Peer Support Groups

NAMI Fox Valley’s adult peer support groups are for individuals who live with a mental health condition or are experiencing mental health challenges. The groups provide participants with a relaxed, trusting, and safe environment to share with and support others who can empathize with their experiences. Peer support groups, which are offered at no charge to participants, are available in both in-person and online.

Each group is facilitated by individuals who are successfully managing their own mental health conditions. Our facilitators are not therapists and our groups are not intended to replace therapeutic counseling. We offer peer support and understanding based on the wisdom of lived experience.

For a full calendar of NAMI Fox Valley's support groups, click here.

For questions regarding peer support groups, contact Vicki Rivera, Peer & Family Program Director, at vicki@namifoxvalley.org or 920-740-4565.

In-Person Peer Support Groups

There is no need to preregister for in-person groups. Please feel free to join us at the dates and times listed below.

The following peer groups meet at NAMI Fox Valley’s office at 211 E. Franklin St., Appleton, WI 54911:

  • Adult Peer Support Group (for any adult experiencing mental health challenges): Meets every 1st and 3rd Monday from 6:00-7:30 PM
  • Adult Peer Support Group (for any adult experiencing mental health challenges): Meets every 3rd Wednesday from 1:00-2:30 PM
  • Adult LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group (for any adult identifying as LGBTQ+ experiencing mental health challenges): Meets every 4th Thursday from 6:00-7:30 PM *Holiday Schedule Changes: Will not meet in November. Will meet December 19 instead of December 26.*
  • Young Adult Peer Support Group (for adults ages 18-26 experiencing mental health challenges): Meets on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 6:00-8:00 PM *Holiday Schedule Change: Will not meet January 1.*
  • Adult Women’s Spanish-Language Group (for Spanish-speaking adult women experiencing mental health challenges): Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month from 6:00-7:30 PM
  • Adult Women’s Support Group (for adult women experiencing mental health challenges): Meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:30 PM *Holiday Schedule Changes: Will not meet November 27. Will not meet December 25.*
  • Adult Men's Support Group (for any adult men experiencing mental health challenges): Meets every 4th Monday of each month from 6:00-7:30 PM

Online Peer Support Groups

Our online groups are held via the Zoom platform. Zoom is a free video conference program that can be used on a desktop or laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone. You do NOT need to create a Zoom account or download an app to join our meetings.

If you are interested in receiving more information on NAMI Fox Valley’s online support groups, please click the button below to fill out the interest form. You will then receive an email with registration instructions and the current schedule for the group(s) in which you are interested.

Our current online support groups offered for adult peers include:

  • A support group for any adult living with mental health challenges
  • a support group specifically for adults age 18-26 who are experiencing mental health challenges

What to Expect at NAMI Fox Valley’s Support Groups

Whether you join us for an in-person meeting or one of our virtual meeting options, you can always expect to find a compassionate and understanding environment among people with similar experiences. The groups provide a safe space for open discussion in which you can safely share about your feelings, challenges, and triumphs without fear of judgement.
No, you are not required to share at NAMI Fox Valley's support groups. Participation in discussions is voluntary, and individuals are encouraged to engage at their own comfort level. Some people may find it beneficial to share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, while others may prefer to simply listen and observe.
The registration process for NAMI Fox Valley's support groups can vary depending on the specific group and its guidelines. In-person support groups do not require preregistration and welcome individuals to attend on a drop-in basis, allowing for flexibility and accessibility. Support group meetings held via Zoom, however, do require preregistration so a Zoom link can be sent to the participant.
The meetings focus on discussing the “here and now” of what participants are going through, while always ending on a positive note. Along with general discussion, the meetings may include a brief educational component, as well as information on resources and coping strategies.
No, you do not have to attend the same support group at NAMI Fox Valley each week. We understand that everyone's needs and schedules vary, and flexibility is important in accessing support. You are welcome to attend different support groups based on your preferences, availability, and formats that best suit your current situation. Whether you attend consistently or explore different groups, our priority is to provide a supportive and understanding environment for your mental health journey.
NAMI Fox Valley's support groups are overseen by trained facilitators with lived experience who are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for participants. These facilitators undergo specialized training to ensure they have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead the groups.
NAMI Fox Valley's support groups are held both in-person and virtually via Zoom. While the majority of NAMI Fox Valley's in-person support groups are held at NAMI Fox Valley's Appleton location, there are a few exceptions. A full list of groups with accompanying locations can be found on our peer and family support group pages.
At NAMI Fox Valley, our support groups prioritize confidentiality as a cornerstone of trust and safety. Participants can openly share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions knowing that their privacy is respected and protected. However, in rare situations where there is a clear and imminent risk of harm to oneself or others, our commitment to safety overrides confidentiality. In such cases, appropriate measures may be taken to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved.