< tap to go back to guide home
This is the Best Practices guide.
Tap on a topic and then subtopic below to navigate this guide.
This is the Best Practices guide.
Tap on a topic and then subtopic below to navigate this guide.
This guide provides information on peer supports and the various peer support group in the Northeastern Minnesota and Twin Cities areas. The peer support groups generally are focused on a specific area related to mental health. The guide includes information on the location, time, and a description of each group. These groups can benefit people with mental illness by providing a regular, safe space to share one's own experiences, and relate to others who have had similar experiences.
Please check this page often for new resources, or suggest one by tapping on the feedback link at the bottom of his page.
Peer supports are increasingly becoming recognized as a highly effective way to support individuals with behavioral health disorders achieve more successful recovery outcomes. SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, describes peer supports as follows:
Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peer support workers help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Peer support services can effectively extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into the everyday environment of those seeking a successful, sustained recovery process.
Peer supports can take the form of paid health care services, and are also offered by a variety of advocacy and education organizations.
At Accend we are able to offer Peer Specialist services as a part of our ARMHS program, Family Peer Specialist services as a part of our CTSS program program, and Peer Specialists may also work as Qualified Behavioral Health Home Specialists in our Behavioral Health Home Program. These are paid services.
We also ask that you explore with the people you serve whether connecting with one or more of the peer support groups and organizations near them would be helpful in their recovery journey.
The Minnesota Warmline provides a peer-to-peer approach to mental health recovery, support and wellness. Calls are answered by our team of professionally trained Certified Peer Specialists, who have first hand experience living with a mental health condition.
Contact the warmline as follows:
Open Monday-Saturday, 5 PM to 10 PM
651.288.0400
Toll Free 877.404.3190
or text “Support” to 85511
Website: mentalhealthmn.org/support/minnesota-warmline/
Provides ongoing support for families and friends of persons living with a mental illness.
Miller Dawn Hospital Conference Room 3
502 E 2nd St
NAMI Duluth: 218.409.6566
Support group for adults with a mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. All groups are led by trained individuals who are also in recovery.
Peace Church
1111 11th Ave E
Jake: 218.591.2925
Jill: 218.345.5417
Support group for people affected by suicide.
407 E 3rd St
St. Mary's Grief Support Group Services: 218.786.4402
Harmony Club offers persons with mental health disabilities the opportunity to be part of a social club, making friends and learning new skills.
2424 W. 5th Street
Call Human Development Center for Hours
Jake: 218.591.2925
Jill: 218.345.5417
RAD describes themselves thusly:
"Recovery Alliance Duluth (RAD) is a community organization that connects people seeking recovery to peers who have walked a similar path and are trained to help through peer-to-peer recovery support. We recognize that there are many pathways to recovery. We connect you with someone who has walked in your shoes to help you on your journey."
Tap on the link below to visit their website:
Support group for adults with a mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. All groups are led by trained individuals who are also in recovery.
Hope Lutheran Church
16180 Round Lake Blvd NW
Curt: 612.581.247
Chelsy: 763.238.7207
Support group for people affected by suicide.
First Congregational Church
North 3rd Ave
Jackie: 763.442.3020
m_f_erickson@yahoo.com
NAMI Minnesota provides support groups to help parents discover resources to meet the challenges of raising a child with a mental illness, learn coping skills and develop problem solving skills. Each of the support groups are facilitated by a parent who has a child with a mental illness and who has received specialized training. (Free dinner at 6:00 p.m. and childcare available)
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road
NAMI: 651.645.2948
Young Adult NAMI Connection is a support group for young adults ages 16-20 or 18-30, depending on the group. Groups are facilitated by young adults who live with mental illnesses and are doing well in recovery. (Free pizza at 6 p.m.)
Shepard of the Valley Lutheran Church
12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road
Devin: devinlast@gmail.com
Nancy: 651.645.2948 ext 106
Support group for people affected by suicide.
5440 Penn Ave S
Maria: 651.983.2719
Support group for adults with a mental illness regardless of diagnosis. All groups are led by trained individuals who are also in recovery.
Avivo CSP
7888 12th Ave S
Joelle: 612 752 8384
Peer-Led Support Groups for Recovery and Wellness are designed to foster an environment of inclusiveness and belonging. Group facilitators are peers – people who have personal experience living with a mental illness.
Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
10715 Zenith Ave S
Angie: 952.688.6641
bloomington@mentalhealthmn.org
Peer-Led Support Groups for Recovery and Wellness are designed to foster an environment of inclusiveness and belonging. Group facilitators are peers – people who have personal experience living with a mental illness.
Attonement Lutheran Church
East 98th St
Mary: 952.393.7524
missionproject2005@gmail.com
Support group for adults with a mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. All groups are led by trained individuals who are also in recovery.
Mary Mother of the Church
3333 Cliff Road E., in Room 15
Liz: 612.578.150
Lyn: 612.749.5408
Support group for adults with a mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. All groups are led by trained individuals who are also in recovery.
Family Life Center
1930 Coon Rapids Cooulevard
Tim: 612.669.5111
Support group for adults with a mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. All groups are led by trained individuals who are also in recovery.
