The new wave of evangelism and discipleship within churches are small groups. We see men’s and women’s small groups, small groups for young married couples, small groups going over specific books of the Bible, or based on location.
Interestingly, clinical mental health programs typically can have a strong focus and foundation in group as they offer a unique way for people to help connect and work on their mental health symptoms.
But are Christian mental health groups possible?
Christian Mental Health Groups
Not only are Christian mental health groups possible, you do not have to create your own. We want to share a couple of great group ideas, formal and informal, for you to utilize.
Formal Groups
These groups are Christian mental health groups not only tested, but designed with intentionality. These cost money to use the curriculum, but you also get a whole community with the organization. If you have the ability to do only one type of mental health group and have the interest, I would encourage you to invest in one of these groups first.
- Fresh Hope – Peer run short and long term mental health groups for individuals with a mental health diagnosis and their spouse.
- Grace Alliance Groups – Christian mental health groups designed to be in conjunction for participants with professional counseling.
- Celebrate Recovery – A curriculum that talks about how to break the chains of addiction and move towards recovery.
Informal Groups
These groups are group ideas for you to consider running. There is typically no group structure to them, though you may go through a book. Instead, I encourage you to look at how the group can uniquely fit into your culture.
- GriefShare – GriefShare is a grief recovery support group where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one.
- REBOOT Combat Recovery – A faith-based trauma healing course designed for combat veterans and their families to address divorce rates, medication abuse, suicide, and PTSD.
- Anxious for Nothing – A book by Max Lucado that looks at how to integrate one’s faith into stopping the impact of anxiety.
- Divorce groups – For people who require recent or long term divorce care as peer support groups.
- Widowers Group – For those who have lost a spouse, a peer support group can offer healing in a time of need as well as ability to connect with others who are grieving.
By no means is this an exhaustive list. Sound off in the comments on other mental health groups you have seen done well.
Hello-
Is there a site where I can participate in peer support group leadership training?
Thank you,
Deborah Gillette-Youngblood
Like this?
https://churchandmentalhealth.com/mental-health-group-training-for-leaders-videos/
I have participated in several peer group programs including Celebrate Recovery. None were truly specific to my need for recovery from childhood abuse. I found out about Open Hearts Ministry and their Journey Groups. This program successfully led to Christ-centered forgiveness and healing. For some reason the program is not well known. Are you familiar with it?
I’m not, is it a national program?
Do you know of a Christian support group for people dealing with depression in the greater San Diego area? I live in North County, but can drive just about anywhere.
Thank you!
Hi Jeremy, Thank you for sharing these resources. May I add a few?
All of these are peer led. Leaders/facilitators are screened, extensively trained and given ongoing support. They are free of charge.
For Recovery from Relational Abuse, especially childhood abuse.
— Mending the Soul (mendingthesoul.org) and (www.avisibledifference.org)
For Recovery from Marital Abuse (current or past)
– – – Abuse Recovery Services (www.abuserecovery.org)
and
— Called to Peace (www.calledtopeace.org)
Blessings to you…
I’m the primary care giver for my wife who is in the 2nd year of battling stage 4 cancer.
Some days I’m overwhelmed and I’m looking for group support.
I retired early to care for my wife.
Another one for your list:
My Quiet Cave is a Christ-centered organization equipping people to lead support groups for adults and teens in their communities: myquietcave.org
Thanks, Jeremy!
Hi, I’m looking for a supp8 group for grief and betrayal.
Thanks
Online or in person?
I’m interested in peer support work that is Christian based. I’m also a veteran that lives with PTSD and have over 6 years of recovery from substance abuse. Can anyone point me in the right direction to find work in this area?
Have you tried any of the ones above. These are all listed with links, but REBOOT is military specific, Fresh Hope has online options or ongoing if you want to setup something in your area, and Grace Alliance is the one we use and love very much!