Picture of a Mass General Support Group in session. Finding the help you need can be a challenge. Here are some places to start.

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Addiction

Please see Substance Use below.

AIDS/HIV

Women's HIV Support Group

For all women living with HIV/AIDS who are patients at MGH Cox 5 Clinic.

What: This virtual mutual support group is designed to empower women living with HIV by cultivating a robust sense of community and enhancing resilience. It offers a safe and confidential space for women to share their personal experiences with HIV diagnosis and receive support from peers who comprehend the distinct social and personal challenges they encounter. By fostering social connectedness and addressing stigma, the group promotes sustained engagement in HIV care, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of its members.

When: This group meets virtually via Zoom every 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 12pm to 1:30pm.

Where: This group will resume in November 2024 and is currently open to new members. Please call for more information. 

Contact: Florenny Cabrera, MSW, LICSW at 617-724-2476.

This group is organized by the Department of Clinical Social Work.


Men Living with HIV Who Have Sex with Women Support Group

Patients living with HIV who receive care from MGH, who identify as men and straight, bisexual, pansexual, and/or are attracted to women

What: Build community and provide education and support.

When: The group is open and meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 3:30p.

Where: The group meets at MGH with an option for participants to join virtually through Zoom.

Contact: This group is currently paused.



Aging Trans and Non-Binary Adults Living with HIV Support Group

Patients who are living with HIV who receive care from MGH,  50+ years old, and identify as transgender, transmasculine, transfeminine, gender non-binary, agender, gender fluid, or any other gender identity that is not cisgender

What: Build community and provide education and support.

When: The group is open and meets on the 1st Friday of each month at 11:00a.

Where: The group meets at MGH with an option for participants to join virtually through Zoom.

Contact: Adrienne Mosey, LICSW if interested for an intake conversation at 617-726-5181; amosey@mgh.harvard.edu

 

Bereavement

 

Club STAR: Sharing Together and Remembering

A bereavement support group for children and teens

What: This group is for children and teens in kindergarten through senior year of high school and their parent/caregiver who are grieving the death of a parent or sibling. The group provides opportunities to share experiences, create projects, and participate in memory making activities. There is a special group for parents/caregivers. This is a membership group, but new members are welcome at any time. This year we will be offering two groups- an in person group as well as a virtual group.

When: The group meets monthly from October through June 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Where: Two options- in person and virtual. 

Contact: Please call Hillary D'Amato, CCLS at (617) 643-9276 or mghclubstar@partners.org for more information or to register.

*Dinner and parking reimbursement are provided.

This group is offered by the Mass General for Children Child Life Department and the Department of Clinical Social Work.

Cancer

For additional workshops and supports see the Cancer Center's Workshops & Support Groups page.

Brain Tumor Support Group

For brain tumor patients and their families

What: This is a support and psycho-educational group for individuals with brain tumors. Group members' family members are also welcome to attend. 

When: The group meets virtually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 12:30-2:00PM, except on holidays.

Where: Online (via Zoom)

Contact
: Interested participants, please contact Scheïnda Rene at 617-726-1061 for additional details


Couples Living with Advanced Cancer Support Group

This group is for patients and their partners who are living with advanced, incurable cancer.

What: The purpose of the group is to provide support, build relationships, and promote conversation within the group and within the couple about goals of care, coping and quality of life.

Where: This group currently meets virtually on Zoom. This group is for Mass General patients. You must join the group from within Masachusetts. 

Contact: Please contact Nova Hodge, LICSW,  at 617-643-7697 


Lung Cancer Support Group

This group is currently on hiatus.

Drop-in support group for those living with lung cancer.
 

What: A drop-in support group for patients with lung cancer and other thoracic cancers. The group's purpose is to provide a place for patients to be supported as they cope with the demands of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Contact: 
For more information, please contact Natasha Johnson at 617-726-1045

Offered by the Department of Clinical Social Work.


Mind Body Program for Cancer Survivors

This program is for individuals who have completed cancer treatment or are living with cancer as a chronic illness (metastatic). 

What: This program is designed to help patients cope with the many emotional, social and physical challenges that emerge after cancer treatment. For additional information please visit the program page

When: Groups are held at least 3x per year: fall, winter and spring. Depending on volume, we may also hold one summer group. General program dates (times TBD) are as follows:

  • Fall Sessions begin early October
  • Winter Sessions begin mid-January
  • Spring Sessions begin mid-April
  • Summer Sessions begin early July

Where: Groups will be held virtually.  

