General information for adults. Not medical or psychotherapeutic advice; not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment.
What is peer support?
People with a similar concern or shared condition come together voluntarily. Exchange and mutual support are central. Groups organise themselves in different ways. [1]
How does it differ from therapy?
An independent peer group is not automatically led by a professional therapist. Other people’s experiences can offer perspective without replacing individual medical decisions. [1]
How can someone find a group?
In Germany, NAKOS provides information and routes to local peer-support contact centres. Relatives can look for suitable groups too. These search routes are not endorsements of an individual group. [1]
What could you check beforehand?
Who is it for? Is it open to new members? Are there fees? How is confidentiality approached? Are there commercial interests or product advertising? These questions can support your choice.
What about online groups?
Consider what personal information you want to share. Check moderation and privacy arrangements. A group or forum is not a reliable substitute for an available crisis service.
READ FURTHER & CHECK THE SOURCES
Sources and context
How should I interpret these sources?
Source notes identify the provider, their use in this article and known limitations. The source-comparison date below is not the original publication date. No update date is assumed where none is available. General findings cannot automatically be applied to an individual; independent medical review of this draft is pending.
- NAKOS: Finding and starting peer support groups (German-language source) ↗
Provider / domain: www.nakos.de
National peer-support organisation; information on groups and contact centres in Germany. Accessed: 29 October 2026.
Research and source comparison: 29 October 2026. Prepared with AI assistance. Editorial responsibility: Mario V.W.B.R. Obst. Independent medical expert review is pending. Independent medical expert review has not taken place.