Peer Support Resources for Living With Bipolar Disorder

The Best Peer Support Organizations for Bipolar Disorder of 2026

The Best Peer Support Organizations for Bipolar Disorder of 2026
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Trusted Health Resource 2026If you have bipolar disorder, you probably know how isolating it can be. It can be hard to relate to the constant cycling of intense highs, followed by intense lows. That’s why many people turn to peer-support groups for help.

Peer-support networks are made up of people who are ready to share their experiences and offer up hard-won advice. For people with bipolar disorder, participating in a peer-support group may help improve depressive symptoms, increase hope, and boost quality of life.

Here are some organizations that offer support groups or resources for finding other mental health support.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) offers more than 450 support groups across the country, including both in-person and virtual ones. They give participants an opportunity to share their experiences, learn facts about bipolar disorder, discuss coping strategies and skills, and find hope and empowerment.

Along with meeting in groups, you can also connect with people from your community who can relay valuable information about mental health professionals and services in your area, as well as share tips and techniques to better manage bipolar disorder. DBSA also offers identity-support groups for members of the Black, Asian American, Spanish-speaking, and LGBTQ+ communities, among others.

Support is also available through printed material and videos, such as inspirational personal narratives. Follow the DBSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is made up of more than 600 local affiliates and 49 state organizations, all working to provide advocacy, education, and support to individuals who live with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, as well as their loved ones.

NAMI affiliates offer peer-led classes, presentations, advocacy programs, and more, headed by trained volunteers who provide free education, skills training, and support — delivered from the perspective of those who know firsthand what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder. Some of these classes include:

  • NAMI Peer-to-Peer This class for adults with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder is aimed at encouraging growth, healing, and recovery.
  • NAMI Hearts+Minds There’s a close link between mental health and physical fitness — and this wellness program aims to help people optimize both.
  • NAMI FaithNet This network of NAMI members, friends, clergy, and congregations of all faiths and traditions promotes caring, welcoming congregations, and it emphasizes the role spirituality can play in the recovery of individuals of faith who live with mental health conditions.

You can connect with NAMI on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Threads, and X.

Mental Health America

Mental Health America (MHA) maintains a network of more than 130 affiliate programs across the United States, including groups that provide local mental health support. Along with local affiliates, the organization offers resources about how to find in-person, virtual, and family peer support, and provides information about how to find help in a crisis.

MHA also offers information and resources about how Black Americans with bipolar disorder can find peer support as well as the care they need. You can connect with MHA on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

International Bipolar Foundation

Founded in 2007 by parents of children with bipolar disorder, the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) works to empower people living with bipolar disorder through education, advocacy, and support.

While the IBPF doesn’t directly offer peer support for people living with bipolar disorder, it provides information about and links to organizations that host peer-led groups and features inspiring recovery stories that inspire hope. You can sign up for the group’s My Support newsletter, which highlights articles from community members, Q&As with experts, research updates, and more, or connect with the group on Facebook and Instagram.

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Resources
  1. Smit D et al. The Effectiveness of Peer Support for Individuals With Mental Illness: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Psychological Medicine. September 6, 2022.

Kelsey M. Latimer, PhD, RN

Medical Reviewer

Kelsey M. Latimer, PhD, RN, is a psychologist, nurse, and certified eating disorder specialist, and is the founder and owner of KML Psychological Services.

Dr. Latimer earned her Ph...

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Katherine Lee

Author

Katherine Lee is a writer and editor who specializes in health, science, and parenting content. She has written for Verywell, where she covered school-age parenting, and worked as ...