Are faith-based support groups therapy?

Usually no. Most are peer support or ministry support, not therapy.

What makes a group safe?

Clear confidentiality, no shame around treatment, wise crisis procedures, and respectful leadership.

Should I leave a group that shames medication?

It may be wise to seek a safer group if treatment is shamed or discouraged irresponsibly.

If you might hurt yourself or are not safe right now

Call or text 988 in the U.S. now, contact emergency services, or get near a trusted person. You do not need to settle a spiritual question alone while you are in immediate danger.

Call or text 988 Chat with 988

Support Groups

Faith-Based Support Groups for Depression and Anxiety

Faith-based support groups can help some people feel less alone, but not every group is the same. This guide helps you evaluate groups with wisdom and care.

Last updated: May 2026

Quick Answer

A good faith-based support group should reduce shame, respect mental health care, protect privacy, and encourage appropriate professional or crisis help when needed.

Written with care

Written by Dan Larson, creator of Still Here Faith. Dan writes from lived experience with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and Christian faith. He is not a therapist, doctor, or pastor.

This page is written for encouragement and resource navigation. It is not therapy, diagnosis, medical advice, treatment, pastoral care, or crisis care. Therapy, medication, medical support, pastoral care, Scripture, prayer, and trusted relationships can all be part of faithful care.

Safety-first note: If you might hurt yourself, feel unable to stay safe, or are in immediate danger, call or text 988 in the U.S., contact emergency services, or get near a trusted person now. Do not use this page instead of crisis support.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial standards · Medical disclaimer · Resource review policy

What this page covers:

What faith-based support groups are
Questions to ask
Warning signs
Where to look

What a support group can offer

A place to be honest.
Peer encouragement.
Shared language around faith and mental health.
Practical support ideas.
A reminder that you are not alone.

Questions to ask before joining

Is confidentiality clearly explained?
Do leaders shame therapy or medication?
Are crisis situations handled responsibly?
Is the group peer support or professional counseling?
Can I leave if it is not a fit?

Warning signs

Be cautious with any group that promises guaranteed healing, condemns medication, pressures disclosure, ignores crisis risk, or uses shame as motivation.

Where to look

Start with the Still Here support finder, NAMI, Fresh Hope, Mental Health Grace Alliance, local churches, counseling centers, or trusted referrals.

One tiny next step

Use the support group vetting checklist before sharing deeply in a new group.

Trusted next steps

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate crisis support in the U.S.

Helpful sources and starting points

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 24/7 U.S. crisis support by call, text, or chat.
SAMHSA Find Help - Treatment and support starting points in the U.S.
NAMI HelpLine - Mental health education, support, and advocacy resources.

External links are starting points, not endorsements. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services or call/text 988 in the U.S.

🤝

🤝 Find Support

Find one gentle next step

Browse the Still Here Faith vault for prayers, support guides, and low-capacity resources.

Open the Resource Vault Find support