Self-help and support
Best Support Groups in San Antonio
Support groups in San Antonio for mental health, loss, addiction, abuse and military life, and where to find each one's current meeting times.
A support group puts you in a room, or on a screen, with people who understand what you are going through because they have been through it too. For many people that is a relief in itself.
Most of the groups here are peer-led. Peer groups are not therapy, and they are not meant to be. They work well alongside therapy, or while you wait for it. A few, such as the Rape Crisis Center's groups, are counseling groups. Meeting times change often, so we link to where each group posts its current schedule rather than listing times here.
1. NAMI Greater San Antonio — NAMI Connection and Family Support Group
Free · adults with mental health conditions, and their family and caregivers
NAMI Connection is a peer-led recovery support group for adults 18 and over living with a mental health condition. The Family Support Group is for adult loved ones and caregivers. Both follow a structured format and run 60 to 90 minutes.
The site lists Connection as virtual and the Family Support Group as in person, with frequency varying by location. Use the Find Upcoming Sessions button on each group's page for current sessions.
- Office: 210-734-3349.
2. DBSA San Antonio Chapter
Free · people living with depression or bipolar disorder
The local chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. DBSA's listing says the chapter offers both in-person and online peer support groups. DBSA also runs online groups open to peers nationwide.
Check DBSA's chapter listing for current meeting details and contact information.
3. Alcoholics Anonymous — San Antonio Central Service Office
Free · anyone with a desire to stop drinking · 24-hour hotline (210) 828-6235
The central directory for AA meetings in San Antonio, in person and online. There are no dues or fees for AA membership. You can filter the meeting list for in-person or online meetings.
- Spanish-language 24-hour hotline: (210) 409-8524.
4. San Antonio Al-Anon Information Service (Al-Anon and Alateen)
Free · families and friends of someone with a drinking problem; Alateen for ages 13 to 19
Al-Anon meetings are for relatives and friends affected by someone else's drinking, and Alateen is for teens. There are no dues for membership.
The meeting list on the site is a downloadable PDF. Check its date and look for the most current version before you go.
5. SMART Recovery
Free · adults working on addictive behaviors; meetings for family and friends too
Science-based mutual support meetings for problems with substances or activities, led by trained volunteers. SMART Recovery says its meetings are free. Its meeting finder lists online and in-person meetings near San Antonio.
6. SOLOS (Survivors of Loved Ones' Suicide)
Free · adults who have lost someone to suicide · in person
A peer-led, non-denominational support group for people who have lost a loved one, friend or associate to suicide. It has met since 1987 and gathers in person twice a month at The Ecumenical Center, 8310 Ewing Halsell Drive. Its site says it does not cost anything to attend, and there are no meetings on federal holidays.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide yourself, call or text 988.
7. The Ecumenical Center — Life After Loss
Free · adults whose loved one died at least six months ago · 210.616.0885
A free six-week grief support program. It runs in cycles, and the Center hosts other support groups as well. Check the Center's support group page for the next start date.
8. Rape Crisis Center — Support Groups
Free · survivors of sexual violence and their supporters · 24-hour hotline (210) 349-7273
Eight specialized support groups, each running eight weeks, led as counseling groups. Two are also open to partners, family and friends of survivors. Each group starts with a confidential screening.
For privacy, schedules and locations are not posted online. The Center shares them when you reach out.
9. Family Violence Prevention Services — Survivor Support Groups
Ask about cost · adult survivors of domestic abuse · programs 210-930-3669
A Women's Support Group and Becoming S.A.F.E., a 15-hour psychoeducational group, alongside individual counseling. Offered in English and Spanish.
The site does not state a fee for the groups, so ask when you call. Its 24-hour crisis hotline is (210) 733-8810.
10. Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) — San Antonio
Free · veterans, service members and family members · (210) 685-8716
Free, confidential peer support groups, social events and "Battle Buddy" peer pairing, delivered locally through The Center for Health Care Services. The page does not list group times, so call the coordinator line to find the next one.
What to expect at a first meeting
- You can usually just listen. Most groups do not expect you to speak until you want to.
- Many groups ask members to keep what is shared private. Ask how a group handles confidentiality if it matters to you.
- Try more than one meeting, or more than one group. Groups differ, and the first one is not always the right fit.
When a group is not enough
A support group can ease isolation, but it is not a substitute for treatment if symptoms such as flashbacks, panic or low mood are getting in the way of daily life. If that sounds familiar, trauma therapy is one option to consider. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Questions people ask
Are support groups in San Antonio free?
Is a support group the same as group therapy?
Is there a support group for people who have lost someone to suicide?
Sources
- NAMI Greater San Antonio — NAMI Connection
- NAMI Greater San Antonio — Family Support Group
- DBSA — Find a support group (Texas)
- DBSA — Chapter online support groups
- AA San Antonio Central Service Office
- San Antonio Al-Anon Information Service
- SMART Recovery — Meeting finder (San Antonio)
- SOLOS — About
- SOLOS — FAQs
- The Ecumenical Center — Support groups
- Rape Crisis Center — Support groups
- Family Violence Prevention Services — Counseling services
- CHCS — Veterans services and MVPN
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Written and clinically reviewed by Jim Denning, MA, LPC. Last reviewed 23 September 2026.
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