getting-started

🚀 Quick Start Guide

Welcome! This guide walks you through launching and running your support group on MentalHappy.

Follow the steps below — don’t skip Stripe setup (groups can't accept payments until Stripe is connected).

⚠️ Important: Don’t skip Stripe setup

Your group will not be visible or able to accept member payments until your Stripe account is connected and verified.

✅ Part 1: Creating Your Support Group

1

Sign Up or Log In

Go to mentalhappy.com.

Get Started Log In

Choose Get Started to create a new group; Log In if you already have an account.

2

Choose a Hosting Plan & decide member pricing

Understand two costs:

Hosting Plan (your cost)

Subscription plans to host a group (e.g., Starter – $5/month for up to 15 members). Choose monthly or yearly (yearly saves ~20%).

Membership Pricing (what members pay)

Set how members join: Free, Donation-based, Monthly subscription, or One-time payment (cohorts).

💡 You’re in full control — pick the pricing model that fits your group’s purpose.

3

Add Group Details

Complete the setup form with:

Group name & description (who it’s for, what you offer)
Group schedule
Guidelines (rules & expectations)
Tags/categories (improves discoverability)
Cover image (recommended) & Intro video (optional)
Host info (your background & credentials)

💡 Groups with a clear description and cover image attract more members.

📌 “Starting Soon” Status

When you start a new group it first appears as Starting Soon. Here's what that means:

Visible in the app

Participants can see your listing under “Starting Soon”.

Interest signals

People can mark themselves as Interested — great to gauge demand.

30-day setup window

You have 30 days to finish setup. If not completed, the group is removed from “Starting Soon”.

💡 Best practice: complete setup in 1–2 weeks to keep momentum.

5. Finalize Pricing, Privacy & Payments

Confirm how members join: Free, Donation-based, Monthly subscription, or One-time payment.

6. Connect your Stripe account to receive payouts

Steps:

Open your Leader Dashboard → Profile & Settings → Payout Settings.
Click Connect Stripe and follow Stripe's onboarding.
Complete verification: bank, identity, and tax info (in Stripe).
After verification, payouts are sent to your bank on Stripe's schedule.

💡 Pro tip: connect Stripe early so there’s no delay when you start collecting payments.

Connect Stripe Payout Settings (Dashboard)

7. Launch 🚀

Choose privacy: Public, Private, or Unlisted. When live, your group gets a custom shareable link — start inviting members!

✅ Part 2: After Setup — What to Do Next

Your group is live. Here are quick next steps to boost engagement:

Welcome & Engage

Post a welcome message or ice-breaker
Schedule your first session (virtual or in-person)
Post weekly prompts/resources to maintain engagement

Pro Tip: groups with a welcome post + scheduled session get highest early engagement.

Announce & Manage

Use “Announce My Group” (for public groups)
Share your unique group link across social & email
Moderate, post resources, and host regular sessions

✅ Part 3: Inviting People to Your Group

Use multiple channels to grow — in-app invites, shareable link, and referrals.

In-App Invites

Invite members from your dashboard; email invites prompt sign-up for non-users.

Share Your Link

Copy your unique group URL to share on social media, email, or messages.

✅ Part 4: Your 90-Day Success Plan

Consistency builds trust. Here's an easy roadmap to follow.

Week 1–2

Post welcome message
Schedule first session
Invite 5 people personally

Weeks 3–4

Share link on social/email
Post 1–2 discussion topics
Encourage referrals

Month 2–3

Host multiple sessions
Post weekly prompts
Celebrate milestones

Groups that stay active for 90 days see the highest growth & retention.

📌 Need More Help?

For Frequently Asked Questions, visit our help center or contact support.

Help Center Email Support

How long do I have to finish setup?

You have 30 days while your group appears as “Starting Soon”. Complete setup earlier to keep interest high.

Can I change pricing later?

Yes — adjust your pricing or privacy anytime from Leader Dashboard → Group Settings.

When will I receive payouts?

Payout timing follows Stripe's schedule after your account is verified.