ASTEEM (2024 L,F): Breathing H.O.P.E is a comprehensive personal development and universal health program designed to empower individuals to heal, grow, and build successful, purpose-driven lives. The curriculum focuses on improving thinking patterns, emotional resilience, and self-awareness through practical tools such as cognitive skill-building, vision boards, affirmation, and guided self-reflection exercises. Participants learn how to recognize and challenge negative thinking, develop problem-solving skills, and strengthen their mindset to support personal growth and long-term success. The program also addresses areas that influence mental well-being, including physical, health, spirituality, financial literacy, and family relationships. Lessons explore the connection between diet, exercise, breathing techniques, and mental health, while also providing guidance on managing money, saving, and understanding basic investments. In addition the curriculum offers trauma-informed education that helps participants understand the impact of family stressors such as child abandonment, postpartum depression, and abuse, while teaching coping strategies and emotional healing. Beyond personal healing, Breathing H.O.P.E encourages participants to build strong families and meaningful futures. The program includes modules on parenting, STEM activities for children’s emotional development, and entrepreneurship, guiding participants through the steps of developing a business ideas, creating a plan, and launching a purpose-driven venture. By combining mental health awareness, life skills, spiritual guidance, and economic empowerment, the program provides a holistic approach to personal transformation and community wellbeing. Contact: Dayanna Crider Location: Stride Homeless Shelter, 70 E. Washington Champaign IL 61820 Phone: 217-516-5797 Schedule: Every Thursday at 1 p.m.
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) (2005 A,L) This 12-step fellowship is for men and women whose common purpose is to recover from codependence and to develop and maintain healthy relationships. Group literature is available. Donations are requested to cover literature and expenses. Contact Person(s): Kathy and Lou Email(s): codakathy1@gmail,com and codalou@gmail.com Location: The Carle Forum, 611 W. Park St. Urbana National Website: coda.org Phone: Kathy for Champaign (217) 979-2847, Lou for Rantoul (217) 898-2847 Schedule: Meets in Champaign Monday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) -Members Only- Friday (2016 A,L) This support group is for persons dealing with mental illness. This group is not open to friends and family of group members. The group provides discussion, information, and support to people with any mental illness. The group also welcomes people who believe they may have these disorders, but who may have not been diagnosed. Email: dbsaurbana@gmail.com Location: Auditorium C, 1st Floor, Presence Covenant Medical Center 1400 W. Park St. Urbana Local Website: dbsalliance.org Phone: (810) 328-3272 Schedule: Meets Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays 7:00-8:00 p.m.
*Write: 401 A CR 2600 N Mahomet, IL 61853
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) -Members, Family and Friends (1990 A,L) This group is for friends and family members who care about someone with any mental illness. This group is also open to those who experience a mental health condition. Call or email for more information. Email: dbsaurbana@gmail.com Local Website: cudbsa.org Location: Auditorium C, 1st Floor Presence Covenant Medical Center, 1400 W. Park St, Urbana National Website: dbsalliance.org Phone: (810) 328-3272 Schedule: Meets Tuesday 7:00-8:00 p.m.
*Write: 401 CR 2600N Mahomet, IL 61853
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)- Members Only- Thursday (2017 A,L) This support group is for persons dealing with mental illness. This group is not open to friends and family of group members. The group provides discussion, information, and support to people with any mental illness. The group also welcomes people who believe they may have these disorders, but who may have not been diagnosed. Email: dbsaurbana@gmail.com Local Website: cudbsa.org Location: Auditorium C, 1st Floor Presence Covenant Medical Center, 1400 W. Park St, Urbana National Website: dbsalliance.org Phone: (810) 328-3272 Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:00-8:00 p.m.
*Write: 401 CR 2600N Mahomet, IL 61853
Emotions Anonymous (Champaign Chapter) (1999 A,L) This 12-step program is for people who have emotions that cause difficulties in their lives. These emotions may be depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness, anger, compulsions, or obsessions. Emotions Anonymous is based on the same program used by Alcoholics Anonymous. Nonsmoking meeting. Email: eamtg2@gmail.com Local Website: eamtg.com Location: Faith United Methodist Church, 1719 S. Prospect, Champaign Phone: (612) 460-0480 Schedule: Meets every Tuesday, 6:40 p.m.
GROW in Illinois – Personal Growth Group (Champaign County) (1978 A,L) This self-help group offers a program for personal growth through small weekly meetings and a voluntary network of members. It provides support and practical help to people, ages 18 and older, to cope with a mental disorder or emotional crisis. A newsletter and group literature are available. Contact Person: Karen Shan Email: karen.shan@growinamerica.org and growil@sbcglobal.net Location: First Presbyterian Church, 302 W Church St, Champaign County National Website: www.growinamerica.org Phone: (217) 352-6989 Schedule: Meets Monday at 11 a.m.
*Write: Champaign County fieldworker, GROW in Illinois P.O. Box 3667 Champaign IL 61826-3667
Young Adult (18-30 years) NAMI Connections Support Group (2022 est.): NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and success of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. This support group is for Young Adults 18-30 years of age, and occurs during the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Fall and Spring Semesters. Contact: NAMI Champaign Warm Line ( answered 3-4 business days) Email: info@namichampaign.org Local Website: namichampaign.org Location: Illini Union, Room 317. 1401 West Green Street in Urbana Illinois National Website: nami.org Phone: (217) 419-5345 Schedule: Spring Semester 2026, 2nd and 4th Friday of the Month. 6:30-8:00pm CST. January 30th May 8th 2026.
