You don't have to do this alone.

Free peer support groups led by trained facilitators with lived experience. For people coping with suicidal thoughts, their own recovery, or a loved one who is struggling.

Free | Confidential | Led by people with lived experience | In person and virtual | We never turn anyone away

Need help finding the right place to start? We’ll guide you.

Alternatives to Suicide.

A peer-led space for people who have lived with suicidal thoughts, where the conversation is honest and the goal is connection.

SMART Recovery

A science-based, self-empowering recovery group for substance use. Tools, skills, and peer support.

SMART Teens

A free weekly group for teens ages 16 to 18 who want to change a habit or cope with what is hard.

SMART Friends & Family

For loved ones of someone in active use or in recovery. Practical skills and shared experience.

Alzheimer's Caregivers

A space for caregivers of loved ones living with Alzheimer's or related dementia. Honest conversation, lived experience, and practical support.

CT Support Group project

A statewide peer support clearinghouse for young people in Connecticut. Free one-to-one peer support from trained peer supporters

CT Support Group project

Peer support, by and for young people in CT.

CT Support Group is a clearinghouse of peer support options for young people across Connecticut. If you are a teen or young adult, you can connect with a trained peer supporter for one-to-one support, free of charge. No diagnosis required. No long forms.

A peer supporter is a real person who has been through it, here to listen, share, and help you figure out what comes next. Peer support stands on its own, and you can take part whether or not you are in counseling.

Testimonials

Caring staff. Skilled support. Positive change.

People come to Positive Directions as a trusted partner, whether for one-on one support or community-level change. We meet you with respect, skill, and support, and help build the approaches and tools that make things better.

“Quinn has supported me through ups and downs… Having Quinn as a mentor and peer supporter has been an awesome experience, as they have been there to talk with me and have offered insight and guidance when I needed it. I think every teenager/young adult should be able to have someone like that.”

“Positive Directions is a tremendous resource for our communities. The work
done by this agency in all aspects of mental health and well-being is
exceptional!”

“What a great addition [your peer substance counselor] has been to our community. She has connected with many students that seek her out every Friday and has already made an impact on their decision making and coping skills.”

“HUGE shoutout to Quinn who miraculously managed to bring E. out of their shell a bit and into a peer support relationship…. E. seems encouraged and hopeful, which has been rare these days!!!”

How groups work.

Find a group that fits

Each group meets on its own schedule. Some are weekly, some are monthly. Most do not require registration.

Show up

Walk in or log in. You are not expected to share. You can listen as long as you need to.

Stay as long as it is helpful

There is no waiting list and no end date. Come for one session or come for years.

Need a different kind of support?

Counseling, medication management, and prevention programs are all part of what we do.