The National Self-Help Clearinghouse serves as a central clearinghouse to facilitate access to mutual aid networks. We do not run individual support groups ourselves; rather, we provide the infrastructure, research, training materials, and directories to help individuals find groups and help professionals integrate peer support principles.
1. Directory of Mutual Aid Categories
Below is a classification of support groups commonly active across national and local networks. If you are looking to join or establish a group in one of these categories, contact us or your regional clearinghouse for direct referrals.
Addictions & Compulsive Behaviors
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) & Al-Anon: For individuals recovering from alcohol abuse, and their families.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) & Nar-Anon: For drug addiction recovery and support.
- Gamblers Anonymous (GA): Mutual support for compulsive gambling.
- Debtors Anonymous (DA): Support for compulsive debt and financial recovery.
Family, Relationships & Lifestyles
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Family support groups for those living with mental health conditions.
- Tough Love: Parent support groups addressing adolescent behavioral challenges.
- Mothers of Twins Clubs: Specialized peer support for parents of multiples.
- Single Mothers by Choice: Peer support and resource sharing for single mothers.
Chronic Illness, Health & Disability
- National Association of People with AIDS: Peer advocacy and support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
- Us Too: Prostate cancer education and support network.
- Tourette Syndrome Association: Shared coping strategies and community for families and individuals.
- Parkinson’s Support Groups: Patient-led circles sharing experiential care (e.g., adaptive mobility, local resources).
Mental Health & Well-being
- GROW: A 12-step mental health mutual aid group focused on community integration and personal growth.
- Emotions Anonymous (EA): For individuals working toward warm, emotional well-being.
- Recovery, Inc. (Recovery International): Peer-led cognitive-behavioral training groups.
Bereavement & Loss
- The Compassionate Friends: Grief support for parents, grandparents, and siblings following the death of a child.
- Survivors of Suicide: Support circles for families who have lost loved ones to suicide.
- Widow to Widow: Community networks facilitating peer adjustment to spousal loss.
2. Regional Clearinghouses
While the National Self-Help Clearinghouse focuses on national policy, training, and research, a network of regional self-help clearinghouses handles local group referrals and directory updates. Regional clearinghouses:
- Maintain up-to-date registries of local support groups.
- Provide phone referrals to individuals seeking help.
- Offer local meeting spaces and public library resources.
- Conduct workshops for new group leaders in their specific counties or states.
For a referral to your closest regional self-help database, please submit a request on our Contact Page.
3. Training Manuals & Publications
We write and distribute specialized resources to help professionals, administrators, and community leaders establish peer networks. Available publications include:
- Establishing a Mutual Support Group: A step-by-step guide for non-professional organizers on structuring meetings, setting guidelines, and facilitating discussions.
- The Helper Principle in Action: A monograph summarizing 20 years of research on why helping others is key to personal recovery and self-esteem.
- Integrating Self-Help in Human Services: A training guide for agency administrators, HMO executives, and medical staff on implementing referral paths and collaborating with independent patient circles.
- Tutor-Centered Learning Models: Classroom manuals for teachers and school principals implementing Peer Research Laboratory tutoring programs.
To request copies of these publications or to inquire about our speaking bureau and agency consultations, please write to us.