a community center in your city, stop by or visit their website for information about support groups.

3. Explore NAMI Affiliates

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a national organization that aims to educate, support, and advocate for people with mental disorders, including schizophrenia. NAMI has 648 affiliate groups across the country that offer mental health services to their communities.

NAMI affiliates offer no-cost, peer-led support groups in communities across the country. There are two types of NAMI affiliate support groups, NAMI Connection and NAMI family support groups.

NAMI Connection

NAMI Connection support groups are geared toward people 18 and older with specific mental health conditions, which allows you to connect with other people living with schizophrenia. Each NAMI Connection support group is led by people with the condition. The sessions are 90 minutes long, and the group may meet weekly, every other week, or once a month.

By connecting with others in a NAMI Connection support group, you can:

• Share your experiences of living with schizophrenia
• Develop coping skills
• Overcome feelings of guilt
• Embrace humor and a greater understanding of your condition

Some NAMI Connection support groups are virtual, which means you can access them online instead of going somewhere to meet in person.

You can search for a NAMI Connection support group near you here.

NAMI Family Support Groups

NAMI affiliates also offer family support groups open to caregivers and anyone with a friend, family member, or loved one experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia or other mental health conditions. These support groups are led by people who are family members of people with the same condition. The meetings are no-cost and confidential, and they last between 60 and 90 minutes.

NAMI family support groups give you the chance to talk about your experience as someone who supports a person living with schizophrenia in a nonjudgmental setting. You can receive support from others with similar experiences and develop coping skills.

You can search for your nearest NAMI family support group here.

4. Search Online Databases

Online databases provide a search function you can use to find group therapy, support groups, and similar resources that meet your needs and preferences. Here are a couple of well-known options:

SAMHSA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It’s an agency dedicated to educating and improving the lives of people with mental and substance use disorders, and it has numerous resources.

One of SAMHSA’s many resources is a database where you can search confidentially and anonymously for support groups and other resources for schizophrenia and other mental health conditions. This service is available in English and in Spanish.

SAMHSA can help you find local and national groups with in-person or online meetings. The database makes it easy to find and connect with groups that align with your cultural or religious background.

You can search for support groups and other resources for schizophrenia by entering your address or zip code at FindTreatment.gov.

Psychology Today

Psychology Today is more than just a magazine. The Psychology Today website makes it easy to find mental healthcare, including support groups and group therapy. Using its online database, you can find a variety of support groups for people living with schizophrenia.

Start your search on the website at PsychologyToday.com.

5. Connect With Online Support Communities

You might find it easier to seek out support communities that are fully online. Some people prefer online support communities to in-person support groups or group therapy for schizophrenia because they feel more private, offer more frequent communication, or are more flexible. An online support community might be more accessible if you live in a rural area with fewer community resources for people living with schizophrenia.

Some online support communities hold virtual meetings, while others are a little less structured. They might use message boards instead, for example. Some are affiliated with organizations, like Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance, while others are fully member-organized, like Facebook groups.

You can also find community support here on MySchizophreniaTeam from other people living with schizophrenia and their loved ones.

What To Consider When Looking For a Support Group

Not every schizophrenia support group will feel like the right fit. You might need to try out a few different groups before you find one that feels comfortable.

Here are a few tips to follow during your search for group therapy or a support group for people living with schizophrenia:

• Look for groups that align with your culture, religion, or values.
• When possible, read the group rules before joining.
• Make sure a group’s meetings fit into your schedule.
• Talk to a trusted healthcare provider or mental health professional about where to find peer support groups, or ask your doctor for a referral.
• Make sure you meet the criteria for the group. Some schizophrenia support groups may be geared toward a specific audience or stage of the condition.
• Avoid groups and organizations that try to sell you something or urge you toward a specific treatment.

Joining a support group or group therapy for people living with schizophrenia might help you feel less alone or improve your quality of life. Still, it’s important to continue following your schizophrenia treatment plan. Let your doctor or therapist know if you plan on starting group therapy or joining a support group.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MySchizophreniaTeam is the site for people with schizophrenia and their loved ones. On MySchizophreniaTeam, people come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with schizophrenia.

Have you attended group therapy for schizophrenia? Which resources have you found to be the most helpful? Share your experience in the comments below.