Become a National Online Support Group Facilitator
Expand Your Impact. Support Peers Nationwide.
For years, DBSA facilitators and chapter leaders have helped create safe, supportive spaces where people living with mood disorders can connect through shared lived experience.
Now, we are inviting experienced peer leaders to bring that same support to our National Online Support Group program on ShareWell.
As a volunteer facilitator, you will help create welcoming virtual communities, encourage meaningful discussion, and support participants seeking connection, hope, and understanding from peers who “get it.” Facilitators guide conversations, uphold support group guidelines, and help participants connect with appropriate DBSA resources when needed.
Whether you are currently facilitating a support group, leading a chapter, have previous facilitation experience or are seeking to become a new facilitator, this is an opportunity to expand your impact beyond your local community and help strengthen peer support nationwide.
What Do National Facilitators Do?
National Support Group Facilitators:
- Welcome participants and establish a supportive environment
- Encourage discussion and participant engagement
- Foster connection through shared lived experience
- Help maintain a safe and respectful space by following support group guidelines
- Share DBSA resources when appropriate
- Collaborate with fellow facilitators and DBSA staff
- Facilitate meetings during agreed-upon times on ShareWell
- Ensure groups that you need to miss are covered
Facilitators provide peer support, not therapy, and are not expected to have all the answers. Rather, they create an environment where participants can learn from and support one another.
Why Volunteer?
Expand Your Reach
Support individuals from across the country, including people who may not have access to a local DBSA support group.
Join a National Network of Peer Leaders
Connect and collaborate with experienced facilitators from chapters and support groups nationwide. Volunteers will also have opportunities to engage with other volunteers.
Continue Growing as a Facilitator
Build skills in virtual facilitation, online community engagement, leadership, and peer support.
Help Shape the Future of Peer Support
Contribute to the growth and development of DBSA’s national online support group program.
Receive Training and Ongoing Support
DBSA provides facilitator training, resources, and staff support to help volunteers succeed.
Volunteer Recognition
Be recognized as part of a national community of volunteer peer leaders making a difference every day.
Peer Certification Opportunities
For peers pursuing a state peer support credential, DBSA may be able to verify volunteer service hours toward certification or recertification requirements, depending on state guidelines and credentialing requirements.
Ideal Candidates
We’re seeking individuals who:
- Identify as peers living with a mood disorder and are currently in wellness
- Have experience facilitating or a desire to facilitate support groups, leading chapters, or supporting peer communities
- Are comfortable guiding conversations and enforcing support group guidelines
- Demonstrate empathy and strong communication skills
- Understand the value of sharing from lived experience
- Are interested in helping grow national peer support opportunities
- Are willing to complete required facilitator training if they have not already done so
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a mental health professional?
No. DBSA facilitators are peers who draw upon their own lived experience. Facilitators provide support and connection, not clinical advice or therapy.
Can I volunteer if I already facilitate a local support group?
Absolutely. We welcome current and former chapter leaders and support group facilitators who want to expand their impact nationally.
How much time is required?
Time commitments vary based on group assignments and scheduling needs. Volunteers should anticipate 4-10 hours a month for the position, depending on the number of groups you decide to facilitate. This includes attendance at group supervision and staff check-ins. Additional details will be provided during the application and onboarding process.
Will training be provided?
Yes. All facilitators complete required training prior to running a group and receive ongoing support from DBSA staff.
Can volunteer hours count toward peer certification requirements?
Potentially. Depending on your state’s requirements, DBSA may be able to provide documentation verifying volunteer service hours. Eligibility varies by state and credentialing body.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Your lived experience, leadership, and facilitation skills can help expand access to peer support for people across the country.
Join DBSA’s National Online Support Group Facilitator Team and help create meaningful spaces for connection, hope, and wellness.
Questions? Contact community@dbsalliance.org for additional information.
