Resilient Men: A New Mental Health Support Program

Greenwich House Launches Resilient Men, a New Mental Health Support Group 

NEW YORK, NY – At Greenwich House’s Center for Resiliency and Wellness (CRW), a quiet yet powerful conversation is unfolding. Men are finally opening up, sharing fears, emotions, and burdens they’ve long kept hidden. The CRW recently launched Resilient Men, a 10-week hybrid group therapy program that helps men confront depression, express emotions, and build coping skills in a safe, nonjudgmental space. The group, led by John Montagna, MHC-LP, returns July 17 – September 25 and is ongoing. New participants are welcome.

Why Men’s Mental Health Often Goes Unseen

Men often suffer in silence. Depression in men is under diagnosed. Symptoms are frequently mistaken for stress or fatigue. According to University of Utah Health, men tend to misread depression, delaying or avoiding care altogether.

Addressing Cultural Barriers to Men’s Mental Health in NYC

Cultural pressure plays a major role. Many men are taught to suppress emotions. Expectations around masculinity can make vulnerability feel off-limits. Moreover, a Psychology Today report states that emotional suppression may lead to long-term health issues, and can impact your work, education, and relationships.

What Makes Resilient Men Different

Montagna explains, “There is a lack of support, a void in terms of guidance for men. A lot of men feel like they need to improvise and figure it out on their own. This group is a safe environment for [learning] real practical coping solutions.”

A Blended Approach to Healing

The program blends psychoanalytic insight with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It addresses emotional avoidance, abandonment, betrayal, intimacy issues, and anger that often masks deeper pain.

Montagna adds, “This is not a typical talk therapy group. Resilient Men is different in the sense that we are in New York City, a place which is diverse ethnically, socio-economically, and occupationally. Yet, we all share common lived experiences. Those shared lived experiences help foster an environment of trust and safety. This gives men the room to become more comfortable about being vulnerable. It gives them the space to be accountable without judgment or expectations. All we ask is that participants be honest and respectful of each other.”

The urgency for such supportive initiatives is clear: According to the report, The State of Mental Health of New Yorkers, published in 2024, nearly one in four (23%) adult New Yorkers experiences a mental health disorder in a given year.

Who Can Join the NYC-based Support Group?

The group is open to men 18 and older, including current CRW clients and newcomers. No diagnosis is required. Group size is limited to 10 to ensure a safe and connected setting.

Goals of the Program

  • Reducing stigma and shame

  • Easing isolation

  • Building emotional expression and self-esteem

  • Developing coping tools

  • Clarifying life goals

Group Therapy’s Lasting Impact

According to the American Psychological Association, group therapy can be transformative. It allows men to share, listen, and learn from others. Often, it’s more comfortable than one-on-one therapy. Furthermore, support groups can foster community and meaningful connection.

For more information on this men’s mental health support group in NYC, visit: https://greenwichhouse.org/health-services/center-for-resiliency-and-wellness/group-therapy.

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Media Contact
Tearanny Street
Director of Communications and Marketing, Greenwich House
tstreet@greenwichhouse.org | 646-941-3303

About Greenwich House 

Founded in 1902, Greenwich House is dedicated to responding to the urgent, ongoing and diverse community needs of more than 20,000 children, families, and individuals through arts and education programs, older adult services, and health services that foster wellness, creativity, and connection. Learn more at www.greenwichhouse.org.   

About Greenwich House’s Center for Resiliency and Wellness  

The Center for Resiliency and Wellness (CRW), offers a holistic approach to mental health treatment, prioritizing personal growth and supporting individuals in navigating life’s challenges. CRW’s mission of promoting “resiliency and wellness” means staff works with patients to build coping skills and supports their learning on how to address their emotional needs.