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:

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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/OrganizationAddress/PhoneWebsiteComments
Colleges and UniversitiesThroughout the areaMany of the numerous colleges in the area provide concerts, performances, lectures open to the public.
Community adult evening schoolsUsually held in high schoolsOffer a variety of courses to expand your interests and to help you meet people.
Community Crossroads Peer Support Center825 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 Hospital2600 W 9th St, Chester, PA 19013. Ph: 610.494.0700www.crozerkeystone.org/services/
behavioral-health/adult-outpatient/
Psychiatric rehabilitation, adult socialization and recreation activities.
Compeer Chester County825 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 Philadelphia411 Dartmouth Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081. Ph: 610.541.0790.www.compeerfriends.orgCompeer 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 Clubhouse224 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 Norristown1001 Sterigere St, Norristown, PA 19401. Ph: 610.313.1227www.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 There538 DeKalb St, Norristown, PA 19401. Ph: 610.272.8067www.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 HouseLocations in Abington, Blue Bell, Colmar and Lansdalewww.hedwighouse.orgHedwig 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 GroupPh: 215.659.2366 x 1www.newdirectionssupport.orgNew Directions offers day time and night time meetings for people diagnosed with a mood disorder. New Directions also offer other fun social activities.
Onlinewww.meetup.comThis website is for anyone who wants to find or start a social group.
Penn Foundation807 Lawn Ave, Sellersville, PA 18960. Ph: 215.257.6551.www.pennfoundation.orgPeer support program, Wellspring Clubhouse, Autism Support Center.
Penn State's Montgomery County Cooperative Extension1015 Bridge Rd, Suite H, Collegeville, PA 19426. Ph: 610.489.4315www.extension.psu.edu/montgomeryProvides resources and information to local citizens. Focuses on family support programs. Provides leadership for 4H youth programs.
Providence House2300 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 Clubhouse1219 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/AJMI2100 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 Guides700 E Main St, Norristown, PA 19401. Ph: 267.507.3496www.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 SeekersP.O Box 1242, Glenside, Pa 19038. Ph: 215.548.1671. www.travelseekerspa.comTravel agency for people with disabilities.
Welcome House7700 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082. www.paclubhouse.org/WelcomeHouse.phpClubhouse 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.
DisorderOrganizationAddress/PhoneWebsiteComments
AddictionsAA-Alcoholics AnonymousPh: 215.923.7900www.aasepia.orgVisit website for locations and times of support groups in SE PA
CA-Cocaine AnonymousPh: 610.876.6666www.caphilly.orgVisit website for locations and times of support groups in SE PA
NA-Narcotics Anonymous PhiladelphiaPh: 215.NA-WORKSwww.philaareana.orgVisit website for locations and times of support groups in Philadelphia
Narcotics Anonymous Delaware CountyPh: 215.NA-WORKSwww.nadelco.orgVisit website for locations and times of support groups in Delaware County.
Narcotics Anonymous Eastern PAPh: 844.624.3575www.eparna.orgVisit website for locations and times of support groups in Bucks and Montgomery County
Pro-ActPh: 1800.221.6333www.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 DisordersThe Anxiety and Agoraphobia Treatment Center112 Bala Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Ph: 610.667.6490www.aatcphila.comAnxiety 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 ADHDChester County Main Line CHADDMeetings held at Kesher Israel Congregation 1000 Pottstown Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Ph: 610.429.4060. www.ccmlchadd.comMonthly meetings. Visit website for offerings.
Elkins Park CHADDMeetings held at Einstein Medical Center, 60 Township Line Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027. Ph: 267.326.7760www.chadd.net/template.cfm?affid=249&p=aboutParent 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 DisorderBPD GroupBelmont Center PhiladelphiaMeets twice a month. Contact Talya at bpdsupport@comcast.net or 267.357.5565
Depression (See Mood Disorders below)
Dual DiagnosisDouble Trouble825 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Ph: 610.429.1702Meets Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m.
General SupportNAMI ConnectionWilliam Jeanes Library 4051 Joshua Rd, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444. www.namimontcopa.orgPeer support group meets first Monday of month at 6.15 p.m. except on holidays or inclement weather.
NAMI Connection520 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 GroupsSt 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.orgFamily and Caregiver Support Group. Meets 1st Tuesday of each month at 7.00 p.m.
NAMI Family and Caregiver Support GroupsLower 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.orgFamily and Caregiver Support Group. Meets on 1st Monday of each month at 7.00 p.m.
NAMI Family and Caregiver Support GroupsAbington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Rd, Abington, PA 19001. www.namimontcopa.orgFamily and Caregiver Support Group. Meets 2nd Thursday of each month at 7.30 p.m.
NAMI Family and Caregiver Support GroupsCreative Health Services, Consumers Library. 11 Robinson St, Pottstown, PA 19464. www.namimontcopa.orgFamily and Caregiver Support Group. Meets 1st Monday of each month at 7.00 p.m.
Recovery InternationalHoly Myrrh-Bearers Eastern Catholic Church, 900 Fairview Rd, Swarthmore, PA 19081. Ph: 484.645.4700www.recoveryinternational.orgSupport Groups based on the book "Mental Health Through Will- Training" by Dr. Abraham Low. Meets Wednesday at 7.30 p.m.
