Veterans find community and relief through peer-led psychosis support groups

This study tested whether virtual peer support groups, co-led by a mental health clinician and a trained peer specialist, could help veterans with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia or bipolar with psychosis) feel more socially connected and less distressed. Twenty-eight veterans took part in online group sessions that focused on normalizing experiences like hearing voices or feeling isolated. The goal was to reduce self-stigma and improve daily functioning, not to cure the condition.