Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Oaks, peer support, and how it fits alongside counseling and church life.
What people ask us most
If your question is not answered here, start the support intake or contact us directly.
Is Oaks a counseling practice?
No. Oaks equips local churches with peer support structures, training, and coaching. We do not provide licensed clinical counseling, and we do not diagnose, assess, or treat mental illness. We complement clinical counseling by filling the gap between the counseling room and everyday life in community.
How do I find a church near me?
Visit our Find Support page to browse partner churches and support groups. You can also start the support intake, choose your church, and complete the questionnaire for the group that fits your next step.
How can my church partner with Oaks?
Start at our partnership page where we walk you through partnership options. Whether you are exploring, ready to launch peer support, or looking for full collaborative care, we have a pathway for your church.
What is peer support?
Trained volunteer advocates partner with participants to integrate healing into faith, life, and relationships. No clinical credentials are needed to be an advocate. Advocates are volunteers with similar life experiences who are a few steps ahead in the healing process, supervised by Oaks staff, and equipped through training.
How long does it take to get connected?
Oaks is not a crisis service. Rehabilitative support relationships take a few weeks to establish. After you submit the support intake, the steward or church admin for that group can review it and begin the next step.
Are groups confidential?
Yes. All interactions which take place in the setting of Oaks support are considered confidential and are established with a confidentiality agreement during the intake process. We take confidentiality seriously because healing requires trust, and trust requires safety.
Do I need to belong to a specific church?
No. Groups and services are open to participants from any church background. You do not need to attend a partner church to receive support from Oaks.
What topics do groups cover?
Core topics include grief and loss, trauma and abuse, substance use, compulsive behaviors, teen mental health, and more. Seasonal topics rotate based on community need and may include church hurt and religious trauma, parenting children with disabilities, relational hurt and healing, and body image.
We’d love to hear from you.
Start the support intake or browse our other support resources.