Online Support Groups
Known by the acronym BARN, this local nonprofit supports individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol use, and also includes support for those recovering from mental health disorders, trauma history, and for caretakers. Here you can find links for virtual NA and AA meetings; Maine based and world-wide. They also provide links for virtual codependency anonymous, al-anon family groups, overeaters anonymous, Celebrate Recovery meetings, and SMART recovery meetings. Additionally, BARN provides personal recovery coaches free of charge and list recovery housing options, four located in Bangor – learn more here (I will hyperlink their website).
MaineTransNet has a variety of support groups, ranging from more general trans only and LGBTQ+ only groups, to more specific groups for minors or those 35+, for queer/trans people of color, or for nonbinary members of the trans community.
Their website reads: “Our mission is to support and empower transgender people to create a world where they can thrive. MaineTransNet is a community based organization led by transgender people for transgender people. We provide peer-to-peer support groups, social and community events, advocacy for the transgender community across Maine, and transgender cultural competency training for medical, mental health, and social service providers. We engage transgender people and our allies across Maine in the practice of community building and organizing for mutual liberation. Our work is rooted in a deep desire to care for one another, which leads us to focus our efforts on building systems of mutual support on a bedrock of accessibility, inclusivity, and hospitality. We view structures of power and oppression as interlocking, and believe in finding our leadership from among those people who experience this as a reality in their daily lives.”
Currently offering virtual mom & baby groups every Monday, free of charge until April 12th with pre registration being recommended. Calling on folks seeking a judgement-free and compassionate space to discuss new and approaching parenthood and to share advice. Also offering a diverse range of reproductive services from full-time professionals. Membership is not required, but through it, price of services can be significantly reduced. Currently offering two regular workshops, being Comfort Measures for Birth – the first Sunday of every month, and the Mom & Baby group.
Note: They are self-proclaimed as inclusionary of female-presenting parents, although folks in search of more specific LGBTQ+ parenting advice can also access a Queer Parents Support group via the site Support Group Central under the ‘Parenting’ or ‘LGBTQIA’ links.
A world-wide website offering free virtual small-group meetings led by trained facilitators. It’s as easy as picking your topic(from an impressive range of specific afflictions), registering, and participating. It’s confidential and incredibly convenient. Small group settings enable participants to talk to each other and access applicable learning materials provided by the instructor. A few examples of types of groups available are; addiction recovery, bipolar disorder, COVID-19, depression, eating disorders, LGBTQIA, parenting, postpartum, PTSD, stress and anxiety, and many more.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this website which mainly offers therapy sessions, now offers additional resources – many completely free of charge! Their focus for pandemic health is on everyday well-being through virtual activity and socialization. They link a few classes for staying active; a daily livestream HIIT class, free of charge; and a daily yoga livestream, asking $10 or a ‘Pay What You Can’ price. For staying mindful, they offer two free live streams; a thrice daily guided meditation and a daily mindfulness practice. They offer groups for staying engaged despite social distancing, including a free group with book readings and author talks, as well as virtual classes and events from 92Y, and live concerts. There are free support groups linked through a variety of mediums, one being a peer texting support app. What we have listed here isn’t even the half of it – check out this diverse range of resources for cultivating your ongoing healing journey today!