Support Groups

Free support groups and family education workshops are offered to members of the public through the Department of Psychiatry.

Please note: Due to COVID-19, all support groups are administered virtually, via ZOOM.

You will receive instructions on how to join the groups after registration.


Held at the Rachel Upjohn Building at 4250 Plymouth Road in Ann Arbor (although held via zoom currently because of the COVID pandemic), these groups and workshops offer attendees a chance to develop a support network and learn more about depression and bipolar disorder, including discussions about risk factors, treatments, coping, healthy communication methods, and stigma.

Please note that the free workshops and support groups are separate from Department of Psychiatry therapy groups for children, adolescents, and adults that require a referral.

Group Offerings

Depression and Bipolar Illness Support Groups

Note: These groups are for adults 18 years and older

These two separate groups offer opportunities to share ideas for coping, link with community resources, develop a support network, learn about depression and bipolar illness, and discuss issues of stigma.

  • When: 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm

  • Group Leaders: post-graduate social work fellows will be the facilitators of the groups in conjunction with Laura Nitzberg, LMSW, supervising the program.
  • Cost: Free

Family Members of Persons with Depression and Bipolar Illness

Note: This group is for adults 18 years and older

This group is for adults who have a family member or loved one with a mental health condition. Meeting topics are generated by group members. Participation in this group offers a chance to gain insight, support, and resources from those facing similar circumstances.

  • When: 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
  • Group Leaders: post-graduate social work fellows will be the facilitators of the groups in conjunction with Laura Nitzberg, LMSW, supervising the program.
  • Cost: Free

Family Education Workshops

A two-hour workshop that offers patients and families the opportunity to learn about depression and bipolar illness while gathering information about risk factors, treatments, impact on families and healthy ways of communicating with each other. Attending a group meeting means that you will meet others with your circumstances and condition. Each member of the group will be asked to be respectful of confidentiality and will sign a statement saying they will not disclose any confidential information.

  • When: 1st Wednesday every other month 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Group Leader: Laura Nitzberg, LMSW

Other Depression and Bipolar Support

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also maintain searchable lists of support groups and links to local resources that allow you to find help in your area, wherever you may live. NAMI Washtenaw County offers support group options both for family and friends of individuals with mental illness, and for people living with mental illness.

Survivors of Suicide

Note: This group is for adults 18 years and older

This support group for adults who have lost a loved one to suicide holds twice-monthly meetings that run for eight-session cycles. The group will either meet on the U-M campus (location provided at registration) or over zoom the second and fourth Monday each month from 6-8:00 p.m. The support group is free, but pre-registration is required, and only adults 18 years or older may attend. To register or learn more, call 734-936-5893 or email the group leaders at survivors-of-suicide-group@umich.edu.