This Social Opportunities and Support Groups section suggests resources for people with mental illness and their families in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
This webpage provides searchable tables that list:
- Social opportunities for individuals with mental illness and substance abuse difficulties
- Support groups for individuals with mental illness and substance abuse difficulties
- Support groups for family members and loved ones
- Online support
To visit a website, click on the hyperlink. If the hyperlink does not work, open a new tab on your browser window and then copy and paste the link into a new tab. To download, email or print a pdf of the information, use the pdf print button at the bottom of the page.
Notes:
To visit a website, click on the hyperlink. If the hyperlink does not work, open a new tab on your browser window and then copy and paste the link into a new tab. To download, email or print a pdf of the information, use the pdf print button at the bottom of the page.
Although the information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, we are not specifically endorsing these services. Email us at info@NAMIPAMainLine.org or call 267-251-6240 to send us feedback.
Social Opportunities for Individuals with Mental Illness
This table shows social opportunities for people with mental illness. This is a four column table. If you do not see the last column, please use the scroll bar at the bottom.| Program/Organization | Address/Phone | Website | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colleges and Universities | Throughout the area | Many of the numerous colleges in the area provide concerts, performances, lectures open to the public. | |
| Community adult evening schools | Usually held in high schools | Offer a variety of courses to expand your interests and to help you meet people. | |
| Community Crossroads Peer Support Center | 825 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Ph: 610.429.1702. | www.hhinc.org/ | Community Crossroads Peer Support Center is operated by and for people in recovery from mental illness and/or co-occurring addiction issues. Crossroads provides a safe and comfortable environment where people with psychiatric disabilities, addiction issues and homeless people can learn independence through involvement in peer-run social, recreational, educational advocacy activities, and support groups. |
| Community Hospital | 2600 W 9th St, Chester, PA 19013. Ph: 610.494.0700 | www.crozerkeystone.org/services/ behavioral-health/adult-outpatient/ | Psychiatric rehabilitation, adult socialization and recreation activities. |
| Compeer Chester County | 825 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Ph: 610.4236.4445. | www.compeer.mhasp.org/ | Compeer will match trained volunteers in one-on-one, same gender, co-equal friendships with people who have mental illnesses and who live in Chester County, for friendship and social activities. |
| Compeer of Suburban Philadelphia | 411 Dartmouth Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081. Ph: 610.541.0790. | www.compeerfriends.org | Compeer will match trained volunteers in one-on-one, same gender, co-equal friendships with people who have mental illnesses and who live in Dealware County, for friendship and social activities. |
| Cornerstone Clubhouse | 224 Hall St, Phoenixville, PA 19460. Ph: 610.935.2290. | www.paclubhouse.org/Corners toneClubhouse.php | Sponsored by Holcomb Behavioral Health. Work day operates M-F, 8-4pm. They have kitchen and dining room work, clerical, employment and education units where anyone interested can obtain hands on assistance to learn or practice skills. Social oppportunities also offered weekly. |
| Forteniters Club of Norristown | 1001 Sterigere St, Norristown, PA 19401. Ph: 610.313.1227 | www.forteniters.wordpress.com/ | Non-profit organization that helps people with mental illness adjust to living independently. Club meets once a week for dinner and socialization. Transportation provided. |
| Halfway There | 538 DeKalb St, Norristown, PA 19401. Ph: 610.272.8067 | www.montgomery.pa.networkofcare .org/mh/services/agency.aspx?pid=MentalHealthAssociation HalfwayThere_801_2_0 | Provides supported independent living services in Montgomery County to assist homeless persons who have behavioral health issues and substance abuse issues in their transition to independent living. Program provides case management, life skills training and peer support over a 18-24 month period. |
| Hedwig House | Locations in Abington, Blue Bell, Colmar and Lansdale | www.hedwighouse.org | Hedwig House specializes in social, residential, and vocational rehabilitation for persons recovering from mental illness. Hedwig House offers a clubhouse, transitional employmment, community employment and supported housing. |
| New Directions Support Group | Ph: 215.659.2366 x 1 | www.newdirectionssupport.org | New Directions offers day time and night time meetings for people diagnosed with a mood disorder. New Directions also offer other fun social activities. |
| Online | www.meetup.com | This website is for anyone who wants to find or start a social group. | |
| Penn Foundation | 807 Lawn Ave, Sellersville, PA 18960. Ph: 215.257.6551. | www.pennfoundation.org | Peer support program, Wellspring Clubhouse, Autism Support Center. |
| Penn State's Montgomery County Cooperative Extension | 1015 Bridge Rd, Suite H, Collegeville, PA 19426. Ph: 610.489.4315 | www.extension.psu.edu/montgomery | Provides resources and information to local citizens. Focuses on family support programs. Provides leadership for 4H youth programs. |
| Providence House | 2300 Providence Ave, Chester, PA | www.paclubhouse.org/Providence House.php | Offers psychiatric rehabilitation, social services and employment services. Open M-S. Four units in work day: Member services, employment/education, clerical and clubhouse cuisine. |
| Stepping Stone Clubhouse | 1219 E Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320. Ph: 610.384.6058. | www.paclubhouse.org/Stepping StoneClubhouse.php | Operates M-F, 8-4pm, with some weekend and evening activities. Three units available: clerical, kitchen, maintenance. Transitional employment and basic education programs available. Referral and most recent psychiatric evaluation required. |
| Tikvah/AJMI | 2100 Arch St, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Ph: 215.832.0671. | www.tikvahajmi.com/# | Offers social opportunities for people with mental illness who wish to celebrate their Jewish faith. Celebrations of Jewish holidays, family suppport group, art club, birthday dinner, and other events. |
| Trail Guides | 700 E Main St, Norristown, PA 19401. Ph: 267.507.3496 | www.facebook.com/Trail-Guides -Norristown-1551569695078685/ | Sponspred by MHASP, peer mentoring for young adults ages 18-26 who reside in Montgomery County and are MA eligible. The peer mentors explore vocational and educational interests with participants. They also provide travel training to navigate the community and its resources. |
| Travel Seekers | P.O Box 1242, Glenside, Pa 19038. Ph: 215.548.1671. | www.travelseekerspa.com | Travel agency for people with disabilities. |
| Welcome House | 7700 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082. | www.paclubhouse.org/WelcomeHouse.php | Clubhouse sponsored by Elwyn Inc. Services adults with mental illness and/or dual diagnoses. Open M-F, some Saturdays and holidays, some evenings. Four units available: food service, education, employment and member services. |
Support Groups for Individuals with Mental Illness
This table shows support groups for individuals organized by disorder.| Disorder | Organization | Address/Phone | Website | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addictions | AA-Alcoholics Anonymous | Ph: 215.923.7900 | www.aasepia.org | Visit website for locations and times of support groups in SE PA |
| CA-Cocaine Anonymous | Ph: 610.876.6666 | www.caphilly.org | Visit website for locations and times of support groups in SE PA | |
| NA-Narcotics Anonymous Philadelphia | Ph: 215.NA-WORKS | www.philaareana.org | Visit website for locations and times of support groups in Philadelphia | |
| Narcotics Anonymous Delaware County | Ph: 215.NA-WORKS | www.nadelco.org | Visit website for locations and times of support groups in Delaware County. | |
| Narcotics Anonymous Eastern PA | Ph: 844.624.3575 | www.eparna.org | Visit website for locations and times of support groups in Bucks and Montgomery County | |
