Support groups for friends offer something individual therapy can't: the experience of being truly understood by others who have lived it.
Why Support Groups Help with Friends
Shared experience is powerful. In a friends support group, you:
- Learn you're not alone in your experience
- Gain practical strategies from others who have managed friends
- Build a sense of community that reduces isolation
- Give as well as receive support — both are beneficial
Types of Support Groups for Friends
In-person groups: Run by therapists or peer-led, often through hospitals, community centers, or mental health organizations.
Online communities: Forums and video-based groups offer accessibility and anonymity for those with friends.
Condition-specific groups: Many organizations offer specialized support groups for friends subtypes.
How to Find a Friends Support Group
Contact local mental health organizations, ask your therapist for recommendations, or search through national organizations focused on friends.