*Write: NAMI Champaign County, P.O Box 3552, Champaign IL 61826-3552
Mental Health (General)
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – Champaign County (1982 A,L): NAMI Champaign County provides free educational programs, support groups, classes, community educations programs, and advocate to people who are affected with mental health conditions and their supporters in the East Central IL area, The NAMI Champaign County Warmline is designed to help individuals to connect with, and navigate resources for getting help. Monthly offerings facilitated by trained volunteers for Family Support Groups and Peer Support Groups. Do not hesitate to call is for support and resources. If you are in a crisis, call 988 the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Contact: NAMI Champaign Warm Line (answered 3-4 business days) Email: info@champaign.org Local Website: namichampaign.org Location: Zoom, Please email teklii@namichampaign.org for zoom link before noon on 2nd Monday.
Support Group for Pregnant Mothers and Mothers Raising Infants (2011 A,P) This group is funded by the Beyond Blue grant which comes from the Champaign County Mental Health Board. The program exists as a support to mothers in Champaign County who may be at risk for postpartum and perinatal depression. It is a supportive and confidential space for mothers to share the ups and downs they are experiencing. Groups meet at Crisis Nursery and in rural areas such as Rantoul and Tolono at varying times throughout the year. Child care is available and the groups are always free. Contact Crisis Nursery or check the website for specific dates and times. Call to RSVP. Contact Person: Taylor Wallis Email: twallis@crisisnursery.net Local Website: www.crisisnursery.net Phone: (217) 714-2366 Schedule: Meetings are Tuesdays 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
*Write: Crisis Nursery, 1309 W. Hill St., Urbana IL 61801
Friends and Families of the Mentally Ill
Champaign
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) – Friends and Family (1990 A,L) This group is for friends, family members, and support people who care about someone with any mental illness. The group is not open to people with mental illness unless they are friends or family members also. Call or email for more information. Email: dbsaurbana@gmail.com Local Website: cudbsa.org Location: Room ACR2, Presence Covenant Medical Center National Website: dbsalliance.org Phone: (810) 328-3272 Schedule: Meets Thursday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
*Write: 401 A CR 2600 N Mahomet, IL 61853
Family-to-Family (2013 A,L) This free 8-week course is for family caregivers (parents, relatives, and friends) of individuals with severe mental illness. The classes are structured to help caregivers understand and support individuals with serious mental disorders while maintaining their own well-being. The course is taught by a team of trained NAMI family member volunteers who know what it’s like to have a loved one living with one of these brain illnesses. Meets in person Tues., 6:00-8:30pm Contact Person: Nancy Carter Email: Nancy@NAMIchampaign.org Format: In Person Local Website: namichampaign.org Location: OSF Medical Center, 1400 W Park St, Urbana IL National Website: nami.org Phone: (217) 840-7026 (leave message please) Schedule: Meets Tuesdays 6:00-8:30 p.m.
*Write: NAMI Champaign County P.O. Box 3552, Champaign IL 61826-3552
NAMI Family Support (2013, A/L) This group is for any family member, friend, or loved one of an adult person with severe mental illness. This group is for adults only and is facilitated by experienced family members. Join us as we learn how to understand and support our loved ones with mental illness. Discover friends who care and understand, and share ideas that can help you better take care of yourself and your family. Learn about community services and how to find them. We listen while you share your experiences and get much needed support. Contact: Nancy Carter Email: nancy@namichampaign.org Local Website: namichampaign.org Location: OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center Auditorium A, 1400 W Park Urbana IL 61801. Enter through Emergency Room Entrance National Website: nami.org Phone: (217) 419-5345 Schedule: Meets 2nd Thursday, 6:30-8:00p.m.
*Write: NAMI Champaign County P.O. Box 1514 Champaign IL 61824
Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group (Champaign) (1999 F,P) The purpose of this group is to come together to share our unique, yet common, experience as people who have a common story of losing a friend or loved one to death by suicide. Facilitators are trained by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and attendance is ongoing for as long as is helpful. There is no fee, however, an initial orientation interview is required before joining. Contact Person: Diane Fall Email: survivorsofsuicideloss.cu@gmail.com Location: Online via Zoom, a zoom link will be sent by email after the initial interview Schedule: Meets 2nd Monday of each month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. (Currently, this group meets online, with occasional in person social gatherings. A zoom link will be sent by email after the initial interview).
Douglas
NAMI Families and Caregivers – Tuscola (2014 A,L) This support group is for family, friends, and concerned others of persons living with a mental illness. The group is led by NAMI trained facilitators who are experienced caregivers. Solve problems, share experiences, and learn from others who have been there. The group has over 30 years of experience in dealing with issues surrounding the care of a loved one with mental illness living in the community. Contact Person(s): Diane Zell and Donna Mayer Email: info@namichampaign.org Local Website: namichampaign.org Location: Tuscola United Methodist Church 901 N. Prairie, Tuscola IL National Website: nami.org Phone: Diane-(217) 253-2413, Donna-(217) 234-7616 or NAMI Champaign (217) 419-5345 Schedule: Meets 4th Thursday, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
*Write: NAMI Champaign County P.O. Box 3552 Champaign IL 61826-3552
Peoria
Survivors of Suicide Grief Support Group (Peoria) (1989 A,P/L) This group provides support to anyone who is grieving over a death by suicide. It does not provide support for those who have attempted suicide. The group is not for children or adolescents. Group literature is available. Contact Person: Rev. Eimo Hinrichs Email: eimopat@aol.com Phone: (309) 697-3342
*Write: Rev. Eimo Hinrichs, 5032 W. Burns Ave., Bartonville, IL 61607
A: Affiliated with a state, national or international group
F: Freestanding group
L: Lay run/organized group
P/L: Professional and lay persons share facilitation/organizational roles in group
P: Professional facilitates and/or organizes group meetings