| Pro-Act | Ph: 1800.221.6333 | www.councilsepa.org/programs/pro-act/ | Advocacy and recovery support initiative of The Council covering Southeastern Pennsylvania. PRO-ACT works to reduce the stigma of addiction, ensure the availability of adequate treatment and recovery support services, and to influence public opinion and policy regarding the value of recovery. | |
| Anxiety Disorders | The Anxiety and Agoraphobia Treatment Center | 112 Bala Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Ph: 610.667.6490 | www.aatcphila.com | Anxiety and Panic Support Group meets every other Monday 6.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. OCD Support Group every other Wednesday 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. OCD Support Group for Family and Friends meets every other Wednesday at same time and night as OCD support group. |
| ADD or ADHD | Chester County Main Line CHADD | Meetings held at Kesher Israel Congregation 1000 Pottstown Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Ph: 610.429.4060. | www.ccmlchadd.com | Monthly meetings. Visit website for offerings. |
| Elkins Park CHADD | Meetings held at Einstein Medical Center, 60 Township Line Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027. Ph: 267.326.7760 | www.chadd.net/template.cfm?affid=249&p=about | Parent Support Group first Tuesday of the month 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. Adult Support Group third Tuesday of the month 7.00 p.m - 8.30 p.m. On the second Wednesday of the month, a social group will be held from 7.00 p.m. till 9.00 p.m. at Panera Bread in Jenkintown. | |
| Bipolar Disorder (See Mood Disorders below) | ||||
| Borderline Personality Disorder | BPD Group | Belmont Center Philadelphia | Meets twice a month. Contact Talya at bpdsupport@comcast.net or 267.357.5565 | |
| Depression (See Mood Disorders below) | ||||
| Dual Diagnosis | Double Trouble | 825 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Ph: 610.429.1702 | Meets Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. | |
| General Support | NAMI Connection | William Jeanes Library 4051 Joshua Rd, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444. | www.namimontcopa.org | Peer support group meets first Monday of month at 6.15 p.m. except on holidays or inclement weather. |
| NAMI Connection | 520 N Delaware Ave, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Ph: 267.687.4381. | www.philadelphia.nami.org/ | Peer support group meets every Tuesday and 11.00 a.m. | |
| NAMI Family and Caregiver Support Groups | St John's United Church of Christ, Main St and Richardson Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19446. Meets 1st Tuesday of each month at 7.00 p.m. | www.namimontcopa.org | Family and Caregiver Support Group. Meets 1st Tuesday of each month at 7.00 p.m. | |
| NAMI Family and Caregiver Support Groups | Lower Providence Prebyterian Church. 3050 West Ridge Pike, Room 205, Eagleville, PA 19403. Meets 1st Monday of each month at 7.00 p.m. | www.namimontcopa.org | Family and Caregiver Support Group. Meets on 1st Monday of each month at 7.00 p.m. | |
| NAMI Family and Caregiver Support Groups | Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Rd, Abington, PA 19001. | www.namimontcopa.org | Family and Caregiver Support Group. Meets 2nd Thursday of each month at 7.30 p.m. | |
| NAMI Family and Caregiver Support Groups | Creative Health Services, Consumers Library. 11 Robinson St, Pottstown, PA 19464. | www.namimontcopa.org | Family and Caregiver Support Group. Meets 1st Monday of each month at 7.00 p.m. | |
| Recovery International | Holy Myrrh-Bearers Eastern Catholic Church, 900 Fairview Rd, Swarthmore, PA 19081. Ph: 484.645.4700 | www.recoveryinternational.org | Support Groups based on the book "Mental Health Through Will- Training" by Dr. Abraham Low. Meets Wednesday at 7.30 p.m. | |
| Recovery International | Zion Lutheran Church, 654 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA 19031. Ph: 215.753.1818 | www.recoveryinternational.org | Support Groups based on the book "Mental Health Through Will- Training" by Dr. Abraham Low. Meets Tuesdays 6.30 p.m. | |
| Recovery International | St Peter's Church, 654 Easton Rd, Glenside, PA 19038. Ph: 215.816.8737 | www.recoveryinternational.org | Support Groups based on the book "Mental Health Through Will-Training" by Dr Abaham Low. Call for meeting time/day. | |
| Mood Disorders | DBSA Delaware County | Riddle Hospital/Rothman Building, 1118 West Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063. Ph: 484.442.0086 | www.dbsadelco.org/ | Free support group serving needs of Bipolar and Depressive adults and their family and friends. Meetings held Mondays 7-9.00 pm. |
| DBSA Philadelphia | University City, Philadelphia. Ph: 215.545.0407 | www.dbsalliance.org | Free support group serving needs of Bipolar and Depressive adults and their family and friends. Meetings held 2nd and 4th Wednesday 7-9.00 p.m. | |
| DBSA West Chester | Community Crossroads West Chester, 825 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Ph: 610.429.1702. | www.dbsaalliance.org | Free support group serving needs of Bipolar and Depressive adults and their families and friends. Meets 7-8.00 p.m. A transition aged support group also meets on Tuesdays from 6.30-7.30 p.m. Ph: 484.706.2110. | |
| New Directions Support Group | Giant Food Store- 315 York Rd, Willow Grove, PA 19090. | www.newdirectionssupport.org/ | Support group held between 10- 12.00 p.m on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. | |
| New Directions Support Group | Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Rd, Abington, PA 19001. | www.newdirectionssupport.org/ | Support group held between 7-9.15 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. $5 donation per person or $8 per family requested. | |
| Obsessive Compulsive (See Anxiety Disorders above) | ||||
| Panic Disorder (See Anxiety Disorders above) | ||||
| Schizophrenia | Hearing Voices Support Group | 8 locations in Pennsylvania | www.hearingvoices.org | Visit website to find location near you. |
Support Groups for Family Members
This table offers a list of support groups for family members of a loved one with a mental illness. If you cannot see the comments section, please use the scroll bar.| Resource | Organization | Address/Phone | Website | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addictions | Al-Anon Family Groups | 1.888.425.2666 | www.al-anon.org | Support group for friends and families of problem drinkers. Check website for times/days. |
| Nar-Anon Family Groups | 1.800.477.6291 | www.nar-anon.org | Support group for friends and families of substance abuse users. Check website for times/days. | |
| Alateen | 1.888.425.2666 | www.al-anon.org/for-alateen | Support group for teens who have friends or family members with a drinking problem. Check website for times/days. | |
| Narateen | 1.800.477.6291 | www.nar-anon.org/narateen/ | Support group for teens who have friends or family members with a substance abuse problem. Check website for times/days. | |
| ADHD and ADD | Elkins Park CHADD | Meetings held at Einstein Medical Center, Conference Roonm G1, 60 Township Line Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027. Ph: 267.326.7760. | www.chadd.net/template.cfm? affid=249&p=about | Parent support group held on the 1st Tuesday of the month from 7-8.30 p.m. |
| Anxiety Disorders | Anxiety and Agoraphobia Treatment Center | 112 Bala Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Ph: 610.667.6490. | www.aatcphila.com | OCD support group for family and friends held every other Wednesday from 7-8.30 p.m. |
| Borderline Personality Disorder | Educational Support Group for Family Members and Friends of People with Traits of BPD | Belmont Center room 139, 4200 Monument Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19131. Ph: 267.507.3865 | Meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month from 7-9.00 p.m. There will be a focused discussion followed by a support group. Free. | |
| Co-Dependents | Co-Dependents Anonymous | www.codaphilaarea.org | Fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. | |
| Depression (see mood disorders) | ||||
| General | NAMI Chester County | 825 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Ph: 484.947.5643 | www.namichestercounty.org | Central Chester County NAMI Family Support Group meets the 1st Wednesday of the month from 7-9.00 p.m. |
| Friends Meeting House. 125 West Sickle St, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Ph: 484.947.5643. | www.namichestercounty.org | Southern Chester County NAMI Family Support Group meets the 1st Thursday of the month from 7.30- 9.00 pm. | ||
| NAMI Delaware County | www.namipadelco.org/ | Offers the Family-to-Family Class | ||
