FAQ
How many times a month does DBSA Seattle meet?
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, except in November (as Thanksgiving is on the 4th Thursday of November) and occasionally December (as Christmas sometimes conflicts with our schedule too).
Where does DBSA Seattle meet?
Our two locations are as follows:
2nd Thursday: 7-9 PM at the Harborview Research and Training building, (across from Harborview Hospital) at the corner of 9th Ave. and Alder St. (300 9th Ave) in one of the first floor rooms, usually 121. 206-731-3000 and map with directions
Here’s link to Google Transit Beta for bus or driving info (here).
4th Thursday (except November): 7-9 PM at UW Medical Center Cafeteria (Floor One: Plaza Cafe), 1959 NE Pacific Street, Phone: 206-598-3300 and map with directions to medical Center, and at bottom of page link to map of floor one.
Use Google Transit Beta to get bus or driving info to front of UW hospital here.
Do I have to register to attend a meeting?
There is no registration required. Simply show up at the meeting place and join in.
Is there a cost to attend?
All DBSA meetings are free. While there is a request for a small donation for operating fees, donations are completely voluntary.
What happens at a meeting?
A meeting starts with voluntary introductions of the attendees. After that, the meeting is open to the topics the group wants to discuss. The meetings try to address everyone’s concerns.
How many people attend at a given meeting?
DBSA meetings vary from roughly 4 – 25 people on average. It “just depends”.
Will I have to participate or can I just observe?
Talking is always optional at meetings so there is no pressure to participate if an attendee wants to just observe.
Are friends and family welcome?
DBSA meetings encourage friends and family members to attend. They can attend with the person who has depression or bipolar disorders or by themselves. (Medical or Nursing students wishing to attend will only be allowed to with the consent of those in attendance. Please introduce yourself to the meeting facilitator before the meeting starts.)
Can I get medical advice at these meetings?
DBSA Greater Seattle, it’s officers, facilitators… and even those to show up at the meetings… are only able to offer support from our personal experience, we are not qualified to offer medical advice… for that you should consult a qualified medical professional. What’s worked well for one person has produced significant side effects for another, and visa versa.
Are there other types of meetings in the Puget Sound area?
Yes. The National Advocate for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) and other organizations provide support meetings for depression and bipolar disorder as well as meetings for family and friends. They also maintain a comprehensive list of meetings going on in the area. For more information, contact them at 206 783-9264 or www.nami-greaterseattle.org
