Why vet a support group?

Because not every group is equally safe, wise, or appropriate for mental health needs.

Should support groups replace therapy?

No. Most support groups are peer or ministry support, not professional care.

Yes. You can leave a group that feels unsafe or shaming.

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

Support Group Vetting Checklist

A support group can be helpful, but it should be safe enough for what you are carrying. This checklist helps you ask wise questions before sharing deeply.

Last updated: May 2026

Quick Answer

Before joining a support group, ask about confidentiality, leadership, crisis procedures, treatment views, and whether therapy or medication is respected.

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:

Questions to ask
Warning signs
How to start slowly
Download the checklist

Questions to ask

Who leads the group?
Is this peer support or professional counseling?
What are the confidentiality rules?
What happens if someone is in crisis?
Does the group respect therapy and medication?
Can I attend without sharing much at first?

Warning signs

Guaranteed healing promises.
Pressure to disclose private details quickly.
Medication or therapy shaming.
No crisis plan.
Leaders who dismiss safety concerns.

Start slowly

You can attend once, listen, and decide later. You do not owe a group your whole story on day one.

One tiny next step

Download the checklist and use it before attending or 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.

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Download the checklist

Use the printable support group vetting checklist before joining or sharing deeply.

Download PDF Find support