Phobies-Zéro

Phobies-Zéro is a Canadian nonprofit community organization dedicated to supporting individuals who suffer from anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Founded as a result of community mobilization, the organization aims to facilitate recovery and provide support not only to affected individuals but also to their families and loved ones. Since 2005, Phobies-Zéro has been recognized as a national organization by the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services.

The organization primarily serves individuals aged 14 and older and operates predominantly in the province of Quebec, with services provided in French. Its mission centers around offering accessible support through peer-led self-help groups and community programs designed to aid in the management and recovery from anxiety-related disorders.

Services and Programs

Phobies-Zéro offers various formats of support groups tailored to the needs of its members:

• In-Person Support Groups: These groups are available across 14 regions in Quebec, providing local, face-to-face peer support.
• Virtual Support Groups: Open to individuals aged 14 and up, these online groups meet three times weekly to offer flexible access to mutual aid regardless of geographical location.
• Membership and Access: Membership costs $20, which includes access to all in-person and virtual groups as well as conferences. Multiple membership packages are available to accommodate different needs, with weekly fees as low as $2.50 for access to the full range of groups and services.

These groups are oriented towards recovery and mutual aid, involving clinically informed approaches and emphasizing emotional engagement and support. Notably, groups address a spectrum of anxiety disorders with a focus on empowering participants through shared experiences and professional guidance.

Recognition and Impact

Phobies-Zéro's designation as a national organization by Quebec's Ministry of Health and Social Services underscores its established role in mental health support within the community. The organization contributes to improving access to care and reducing the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders by fostering supportive environments for peer connection and recovery.

Community and Professional Collaboration

The organization collaborates with clinicians and mental health professionals, including psychologists, to enhance the effectiveness of its peer support groups. This integration helps align community-based recovery efforts with clinical best practices, providing members with comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

Phobies-Zéro exemplifies a community-driven approach to mental health support, championing the role of peer support in managing anxiety disorders and advocating for the well-being of individuals and families affected across Quebec.