Minnesota Community Circle
Minnesota Community Circle is a collaborative committed to saturating Minnesota with free virtual emotional support. Through free, trauma-informed listening circles and community-based care, we offer accessible spaces for connection, reflection, and emotional support during times of crisis.
Our MissionListening Circles
Minnesota Community Circle listening circles are designed to provide a structured, trauma-informed space for participants to share experiences, be witnessed, and connect with others during times of stress or crisis. The scope of these circles is limited to emotional support, reflection, and community connection.
Participants are encouraged to seek individual support from qualified local professionals or emergency services as needed. Resources for additional support will be shared at the conclusion of each circle.
What We DoListening circles do not include:
Therapy, counseling, or clinical mental health treatment
Diagnosis, assessment, or treatment planning
Crisis intervention, emergency services, or risk assessment
Medical, legal, or professional advice
Disclaimer
Listening Circles are facilitated by individuals offering trauma-informed support and structured space for sharing. These circles are not therapy and do not establish a clinical or therapeutic relationship.
Listening Circles
What to Expect
Virtual listening circles are offered in recognition of the collective and cumulative trauma many people across Minnesota have experienced in recent years. They are designed to provide a steady, compassionate space for connection, reflection, and support during ongoing stress and uncertainty.
At the beginning of each circle, clear community guidelines are read aloud to support emotional safety, respect, and consent. Participants are given a set amount of time to share, ensuring that everyone who needs to be heard has the opportunity to be witnessed. You are always welcome to pass, listen quietly, or simply be present.
Circles are gently facilitated by trained providers who prioritize trauma-informed principles, including choice, pacing, and non-judgment. There is no cross-talk, advice-giving, or fixing—only attentive listening and acknowledgment. There are co-facilitators to ensure safety of the group at all times, manage the chat, and remove folks who are in the groups to cause disruption in any way.
These listening circles are not therapy or crisis services. They are a supportive, confidential space intended to reduce isolation, foster regulation, and remind participants that they are not alone. At the conclusion of each circle, local resources are shared, including information about how to connect with Minnesota behavioral health providers who are currently accepting referrals for individual therapy.
Select a Listening Circle
Groups listed are accepting new members. Pre-register for the group you are interested in joining, and a Provider will reach out to you to complete pre-screening and provide additional details.
Available groups are updated frequently.
Last update 2/9/26
Mindfulness & Action Circle
This support group offers adult Minnesotans a space to reflect, grieve, and rejuvenate while practicing mindful awareness. The goal is to empower members to translate this awareness into meaningful community action.
Starts: Feb 9th
5 pm CST
Note: This is not a spiritual or religious group and this group is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Center for Action and Contemplation in any way.
The Neighborhood
For targets and allies living in ANY MN neighborhood affected by the presence of ICE in their community.
Starts: Feb 10th
6 pm CST
Queer Lunch Listening
Listening Circle for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Starts: Feb 13th
12 pm CST
The Grounding Art Circle
The Grounding Art Circle is a gentle, community-based art gathering offering space to slow down, ground the nervous system, and connect through simple creative practice.
No art experience is needed. Participation is optional, and all activities are invitations.
Starts: Feb 12th
11:30 am CST
Medical Providers Circle
This is a support group for anyone living in Minnesota & working in the medical profession, including, but not limited to:
Doctors
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants
Nurses
Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers
Starts: Feb 15th
4pm CST
Parents and Caregivers
Listening Circles for parents and caregivers with children ages 5–18, includes:
Biological parents
Foster/adoptive parents
Grandparents or kinship caregivers
Guardians
Starts: Feb 18th
7:45pm CST
Beyond the Binary Circle
Beyond the binary is a listening group for Minnesotan adult people who live outside the gender norms. It’s a place to be heard, sit with others who get it, and to exist without having to explain yourself. You can talk, you can listen, you can simply be present. This is not a therapy group, it’s a space to share your experiences and current climate in a shared community space.
