Start a Support Group in Your Community

As independent affiliates of DBSA, local chapters offer support group meetings that are open to the public and free of charge. Support groups may take further steps to become established as DBSA chapters and develop other programs and services such as educational meetings, newsletters, and libraries, depending on local needs.

Benefits of starting a DBSA support group:

• Create a network of people concerned about and working on the same issues.
• Bring together the collective wisdom of people who have already experienced the same challenges you are seeking solutions for.
• Create a group that can make a difference in your community, maybe even save a life.
• Offer the patient’s perspective to legislators and the local medical community.

Here’s how we help:

• Referrals to your group via DBSA’s toll-free number and this web site.
• Quantities of DBSA’s quarterly newsletter, Outreach, free of charge
• Four yearly informational mailings including FYI, our information-packed publication for chapter and support group leaders
• Press kits and public service announcements to promote your group’s visibility
• Free copies of DBSA brochures and videotapes
• Bookstore discounts
• Annual leadership training at the DBSA Conference
• Chapter awards programs that can provide funding and recognition for your group

The first step to beginning a group in your community is to complete the Interest Indicator Form and submit it to DBSA.

Within two weeks of submitting your form, you will receive a DBSA Start-Up Kit. The kit includes guidelines and tips on starting your group, copies of current DBSA educational materials and instructions on next steps in formally affiliating your DBSA support group.

It is through the voluntary efforts of people like you that persons living with mood disorders find the support and understanding they need. We at DBSA look forward to assisting with your efforts.

For additional information on starting a support group, call the DBSA Chapter Relations Department at (800) 826-3632, x153, or via e-mail at chapters@DBSAlliance.org