| NAMI PA Main Line | Support Groups offered in Havertown, Bryn Mawr and Upper Darby | www.namipamainline.org/support/support-groups | Offers 3 support groups for family members and caregivers. Check website for times and days. Also offers Family-to-Family twice a year. | |
| NAMI Philadelphia | Meets at Trinity Memorial Church 22nd and Spruce St, Philadelphia | www.philadelphia.nami.org/ | Offers a family support group that meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10.30 a.m.-12.00 p.m. | |
| NAMI Montgomery County | Support Groups offered in Lansdale, Eagleville, Abington and Pottstown | www.namimontcopa.org | Offers 4 Support Groups for family and caregivers. See website for days and times. | |
| MHASP Training and Education Center (TEC) | Two locations in Philadelphia | www.mhasp.org/about-tec/ | Offers 2 support groups for family members of people with mental illness. Also offers one-on-one family consultation. | |
| Special Kids Network | 1800.986.4550 | www.health.pa.gov/My%20Health/ Infant%20 and%20Childrens%20Health/Special%20Kids%20 Network/Pages/default.aspx#.WFfu__krK00 | Referral service for families | |
| Grief and Loss | Compassionate Friends | Multiple locations | www.compassionatefriends.org | Multiple locations across the region offering grief support. |
| Peter's Place | 336 King of Prussia Rd, King of Prussia, Radnor, PA 19087. | www.petersplaceonline.org | Offers a peer support groups for chidren grieving the loss of a significant other, a young adult support group and a parent support group for people dealing with the loss of a child because of substance abuse. | |
| Suicide | Survivors of Suicide | www.survivorsofsuicide.com | Online support group for people who lost a loved one to suicide. | |
| Mood Disorders | Depression and Bipolar Support Association (DBSA) | Multiple locations | www.dbsalliance.org | Philadelphia, West Chester and Delco Chapters all offer support groups for family members. |
| New Directions Support Group | Meetings at Abington Presbyterian and Willow Grove Giant | www.newdirectionssupport.org | Support groups for individuals with a mood disorder and their families. | |
| Parent to Parent of PA | 1.888.727.2706 | www.parenttoparent.org | Organization that matches families in similar situations to one another. Will also help arrange support groups. |
Online Support
Online Support for people with Mental Illnness| Resource/Organization | Website | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Child and Family Connections | www.childfamilyconnections.org | Offers online and telephone parent support group for parents who have a mental illness. Call in or log on every Wednesday 3-4pm EST for a parent support group. 1.888.601.3515 or www.uberconference.com/childandfamily |
| Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance | www.dbsalliance.org | Offers online support 3 days a week for people with mood disorders. Young adults support group meets online Mondays at 8.00 pm and Wednesdays at 8.45 pm. Regular online support group offered Tuesdays 8.00 pm and Saturdays 12.00 pm and 8.00 pm. |
| Depression Forums | www.depressionforums.org | Website and bulletin board with information, links, live chat and more for people who have a mood disorder. |
| Depression Understood | www.depression-understood.org | Offers forums and chatrooms for people with depression. |
| GovTeen | www.forums.govteen.com/ | Offers online forums for teens with mental illness. Site is run by teens and young adults. |
| GriefNet.org | www.griefnet.org | Offers email support groups for adults dealing with grief. |
| Kids Aid | www.kidsaid.com | Offers email support group for kids dealing with grief and loss. |
| National Alliance on Mental Illness | www.nami.org | Offers discussion groups and blog for people with mental illness. |
| OK2TALK | www.ok2talk.org | Online blog for teens and youth to share their feelings about mental illness. |
| Psych Central | www.psychcentral.org | Offers many forums online. |
| ReachOut | www.reachout.com | Site for teens with facts, real stories, support and forums. |
| Recovery International | www.recoveryinternational.org | Offers telephone and online meetings as well as online forums. |
| Survivors of Incest Anonymous | www.siawso.org | Offers online and phone meetings for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. |
| Vital Cycles | www.vitalcycles.org | Offers a blog. |