Northwest Community Support Program
7000 57th Ave N #100
NAMI: 651.645.2948
Provides caring support groups where people who live with depression or bipolar disorder can share their experiences, concerns, and feelings. Run by volunteers.
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
4030 Pilot Knob Rd
Cindy: 612.386.9131
Provides ongoing support for families and friends of persons living with a mental illness.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
13600 Technology Dr
Carol: 952.426.0343
This group’s first goal is to provide a supportive environment for loss survivors to share their grief and their loved ones with others who have also lost a loved one to suicide. Our second goal is to provide a safe place to do the “work of mourning” resulting in healing and growth.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
13600 Technology Dr
Tammy: 952 393 9463
tsperr@comcast.net
Provides ongoing support for families and friends of persons living with a mental illness.
PrairieCare Edina - Conference Rm 204
6363 France Ave S, Suite 200
Nancy: 651.645.2948 ext 106
Provides ongoing support for individuals with an anxiety or panic disorder and there is no cost to attend. The groups provide peer support, teach effective strategies in anxiety management and promote better understanding of anxiety disorders.
Edina Library - Conference Room
5280 Grandview Square
Chris: 612.750.4241
Provides ongoing support for individuals with an anxiety or panic disorder and there is no cost to attend. The groups provide peer support, teach effective strategies in anxiety management and promote better understanding of anxiety disorders.
Cross View Lutheran Church
6645 McCauley Trail West
Shawn: 651.239.8381
Support group for people affected by suicide.
7520 Golden Valley Rd
Bev: 763.323.3178
Mary: 763.267.7041
NAMI Minnesota provides support groups to help parents discover resources to meet the challenges of raising a child with a mental illness, learn coping skills and develop problem solving skills. Each of the support groups are facilitated by a parent who has a child with a mental illness and who has received specialized training. (Free snacks and Childcare available)
Shepherd of the Valley Church
1450 4th St W
MNAMI: 651.645.2948
Support group for people affected by suicide.a mental illness and who has received specialized training. (Free snacks and Childcare available)
700 5th St S
Melanie: 952 993 0594
The focus is learning more about addiction and how to; increase your motivation to abstain; handle urges without acting on them; develop new ways of coping with problems; and create a healthy, positive lifestyle. The focus is on solutions.
SOTH Church
500 Blake Rd S
Provides ongoing support for families and friends of persons living with a mental illness.
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
7401 Co Rd 101
Barb: 612.889.3379
Provides ongoing support for families and friends of persons living with a mental illness.
Fairview Riverside - West Building
2450 Riverside Ave 2nd Floor
Paula Clayton Room
Cecelia: 205.292.2542
Provides ongoing support for families and friends of persons living with a mental illness.
Fairview Riverside - West Building
2450 Riverside Ave 2nd Floor
Paula Clayton Room
Cecelia: 205.292.2542
Provides ongoing support for families and friends of persons living with a mental illness.
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
50th and Knox Ave S
Nancy: 651.645.2948
This group is for spouses, domestic partners, and people who share child-rearing responsibilities with a person who has mental illness.
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
50th and Knox Ave S
Jeff: 612.232.7816
NAMI Minnesota provides support groups to help parents discover resources to meet the challenges of raising a child with a mental illness, learn coping skills and develop problem solving skills. Each of the support groups are facilitated by a parent who has a child with a mental illness and who has received specialized training.
Lake Nokomis Community Center
2401 E Minnehaha Pkwy
NAMI: 651.645.2948
Support group for adults with a mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. All groups are led by trained individuals who are also in recovery
Northside CSP
1309 Girard Ave S
Don: 651.334.1778
Support group for adults with a mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. All groups are led by trained individuals who are also in recovery.
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
50th and Knox Ave S
Kim: 651.280.8527
NAMI offers a support group for the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer) community. The support groups are a safe place to confront the challenges that many members of LGBTQ communities face such as social isolation, stigma, discrimination, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
Living Table United Church of Christ
3805 E 40th Ave S Room 108
David: 612.920.3925
Young Adult NAMI Connection is a support group for young adults ages 16-20 or 18-30, depending on the group. Groups are facilitated by young adults who live with mental illnesses and are doing well in recovery.
University Baptist Church Library
1219 University Ave SE
Donald: 651.955.7975 | bystr023@umn.edu
Robbie: Robert.menge@gmail.com
Young Adult NAMI Connection is a support group for young adults ages 16-20 or 18-30, depending on the group. Groups are facilitated by young adults who live with mental illnesses and are doing well in recovery.
Boneshaker Books
2002 23rd Ave S Community Room
Oliver: 503.828.7421
Newt.stremple@gmail.com
Young Adult NAMI Connection is a support group for young adults ages 16-20 or 18-30, depending on the group. Groups are facilitated by young adults who live with mental illnesses and are doing well in recovery.
