We start DMAX Clubs on college campuses, because we believe that a community of supportive peers can be a very empowering experience.

DMAX Clubs are student-led mental health clubs that use a “Friends Helping Friends” model, instead of a therapist or paraprofessional facilitator. Since research shows that young adults tend to go to their friends first when they’re struggling or stressed out, DMAX Clubs lean in to what college students do naturally.

DMAX Clubs serve as inclusive and non-judgmental spaces to have deep, meaningful conversations about how students are really doing. Our Clubs have shared that topics such as academic stress, body image, relationships and the future are frequently discussed during DMAX Club meetings.

To support our Clubs, we provide a variety of resources, leadership development workshops, and events. Our DMAX Digital Orientation trains Club leaders on key topics, such as active listening, campus emergency procedures, when referrals are necessary and how to make them, and how to avoid engaging in “therapy.”

Step 1:

What makes DMAX Clubs special?

These meetings allow students to open up and talk about real life struggles.

Alaina at University of Maryland

I now have a place to go and vocalize the way I'm feeling, talk about what stressors I'm dealing with and share how my own mental illness affects me.

Cindy at Drexel University

I think fostering such an important, friendly [and] positive environment is key to breaking down not just the stigma [of] mental health but really getting people to engage with it and talk about it on a much deeper level.

Lauren at Penn State University

When I found out about DMAX Club, I was glad that it focused on mental well-being instead of mental illness. Mental health is important for everyone, and people need to realize that.

Heather at Temple University

DMAX allows students to have an outlet from the outside world and to meet with a group of people that bring positive energy and friendship.

Cate at Lehigh University

I realized the importance of somebody saying these three things: You are not alone, I am here for you, and I get it. And that’s what these DMAX clubs are all about and why they are so needed on college campuses.

Danni at Penn State Brandywine

Through telling my story and discussing issues surrounding mental health through DMAX, I have been able to have more personal discussions about my mental health more confidently.

Janneris at at Millsersville

FAQs

  • It depends! DMAX Foundation staff works with students to expedite the process as much as possible and get your club going, but sometimes it takes a little while to dot the i’s and cross the t’s to become an official campus club.

    Our estimation is that it typically takes a semester before your club can start meeting.

  • DMAX Club meetings are a place for connection and conversation with friends! These meetings are student-led, mental health-related social clubs that create a place for students to get together and talk about how they are doing, how their friends are doing and how they can help each other. Meetings typically involve food, fun, activities and “Conversations that Matter.”

  • There are tons of mental health clubs out there that do great things, but what’s special about DMAX Club is its focus on friends creating spaces where they can talk to one another about their days and their lives and connect about the things that really matter. It’s through these conversations that DMAX Club members are about to strengthen mental health and emotional well-being for members.

  • Starting a DMAX Club depends on connecting with other students who are also interested in being part of the conversation! Once a student has connected with DMAX Foundation, we provide tools to help find and recruit other interested students on campus. Sometimes this looks like an Instagram interest page, sometimes it’s helping to host a tabling event.

    No matter what works best for you and your campus, DMAX Foundation works with you to find what works and help you connect with other students!