FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS

The NAMI Metro Support group is facilitated by a layperson volunteer. This group is for families and is an informal resource that attempts to provide healing components to a variety of mental illness problems and challenges that family members face. An informal support outside of family, friends, or professionals often provides greater understanding, more similarity (from individuals experiencing similar life events), an opportunity for empathy and altruism, and a sense of identity for participants. Learning new ways to handle challenges, cope with changes, and maintain new behaviors are all important aspects of the support group experience.

A characteristic unique to support groups is the mutual support members are able to provide one another. This support and validation from other group members help facilitate personal growth and change in a way that individual therapy cannot. Although experts and professionals can provide support and positive direction, the mutual exchange of information between group members is a powerful experience that often induces lasting change. Meeting others who truly understand one's experience has a very powerful effect. For many parents, participation in a support group is the first opportunity to learn that there are other parents who are experiencing the same challenges and frustrations.

NAMI Metro support uses an open format, which means that the groups are ongoing, and individuals have the option of attending when it is convenient for them. The open format allows individuals to feel some degree of anonymity, and to participate, as they are comfortable. For some people, simply attending meetings and listening to the experiences of others can be helpful. All meetings are free of charge. If you have questions, please call. NAMI Metro is currently working on establishing a family support group in north eastern Oakland County and another in Macomb County. Keep checking our website to get the detailed information on these when they become active.

NAMI Metro Family Support Group
2^nd Tuesday of every month 7 pm
Providence Hospital
47601 Grand River Ave., Novi
(Outpatient Center, Conference Room E)
Contact: 248.348.7197

NORTH OAKLAND NAMI Metro Family Support Group

2nd Thursday of every month 7 pm

Brandon Township Library - Conference Room

304 South Street, Ortonville, MI 48462

Contact:  248.620.0273

NAMI Dearborn Family Support Group
2^nd & 4^th Monday of every month 7 pm
First Presbyterian Church
600 N. Brady St., Dearborn
Contact: 313.563.1245 or 313.359.0253

NAMI Downtown Detroit Family Support Group
2^nd Saturday of every month 1 pm
VA Hospital
4646 John R. Detroit
(Room B1314, use Canfield entrance)

NAMI Eastside Family Support Group
1^st. & 3^rd. Thursday of every month 7 pm
Henry Ford Nursing Center
19840 Harper Ave., Harper Woods
Contact: Carol 313.881.5429

NAMI Suburban West Family Support Group
1st & 3^rd Tuesday of every month 5 pm
Lincoln Behavioral Services Building
24453 Plymouth Road, Redford
Contact: 734.427.1435

NAMI Wayne Westland Family Support Group
1^st & 3^rd Thursday of every month 7 pm (except July & August)
St. John Episcopal Church
555 S. Wayne Road, Westland
Contact:  Barry 734.634.8413

MACOMB AMI Support Group
4^th Tuesday of every month 7 pm
12000 East 12 Mile Road
Contact: Ruth Ann 586.293.7603

AMI Oakland Family Support Group
1^st Monday of every month 7 pm
30233 Southfield Rd. Southfield
Contact: 248.203.1998

DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) Metro Detroit
Peer-Led Consumer Support Groups in all counties
Contact: 248.689.6110 or 313.928.9093 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
For a complete listing of all support groups with detailed information on each meeting go to www.dbsa-metrodetroit.org

Al-Anon Information
Contact: Bill 248.644.4720

Substance Abuse - Families Anonymous
Contact: Dick or Jene: 248.642.1831