CASE STUDY
Bringing Group Peer Support to Serbia
In Serbia, where mental health remains a taboo subject and care is often inaccessible, journalist Katarina Subasic is leading a quiet but powerful revolution. Motivated by her own healing journey and a desire to support others, Subasic partnered with Group Peer Support (GPS) to launch the country’s first peer support group based on the GPS model. Her groundbreaking efforts are helping to destigmatize mental health, provide emotional support, and empower a growing network of Serbians to prioritize their well-being.
Challenges
Mental health care in Serbia is defined by scarcity and silence:
- Taboo & Shame: In Serbia and across much of the Balkans, mental health remains a deeply stigmatized issue. Many people feel ashamed to seek help, and open conversations about emotional well-being are rare.
- Limited Access: Most Serbians face long wait times, limited therapy options, or rely solely on brief psychiatric consultations that often only result in medication.
- High Costs: With an average net salary of $900/month, private therapy is out of reach for most people. Insurance rarely covers mental health care.
- Few Providers: Even those who can afford care struggle to find qualified therapists, who are in short supply.
This culture of silence and lack of access leaves countless individuals—especially those living with trauma—isolated and unsupported.
Experience
Subasic, who has benefited from long-term therapy herself, recognized a growing mental health need in Serbia and the broader Balkans, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her participation in U.S.-based online peer support groups sparked an idea: What if peer support could work in Serbia?
- Discovery of GPS: While researching facilitation tools, she found the GPS Facilitator Manual online and ordered a copy. Intrigued by her initiative, GPS Co-Founder Liz Friedman reached out. Their initial 30-minute call turned into a 90-minute brainstorm that ignited a collaboration.
- Training & Support: Subasic and her co-facilitator Anesa completed GPS facilitator training. A local therapist provided space, supervision, and helped recruit participants.
- Culturally Sensitive Design: The group focused on healing from trauma, with a preference for participants who had previous therapy experience, ensuring they had access to additional support if needed.
After nearly a year of preparation, Subasic launched Serbia’s first GPS-based group—an 8-week program meeting weekly for 90 minutes.
Impact & Transformation
The pilot group delivered profound and lasting results:
- Connection Beyond the Group:
- By the third session, participants asked to continue beyond the planned eight weeks.
- By week seven, they had created a WhatsApp group and now meet monthly for ongoing support.
- Improved Health Outcomes:
- One participant started individual therapy for the first time.
- Another had their medication dosage reduced after reporting emotional improvements.
- Some began engaging with doctors and routine care after previously avoiding it.
- Personal and Community Empowerment:
- Subasic reported that she personally gained as much from the group as the participants did.
- Future Vision: Subasic is now focused on launching more groups and training new facilitators across Serbia to expand this grassroots model of support.