Grace University Lutheran Church
324 SE Harvard St
Anna: Annaberglund355@gmail.com
Ross: 202 641 3048 | Pet00180@umn.edu
Peer-led dual diagnosis support group for adults living with both a mental illness and an substance use disorder such as chemical dependency. Participants learn skills to help them deal with their substance use disorder and gain support from people who understand the challenges of having a mental illness and a substance use disorder.
HCMC - Family Resource Center - Skyway Level
701 Park Ave S 2nd Floor
Bruce: 612.338.9084
Support group for people affected by suicide.
5440 Penn Ave S
Vicki, Sue or JoAnne: 952.944.2478
The focus is learning more about addiction and how to; increase your motivation to abstain; handle urges without acting on them; develop new ways of coping with problems; and create a healthy, positive lifestyle. The focus is on solutions.
New Brighton Community Center Room 122
400 10th St NW
New Brighton Community Center: 612.805.2259
smarttwincities@aol.com
Provides ongoing support for families and friends of persons living with a mental illness.
Canvas Health - Community Room
7077 Stillwater Blvd
Dan: 651 341 8918
Provides ongoing support for families and friends of persons living with a mental illness.
St. Bamabus Lutheran Church
15600 Old Rockford Road
Elizabeth: 612.432.0471
Provides ongoing support for families and friends of persons living with a mental illness.
Centennial United Methodist Church
1524 Co Road W C-2
Anna Mae: 651.484.0599
Support group for adults with a mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. All groups are led by trained individuals who are also in recovery.
Centennial United Methodist Church
1524 Co Road W C-2
Will: 651.578.3364
Provides ongoing support for families and friends of persons living with a mental illness.
Wilder Foundation
451 Lexington Pkwy N (Free Parking in Ramp)
Jennifer: 507.254.5524
This group is for spouses, domestic partners, and people who share child-rearing responsibilities with a person who has mental illness.
Falcon Heights United Church of Christ
1795 Holton St
Melissa: 651.354.6502
Sara: 763.350.6502
Support group for adults with a mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. All groups are led by trained individuals who are also in recovery.
Hamm Psychiatric Memorial Clinic
408 St Peter St, Suite 429
Mary: 612.387.7036
NAMI offers a support group for the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer) community. The support groups are a safe place to confront the challenges that many members of LGBTQ communities face such as social isolation, stigma, discrimination, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
700 Snelling Ave S Room 108
Brianna: 763 489 8086
Alec: 952 334 6318
Young Adult NAMI Connection is a support group for young adults ages 16-20 or 18-30, depending on the group. Groups are facilitated by young adults who live with mental illnesses and are doing well in recovery.
Unity Church - Unitarian
733 Portland Ave Room Owl, Lower Level
Tess: 507.226.3369 | tessameronh@gmail.com
Leah: 207.272.4450 | Leahwilcox9@gmail.com
Provides ongoing support for individuals with an anxiety or panic disorder and there is no cost to attend. The groups provide peer support, teach effective strategies in anxiety management and promote better understanding of anxiety disorders.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
700 Snelling Ave S Room 108
Les: 612 229 1863
Provides peer support to people who are grieving.
367 Grove St
Colleen: 651.266.5674 | colleen@survivorresources.org
Julie: 612.673.3951
These meetings honor all pathways to recovery, acknowledging that each person’s path is unique and reflects their personal strengths. These meetings are an opportunity for social support that focuses on the hope and healing found in recovery and to connect with others who are initiating and maintaining a recovery lifestyle. These All Recovery Meetings are reserved for individuals who identify as women. Children of all genders are welcome to accompany participants.
The Recovery Church
253 State St
Minnesota Recovery Connection: 612.584.4158 | info@minnesotarecovery.org
Provides support for people who have lost someone to suicide.
1725 Grand Ave
Tracey: ffosmn@yahoo.com
Provides ongoing support for individuals with an anxiety or panic disorder and there is no cost to attend. The groups provide peer support, teach effective strategies in anxiety management and promote better understanding of anxiety disorders. (Free dinner @ 6p.m.)
Woodland Hills Church
1740 Van Dyke St
Rachel: 952.818.7343
Provides ongoing support for families and friends of persons living with a mental illness.
Stillwater Library
224 Third St. N., Margaret Rivers Room A (Use 3rd St Entrance - Free Parking)
Marie or Bob: 651.770.1436
Support group for adults with a mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. All groups are led by trained individuals who are also in recovery.
Episcopal Church of the Ascension Office
215 N 4th St
Diane: 651.724.0977
Provides ongoing support for individuals with an anxiety or panic disorder and there is no cost to attend. The groups provide peer support, teach effective strategies in anxiety management and promote better understanding of anxiety disorders.
Church of St Pius X
3878 Highland Ave Room 42 - Pope Benedict Room
Sue: 612.245.5720
Support group for people affected by suicide.
Bradshaw Funeral Home
4600 Greenhaven
Tony: tony.delpercio@bradshawfuneral.com
Provides support for people who have lost someone to suicide.
Washington County Library
8595 Central Park Place
Chris: 651.295.6595
This guide is a living document. We want to improve it with your help. Do you have questions? Found a typo? Broken link? Find yourself wanting more information? Please send us your thoughts about anything in this chapter by tapping on the link below.