FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are the meetings really free?

Yes, the meetings are really free!

Is the church ADA accessible?

Yes, the building has an ADA accessible entrance in the rear of the church on the south side. There's a ramp leading up to the glass doors.

Where do I park?

Most people park in the rear of the church in the parking lot. You can park in front of the Church on Bridge St. if you like, but the only unlocked doors will be in the back.

How do I become a group member?

We don't really have "members" in the true sense of the word. There are no membership cards. We are all participants. Attend whenever you like. No advance notice required, unless you want to bring a pet (keep reading the FAQ for more information on this).

Come on, seriously. The meetings are free? Truly?

Truly. Free. Save your money. Come hang with us for a couple of hours.

Are there any special requirements?

Nope. Just show up.

Is there a dress code?

Also nope. But have mercy on your fellow attendees. Good hygiene should be practiced.

How many people usually attend?

It varies widely. On average, we have between 8 and 16 people attend. If we get enough people to make it feasible, we can split into two separate groups.

I'm anxious about going to my first meeting. What can I expect?

This happens frequently, but it's absolutely normal. We start off by socializing (nothing formal) in the meeting area until the appointed time. Then we do a very simple icebreaker (for example: your first name and your favorite movie), followed by an activity we call "positives". Anyone who wants to share something positive that happened recently can do so. Then the meeting facilitator asks if anyone would like to get us started. That's it!

Do I have to have a diagnosis to attend?

Nope. The majority of our attendees do have a diagnosis (or two or three), but it's certainly not required. Maybe you're having relationship problems. Maybe you're having trouble navigating a major life event. Maybe you're going through grief. All of these are legitimate reasons to want support.

Is this group only for depression?

No. We talk about anything and everything related to mental health here.

Do I have to talk at the meeting?

Nope. You can stay for the whole meeting and not say a word if you want. But if you'd like to share, there are usually a number of awkward silences (again, completely normal for groups) where you can jump in.

To whom do I give my payment for the meeting?

Sigh...no one. The meetings are free. They cost nothing.

The meetings are held in a church. Are there religious activities at the meetings?

No, our meetings are secular in nature. Occasionally religion/faith/spirituality are discussed, but only in the context of their impact on mental health. Spirituality is a huge coping mechanism for a lot of people.

What about confidentiality?

We take confidentiality VERY seriously. What is said in the meetings stays in the meetings. The only exception to this would be if someone is in crisis and we need to help them get a higher level of care.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are welcome. HOWEVER, we ask that if you would like to bring your pet, please clear it with us by using the form on the "Contact Us" page. A number of us occasionally bring our dog, but we coordinate with each other so there is only ONE dog at the meeting. So far, there haven't been any problems with this. Having a pet at a meeting is relatively rare.

Are the meetings run by a therapist or psychologist?

No. We are a peer-to-peer group, meaning that we are all equals. Some of our regulars are mental health professionals, but they do not attend the meetings in that capacity. Here, we are all peers.

I sometimes have thoughts of suicide. Am I allowed to talk about that?

It's a mental health support group. It's perfectly acceptable to talk about any thoughts you may be having that are upsetting you. However, we all need to remember that there's a difference between suicidal ideation and an overt threat. "I've been having thoughts of suicide" is acceptable; "I'm going to kill myself tonight after the meeting" is a different animal altogether, and the other members of the group will be looking to get you some help.

Are meetings held on holidays?

Yep. We've had meetings on New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Holidays are a time of major stress for a lot of people, and we are happy to provide a place to talk about it.

Are people of all ages welcome?

We ask that if you are 17 years of age or younger, please fill out the form on the "Contact Us" page to inquire about attending a meeting. Typically, we like to have anyone under 18 be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Are there any online meetings available?

Not at this time. We did have online meetings for a while, and we might again, but right now it's not available.

How will I know if a meeting is canceled?

Meeting cancellations are exceedingly rare. If a meeting is canceled, it will be posted on the home page in the "Latest News" section.

Can I pay for the meetings by check or card, or does it have to be cash?