Starts: Feb 18th
11 am CST
Saturday Share
Listening Circle for any adult (aged 18+) who feels overwhelmed, grief-stricken, confused, frustrated, etc., about what is happening in their neighborhoods. This is a safe space for anyone in the general population to have their personal experiences feel seen, heard & validated.
Starts: Feb 21st
10 am CST
Helpers and Caretakers
This will be a safe space for helpers and caretakers to attend and share what is wanted (if anything), and the group will offer a space for connections to be made in efforts to provide validation, support, and appreciation to one another. This group will provide a space for those who are enduring traumatic events while also holding and balancing the needs of others.
Starts: Feb 26th
11 am CST
Disability Caregivers Support
This group is for anyone living in MN who is a caregiver for a child or adult with a disability.
Starts: March 3rd
6 pm CST
If you are a school or community-based organization that would like to provide a Listening Circle directly for your community, complete our interest form.
Request Assistance for Your Community
Immediate Crisis Support
Immediate Crisis Support (24/7)
911 for Immediate Danger – If someone is in immediate danger to themselves or others, calling 911 is appropriate and lifesaving.
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor by text message. Available 24/7 and can be less intimidating than voice calls.
Minnesota Crisis Line (“CRISIS”) – Call CRISIS (274747) from anywhere in Minnesota to reach a local crisis team near you.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Text or Call 988) https://988lifeline.org/
COPE – Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies
Health intervention for adults and children experiencing an emotional crisis that threatens personal safety.
Phone
612-596-1223 (24/7)
Services include
Crisis support by phone
Admission to crisis shelters
Eligibility
The individual must be in Hennepin County at the time of the crisis.
Crisis intervention
(outside of the Twin Cities)
Anoka: 763-755-3801
Carver/Scott: 952-442-7601
Dakota: 952-891-7171
Washington: 651-275-7400
For additional locations, view the
Mental Health Crisis Contact Numbers
Hennepin County Acute Psychiatric Services
Phone: 612-873-3161
Services for adults, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week: assessment and possible hospitalization for psychiatric emergencies. Emergency entrance at Hennepin County Medical Center, 8th and Chicago Ave., Minneapolis.
Ramsey County Adult Mental Health Urgent Care
Phone: 651-266-7900
The Adult Mental Health unit provides 24-hour phone, mobile outreach and limited walk-in for assess and services for psychiatric emergencies. Can refer to mobile crisis services in surrounding counties.
Regions Hospital Crisis Program
Phone: 651-254-1000
24 hours a day, 7 days a week: assessment for psychiatric emergencies and possible hospitalization. Main hospital/Emergency entrance is at 640 Jackson St. in St. Paul.
Community Specific Helplines
The Trevor Project
Support for LGBTQ+ young people
866-488-7386 (phone/text)
211 – United Way
A free statewide information line that can connect you to local health, social, and crisis services and offer interpretation in multiple languages. Call 800-543-7709 or text your zip code to 898-211*
Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline
For agricultural communities
833-600-2670 (text “FARMSTRESS” to 898211)
Individual Therapy Resources
Walk In Counseling Center
In-Person
2421 Chicago Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Virtual Options
By Phone: 1-312-626-6799
When prompted, enter Meeting ID: 458-270-804
By Computer:
https://zoom.us/j/458270804
https://walkin.org
Roots Wellness Center
Address
1916 University Ave W
St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone
612-289-5656
Are you a Minnesota Behavioral Health Provider?
We are seeking providers who:
Want to receive referrals for individual therapy.
Are willing to complete a brief, free screening process.
Value inclusive, diverse representation so all communities feel supported.
Spread the Word
Be the link that connects a neighbor to the support they need. By printing and sharing our flyer, you’re reaching those who might be isolated, shut-in, or disconnected from community. The flyer features a simple QR code that opens up information on our free virtual Listening Circles, registration, and local resources.
How can you help? Post a copy at your local library, leave a few at a clinic, or hand-deliver one to a neighbor. Your small act of sharing can have a lasting impact.
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