Support Groups

​NAMI Whatcom believes that you are not alone. We provide support groups for any individuals and families living with a mental health condition. All support groups are lead by trained peer volunteers and are completely free to the community.

NAMI Signature support groups are peer-led with a focus on providing an opportunity for people to mutually share and learn from each other's experiences. Each group provides a safe and confidential space to address the challenges presented by mental health conditions, regardless of the specific diagnosis. Each support group is led by a team of two peers with an overall message of hope.

NAMI Connection is a structured recovery support group that offers respect, encouragement, and hope. Free to those living with mental illness, this group promotes connection and understanding while respecting confidentiality.

Come and learn from each others' experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding.
​
When: Every Tuesday of the month (excluding major holidays) from 6:30-8:30pm.
Where: Online - Zoom
Who can attend: Individuals aged 18+ with a mental health diagnosis

PLEASE NOTE: For the confidentiality of group members, NAMI Whatcom does not allow individuals who fail to meet the above criteria to "sit in" and observe group sessions. 

NAMI Family Support Group is a support group for family members, parents, caregivers, and friends of individuals struggling with mental illness.

In NAMI Family Support Groups, family members join a caring group of individuals helping one another by utilizing their collective life experiences and learned wisdom. Family members can achieve a renewed sense of understanding and hope for their loved one living with mental illness.

When:  Wednesdays from 6:30pm-8:30pm. 
An in-person groups meets Monday afternoons. Please contact our office prior to attendance. 
Where: Online - Zoom        
Who can attend: Individuals who have a loved one experiencing mental illness.

PLEASE NOTE: For the confidentiality of group members, NAMI Whatcom does not allow individuals who fail to meet the above criteria to "sit in" and observe group sessions.

---

Other Local Groups

Survivors of Suicide Loss
This group is for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Practices include:

• Telling the story of our lives to a compassionate group of listeners
• Separating ourselves from what has happened to us
• Dealing with traumatic losses in active ways
• Learning from and supporting each other
• Learning how to calm ourselves
• Fostering resilience
• Improving overall health and daily functioning
• Restoring a sense of having a future

When:  2nd and 4th Mondays of                              each month 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM  
​                                                
Where:  Zoom - 2nd Monday 
​                 Zoom - 4th Monday                       

​Contact Rodger Butler at jpmouse@ix.netcom.com.

DBSA group meets to educate and provide hope, help, and support to people living with depression or bipolar disorder and to their families and friends.
​
When: Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
​
Where: Online - Contact Larry at (360) 354-6841 or whatcomdbsa@gmail.com

 If you would like to attend a NAMI Signature or Partner Support Group but cannot attend at these listed times or want something sooner, we encourage you to try one of the free online support groups hosted by other NAMI WA affiliates. You can find a complete list of the groups and registration information here.