Christian Mental Health Support Group Leader Training
Facilitating at your church or local coffee shop, your simple guide to start a life-changing community anywhere, anytime.
Mental Health Grace Alliance Training (Grace Academy)
Grace Alliance provides free online Christian mental health ministry training that equips churches, ministries, schools, community leaders, coaches, and professionals to start Christ-centered mental health (discipleship) support groups. The training combines evidence-informed mental health principles with biblical discipleship and includes ongoing leader support, workbooks, and implementation resources.
Cost-Free + Online Training (50 min)
For Churches + ministries + advocates + coaches, + professionals
Ongoing Support from Grace Alliance + Grace Group Network
Training available in English + Spanish
What You'll Learn in Grace Alliance’s Training (Grace Academy)
How to facilitate a safe and supportive group
How to lead discussions using Grace Alliance workbooks
How to respond appropriately to mental health concerns
How to create a sustainable ministry or community group
How to connect faith and evidence-informed mental health principles
How to support participants while encouraging professional care when needed
How Grace Alliance Training Works (Grace Academy)
Complete free online training.
Access workbooks and leader resources.
Start a group in your church or community.
Join the Grace Alliance leader network.
Receive ongoing support and training.
Join thousands who have started Grace & Thrive Groups and are utilizing Mental Health Grace Alliance resources:
Churches
Para-Church Ministries
Community Centers & Clubs
Group Homes
Schools & Universities
Mental Health Coaching
Professional Practices
Independent — One-on-One, Friend Groups
“I’ve run a continuous Living Grace group for 8 years now ... So many hurting people have been healed by God through this ... God is so good!”
“We are so excited about these resources! We have a residential home for girls … and will be using the workbooks in our group and individual therapy sessions. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing with and giving to the Body of Christ in this way!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Leading Mental Health Grace Alliance Groups
Who can lead a Grace Group?
Anyone with a deep interest in mental health ministry and who is willing to learn facilitation skills and follow the Grace Alliance model. Professional mental health credentials are not required — Grace and Thrive Groups are peer-led experiences.
Are Grace Groups therapy?
No. Grace Groups are peer-led support groups that complement professional mental health care and treatment — they do not replace them. Because of the group’s success and effectiveness, many professionals refer and/or use the resources to help support their clients.
How long is the training?
The online training takes approximately 50 minutes and can be completed at your own pace. Supplemental support videos can also be utilized for extra training (at your own pace).
Can I start a group outside a church?
Yes. Groups are used in churches, schools, community centers, coaching practices, group homes, and informal community settings.
Do I need a counseling degree?
No. Grace Alliance trains leaders to facilitate groups rather than provide clinical therapy.
Free ($150 value) + no surprise paywalls
Grace Alliance is donor-funded, so all materials and trainings are free.— we invite you to join the mission.
Fill out the form and then click “Access the training” to start the online video training and all the additional educational and support videos!
We respect your privacy. Because our Grace Group leader training and resources are free, this helps our Grace Alliance team, board, and donor partners see how we are reaching people worldwide.