re:MIND Mission & History

Mission

re:MIND provides free and confidential support groups for individuals living with, or family and friends affected by, depression and bipolar disorders.

History

In response to a critical need expressed by individuals living with depression and bipolar disorders, a group of dedicated individuals formed the Depressive Manic Disorder Association (DMDA) Greater Houston in 1979.

The Houston chapter joined the national organization as an affiliate in 1989. During the first 20 years of the organization’s existence, volunteers took leadership positions to create DMDA Greater Houston’s first board of directors.

In 2003, DMDA Greater Houston changed its name to Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Greater Houston (DBSA). Led by Gary Levering, a dedicated and enthusiastic participant, DBSA formed its own 501(c)(3) corporation. Mr. Levering utilized his personal experience and strong community connections to recruit and build the initial DBSA board of directors, and the Board is still strong and active today.

In 2017, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Greater Houston (DBSA) changed its name to re:MIND to better align with its:

• Organizational maturity having grown from being an all-volunteer grassroots start-up to an established non-profit organization
• Geographic footprint that has expanded beyond the Greater Houston area
• Product that has evolved into a high-quality mental health service supervised by licensed mental health professionals and administered by a professional staff

re:MIND free support groups help individuals, family members and friends understand these two difficult, yet treatable, mental disorders. In addition, re:MIND works to educate the public about depression and bipolar disorders, confront social stigma and advocate for the rights of people living with mental disorders.

Our free support groups are led by licensed mental health professionals and co-facilitated by trained volunteers. Our groups provide a compassionate environment consisting of peers who accept and understand each other. This sense of community and empathy gives participants encouragement to live more meaningful and healthy lives. 

Thanks to contributions from individuals and foundations, re:MIND is able to provide free support groups to individuals living with depression and bipolar disorders, as well as loved ones who are helping with their journey of wellness.

In 2006, the National Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance selected then DBSA Greater Houston for the Chapter Service Award due to outstanding growth in its number of support groups, development plan, community outreach activities, and implementation of improved program structure. Only three affiliate chapters out of roughly 450 in the nation are recognized for this honor annually.  re:MIND remains an affiliate of the National Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.