Peer Support Groups

Schizophrenia Alliance (SA)

Schizophrenia Alliance is a self-help group for people living with schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-related illness. SA was founded in the Detroit area in 1985 and has since grown to have thousands of people participate in weekly meetings in the United States and across the globe. If you have not been officially diagnosed with schizophrenia but have experienced psychosis, you are eligible to participate in the support groups.

Schizophrenia Alliance is organized and managed by people experiencing schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-related illness. It is administered in partnership with S&PAA.

Schizophrenia Alliance (Peer) Conference Calls & Zoom Meetings

Our peer-led calls and Zoom meetings are held throughout the month. If you are interested in joining these, please submit the form below and we will send you the login information and available times.

Conference Call Times

Sundays at 7 p.m. ET

Mondays at 4 p.m. ET

Wednesdays at 1 p.m. ET

Thursdays at 7 p.m. ET

Fridays at 2 and 7 p.m. ET

Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET

Saturdays at 7 p.m. ET

Zoom Call Times

Sundays at 4 p.m. ET

Ready to Become a Support Group Leader?

We’re looking for volunteer support group facilitators to help our community! Interested? Select “Volunteer interest” on our contact us form to provide your information and we’ll be in touch soon. We’ll provide free training and guidance.

Conference Call Times

Tuesdays at 7 p.m. ET

Zoom Call Times

Mondays at 6 p.m. PT

Saturdays at 5 p.m. ET

Sundays at 6 p.m. ET

Can’t find a group that works for you? Contact us to start your own group. Free training is provided.

Career Chat

We offer career chats over Zoom the second Saturday of every month at 2 p.m. ET as part of job networking for those diagnosed with schizophrenia who work in paid or unpaid positions or are currently attending school.

Inspire Message Board

We partner with Inspire to host a Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance online support community.

S&PAA Blended Support Group

We host a Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance online support community in Facebook Groups.

SA Statement of Purpose

To help restore dignity and a sense of purpose for people working toward recovery from schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-related illness
To offer fellowship, positive support, and companionship in order to achieve good mental health
To improve our own attitudes about our lives and illnesses
To provide members with the latest information regarding schizophrenia
To encourage members to take positive steps towards recovery

SA Guiding Principles

The only requirement for SA membership is the desire to recover from a schizophrenia-related illness.
There are no dues for SA membership, although donations are accepted to cover SA group expenses and special events.
Everything said at SA meetings is confidential.
SA members should remain anonymous, except those who wish to work on special issues.
SA members and leaders should place principles before personalities in all matters relating to our program.
Each group may establish its own meeting format, subject to approval by central SA leadership.
Decisions affecting SA as a whole are derived from the group consciousness of its own members.

Face-to-Face Peer Support Groups

Tuesday

Montrose Center

401 Branard Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-0037

6:45 - 7:45 pm ET

Copper Country

901 W Memorial Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
(906) 483-5522

3:30 - 5:50 pm ET

Wednesday

Freeport Library

144 W. Merrick Rd.
Freeport, NY 11520
(516) 379-3274

5:00 - 6:15 pm ET

(hybrid: contact the library for virtual login)

Thursday

CFLC (Consumer Family Learning Center)

2001 28th St, South Tower; go to front desk
Bakersfield, CA 93301
661-868-7550

10:30 – 11:30 PT

Must be 18 and older

Friday

Ocarta

2808 NW 31st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(866) 848-7555

Noon ET

Saturday

Participation Station

869 Sparta Court
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 309-2856

3:00 - 4:30 pm ET

Rebels Drop In Center

5595-B S. University Drive
Davie, FL 33328
(954) 276-3452

Saturdays 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET

Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET

Families for Care (FFC)

Families for Care is a support group for families of diagnosed individuals with schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-related illness. Schizophrenia-related illnesses include schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and major depression with psychosis spectrum disorders.

Since its founding in 2008, Families for Care has reached thousands of caregivers seeking guidance and acceptance of people living with psychosis spectrum disorders. It offers a non-judgmental community focused on education and acceptance where you’ll find hope, which is vital for families living through the realities of psychosis spectrum disorders. All meetings are confidential, and are meant to help sustain you and give you a caring community of supporters.

Types of SA Groups

Schizophrenia Alliance (SA)

Uses the six steps of recovery—including spirituality—as each person relates to a higher power. Held weekly and led by a peer who has schizophrenia or a related disorder.

SA Faith-Inclusive

Uses the six steps of recovery, with a more detailed discussion of spirituality and religion as it relates to recovery and the six steps. Held monthly and led by a peer who has schizophrenia or a related disorder.