Recovery InternationalZion Lutheran Church, 654 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA 19031. Ph: 215.753.1818www.recoveryinternational.orgSupport Groups based on the book "Mental Health Through Will- Training" by Dr. Abraham Low. Meets Tuesdays 6.30 p.m.
Recovery InternationalSt Peter's Church, 654 Easton Rd, Glenside, PA 19038. Ph: 215.816.8737www.recoveryinternational.orgSupport Groups based on the book "Mental Health Through Will-Training" by Dr Abaham Low. Call for meeting time/day.
Mood DisordersDBSA Delaware CountyRiddle Hospital/Rothman Building, 1118 West Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063. Ph: 484.442.0086www.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 PhiladelphiaUniversity City, Philadelphia. Ph: 215.545.0407www.dbsalliance.orgFree 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 ChesterCommunity Crossroads West Chester, 825 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Ph: 610.429.1702. www.dbsaalliance.orgFree 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 GroupGiant 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 GroupAbington 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)
SchizophreniaHearing Voices Support Group8 locations in Pennsylvaniawww.hearingvoices.orgVisit 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.
ResourceOrganizationAddress/PhoneWebsiteComments
AddictionsAl-Anon Family Groups1.888.425.2666www.al-anon.orgSupport group for friends and families of problem drinkers. Check website for times/days.
Nar-Anon Family Groups1.800.477.6291www.nar-anon.orgSupport group for friends and families of substance abuse users. Check website for times/days.
Alateen1.888.425.2666www.al-anon.org/for-alateenSupport group for teens who have friends or family members with a drinking problem. Check website for times/days.
Narateen1.800.477.6291www.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 ADDElkins Park CHADDMeetings 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 DisordersAnxiety and Agoraphobia Treatment Center112 Bala Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Ph: 610.667.6490. www.aatcphila.comOCD support group for family and friends held every other Wednesday from 7-8.30 p.m.
Borderline Personality DisorderEducational Support Group for Family Members and Friends of People with Traits of BPDBelmont Center room 139, 4200 Monument Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19131. Ph: 267.507.3865Meets 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-DependentsCo-Dependents Anonymouswww.codaphilaarea.orgFellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships.
Depression (see mood disorders)
GeneralNAMI Chester County825 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Ph: 484.947.5643www.namichestercounty.orgCentral 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.orgSouthern Chester County NAMI Family Support Group meets the 1st Thursday of the month from 7.30- 9.00 pm.
NAMI Delaware Countywww.namipadelco.org/Offers the Family-to-Family Class
NAMI PA Main LineSupport Groups offered in Havertown, Bryn Mawr and Upper Darbywww.namipamainline.org/support/support-groupsOffers 3 support groups for family members and caregivers. Check website for times and days. Also offers Family-to-Family twice a year.
NAMI PhiladelphiaMeets at Trinity Memorial Church 22nd and Spruce St, Philadelphiawww.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 CountySupport Groups offered in Lansdale, Eagleville, Abington and Pottstownwww.namimontcopa.orgOffers 4 Support Groups for family and caregivers. See website for days and times.
MHASP Training and Education Center (TEC)Two locations in Philadelphiawww.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 Network1800.986.4550www.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 LossCompassionate FriendsMultiple locationswww.compassionatefriends.orgMultiple locations across the region offering grief support.
Peter's Place336 King of Prussia Rd, King of Prussia, Radnor, PA 19087.www.petersplaceonline.orgOffers 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.
SuicideSurvivors of Suicidewww.survivorsofsuicide.comOnline support group for people who lost a loved one to suicide.
Mood DisordersDepression and Bipolar Support Association (DBSA)Multiple locationswww.dbsalliance.orgPhiladelphia, West Chester and Delco Chapters all offer support groups for family members.
New Directions Support GroupMeetings at Abington Presbyterian and Willow Grove Giantwww.newdirectionssupport.orgSupport groups for individuals with a mood disorder and their families.
Parent to Parent of PA1.888.727.2706www.parenttoparent.orgOrganization 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/OrganizationWebsiteComments
Child and Family Connectionswww.childfamilyconnections.orgOffers 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 Alliancewww.dbsalliance.orgOffers 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 Forumswww.depressionforums.orgWebsite and bulletin board with information, links, live chat and more for people who have a mood disorder.
Depression Understoodwww.depression-understood.orgOffers forums and chatrooms for people with depression.
GovTeenwww.forums.govteen.com/Offers online forums for teens with mental illness. Site is run by teens and young adults.
GriefNet.orgwww.griefnet.orgOffers email support groups for adults dealing with grief.
Kids Aidwww.kidsaid.comOffers email support group for kids dealing with grief and loss.
National Alliance on Mental Illnesswww.nami.orgOffers discussion groups and blog for people with mental illness.
OK2TALKwww.ok2talk.orgOnline blog for teens and youth to share their feelings about mental illness.
Psych Centralwww.psychcentral.orgOffers many forums online.
ReachOutwww.reachout.comSite for teens with facts, real stories, support and forums.
Recovery Internationalwww.recoveryinternational.orgOffers telephone and online meetings as well as online forums.
Survivors of Incest Anonymouswww.siawso.orgOffers online and phone meetings for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Vital Cycleswww.vitalcycles.orgOffers a blog.