Support Groups
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups
These peer-led support groups are for adults concerned about their own mental health. NAMI Connection Recovery groups allow you to talk about your experiences in a safe and confidential setting. The groups encourage empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others.
Groups are ongoing and operate on a drop-in basis. There is no cost to participants. Facilitated by NAMI trained peers who have experience living with mental health conditions. Most of NAMI’s Massachusetts-based support groups are now meeting online via Zoom, including the following:
Connection Recovery Support Groups
Mondays from 10:30 am - 12 pm online: Zoom Link
Mondays from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm online: Zoom Link
Wednesdays from 10:30 am - 12 pm online: Zoom Link
Wednesdays from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm online: Zoom Link
Thursdays from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm online: Zoom Link
2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm online: Zoom Link
Fridays from 10:30 am - 12 pm online: Zoom Link
Connection Recovery Support Group for Women of Color
Mondays at 9 am: Access by phone: 508-206-8564
Connection Recovery Support Group for People Dealing with Dual Diagnosis
Tuesdays from 4:30 – 5:30 pm online: Zoom Link
Connection Recovery Support Group for the LGBTQIA+ Community
Wednesdays from 7:15 – 8:45 pm online: Zoom Link
Additional Connection Recovery Support Groups offered in person in a few locations across the state are posted on the NAMI Massachusetts website, though we do not currently have an in person option in our affiliate area. All Massachusetts residents are welcome to attend any group.
NAMI Family Support Groups
Support groups for family members and friends of individuals living with mental health conditions. Family Support Groups provide a nonjudgmental environment where caregivers can discuss concerns, learn about local resources, and benefit from one another’s collective knowledge and experience. They provide comfort, hope, and a sense of community.
Groups are ongoing and operate on a drop in basis. There is no cost to participants. The groups are facilitated by NAMI trained family members. Most NAMI support groups are currently meeting remotely via video conferencing while a few are meeting in person. The groups sponsored by our affiliate are listed below.
Current Family Support Groups Sponsored by NAMI Central Middlesex:
The Family Support Groups in our affiliate that previously met in Bedford, Burlington, Reading, and Winchester are currently operating online. Our group in Acton meets once per month in person and once online.
Winchester: meets online on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:45 pm. Contact Isobel at 860-908-8003 or isobelmagee@gmail.com for Zoom details.
Acton: meets in person at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 435 Central St., Acton on the 2nd Tuesday of the month with walk ins welcome and via Zoom on the 4th Tuesdays of the month from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Contact Susan at susangmcdougall@gmail.com or 978-263-8830 for Zoom details.
Bedford: meets online on the last Tuesday of the month from 7:30-9:00 pm. Contact Ivy at ivypompei@comcast.net for Zoom details.
Burlington: meets online on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 7:30-8:45 pm. Contact Samantha at fsgroup397@gmail.com for Zoom details.
For siblings of people with mental health diagnosis: meets online on the 1st Monday of the month from 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact Ingeborg at namisiblings@yahoo.com for Zoom details.
Teen to Adult Parent Support Group (TTAPS): for parents/caregivers of adolescents and transitional age youth living with emotional and mental health challenges. The group meets online every other Thursday from 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact the facilitators at ttapsgroup@gmail.com for Zoom details. For more information and a calendar of meeting dates: Teen to Adult Parent Support Group Info
Additional NAMI Family Support Groups
More NAMI Family Support Group options offered by affiliates across the state are posted on the NAMI Massachusetts website. There are some groups specifically for parents, elderly caregivers, partners & spouses, BIPOC community, Spanish speakers, those supporting individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder and Schizophrenia, and more. All Massachusetts residents are welcome to attend any group.
Other Support Options
Other mental health support organizations offer options for support. These include support groups, online programs, crisis alternatives, and Peer Support Warm Lines, which are friendly and helpful phone lines staffed by people living with a mental health condition or dual diagnosis. The NAMI Massachusetts website Resources page outlines additional support programs for peers and for family members and friends.
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) Community Partners that operate within our affiliate offer support groups, drop in programs, and day programs with limited barriers to entry. Our Resources page has more information about these organizations.