About
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a national mental health nonprofit headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, that focuses solely on depression and bipolar disorder. DBSA describes itself as the leading national organization focusing on mood disorders — conditions it notes affect over 21 million Americans, account for over 50% of the nation's suicides every year, and cost $23 billion in lost workdays and other workplace losses. Its 2025 annual report, titled Helping Peers for 40 Years, marks four decades of the organization's peer support work.
Mission
DBSA provides hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people who have mood disorders. The organization is wellness-centered: it informs, empowers, supports, and inspires individuals to achieve the lives they want to lead, and it is nationally recognized for its peer support specialist training and mental health advocacy.
What they do
- Run peer-led support groups, both in person and online, including groups for teens, young adults, and specific cultural and identity communities — about 450 support groups across the country.
- Train peer support specialists through the DBSA Peer Specialist Training Course.
- Publish educational materials on depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, including podcasts, videos, webinars, and brochures.
- Offer the DBSA Wellness Toolbox, with wellness trackers and goal-setting courses.
- Provide crisis preparation and suicide prevention resources.
- Support friends, family members, and parents of people living with mood disorders, and advocate on issues such as mental health parity and access to medication.
Scale and impact
DBSA reports that it reaches millions of people annually through its resources and support, with a network of chapters and roughly 450 support groups nationwide, alongside a national online support group program and a mental health screening center.
Financials
According to Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (fiscal year ending December 2025), the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (EIN 36-3379124) reported total revenue of $2,720,212, expenses of $3,264,268, and net assets of $2,955,091. Contributions made up about 90.6% of revenue. The IRS issued the organization's current tax exemption in June 2004.
Governance
DBSA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a Board of Directors, supported by a Scientific Advisory Board, an Associate Board, and an Honorary Advisory Board. Michael Pollock served as Chief Executive Officer through December 31, 2025, per the most recent Form 990. The organization is based at 500 W Madison St, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60661.