Contact: mghsurvivorship@partners.org

This group is funded by the MGH Cancer Center


Music Therapy for Wellness 

What: Led by the MGH Music Therapy Department, this drop-in virtual explores how music can relieve stress, shift our mood and energy, and reduce isolation. Group activities may include learning and singing uplifting songs, music & movement, group songwriting, and lyric discussion. No prior music experience necessary. Open to MGH cancer patients and families.

When: Wednesdays from 3:00-4:15 pm

Where: This group meets on Zoom

Contact: For Zoom Meeting info email Lorrie Kubicek, MT-BC lkubicek1@partners.org


The MGHCC AYA Music Hang!  

What: Each week we will explore different ways that music can be a support during cancer treatment, survivorship, adulting, and life-ing!  All groups will offer folks the opportunity to share and listen to music related to the topic of week: Music for ease, for get up & go, for reals & feels and for TOTAL distraction.  Group will be held over zoom.  Only thing needed is a love of music and an interest in connection.  

AYA Music Hang is open to MGH cancer patients/survivors ages *18-39.

When: Every Tuesday in June from 5:30-6:30 pm.

Contact: To register OR for questions contact Lorrie Kubicek, MT-BC ~Music Therapist~ MGHCC LKubicek1@mgb.org


Parenting at a Challenging Time Support Group

Group for parents receiving cancer treatment at any Mass General Brigham Cancer Centers

What: This is a virtual drop-in group open to Mass General Cancer Center patients and/or partners who have children under the age of 24. Find support from other parents and expert parent guidance from a social work clinician. Drop-in as often or infrequently as you prefer. No pre-registration required.

When: Currently paused until 2025

Where: Virtual

Contact: Aimee Lataille, LICSW at Alataille@mgb.org to get the video link.

Offered by the Newton-Wellesley Hospital PACT (Parenting at a Challenging Time) program.



SPOHNC BOSTON

Support for people with oral, head and neck cancers

What: It's a support group for people with oral, head, and neck cancer. 

When
: This group meets one day every other month from 6:00 - 7:30 pm, September-June.

Where
: Mass. General, Boston (Currently meeting virtually via Zoom)

Contact
: Valerie Hope Goldstein at fernval@aol.com for more information. 

This group is a local chapter of the national group Support for People with Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer



Writing the Road to Wellness

An expressive writing support group for Mass General Cancer Center patients and survivors.

What: This virtual group will combine the therapeutic benefits of expressive writing within a support group setting. Cancer patients and survivors will be given the opportunity to connect with others and practice different expressive writing techniques to help enhance cognitive processing, reduce stress, and make meaning of your story.

When: Groups are held twice a year and span 8 weeks per session.

Where: This group will meet virtually on Zoom.

Contact: To register for this group, please complete the following survey: https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=YLYH8EKJKWPJ9DHX. If you have additional questions about this group, please contact group leader, Kiersten Anderson, MSW, LICSW at mgccnwhsupportgroups@partners.org.



Mass General patients may contact our Oncology Resource Specialist at 617-724-0295 for additional cancer-specific support group information.

The Mass General Cancer Center provides additional cancer related support and educational services. Also see the Cancer Center's Workshops & Support Groups page.

Cardiac

MGH VAD Support Group

This group is for patients who are living with Ventricular Assist Devices so that we all may learn and support one another in a group setting. 

What: The purpose of the group is to provide support, build relationships, provide VAD education and psychoeducation ongoing for patients who have received VADs. 

When: Please contact the group leaders for meeting information.

Where: This group currently meets virtually on Zoom

Contacts: Kate Milley and Johnna Marcus. Kate Milley: VAD coordinator MGHVADmailbox@partners.org 617-724-1130. Johnna Marcus: Social Worker  jemarcus@mgh.harvard.edu 617-726-2647

This group is offered by the D Heart Failure/VAD/Transplant Service 

Caregiver

 No groups currently available. Please check-back for updates

Developmental Disabilities

Aging Well with Autism Therapeutic Support Group

For parents and caregivers of adults with autism who are over the age of 30

What: This therapeutic support group allows parents and caregivers to express concerns about the future of their loved ones with autism as they age.  It will include looking at change, grief, loss and how aging with autism affects our own personal growth and relationships.  The group will provide opportunities for self-reflection, bonding, and the sharing of resources and information, in a relaxed, safe space, where compassion for one another is paramount.

When:  Every other Thursday, 10:00am to 11:00am.

Where:  Online (Zoom).   In order to protect the safety and privacy of our members, the Zoom link is not public. You must register to receive the link. 

Contact:  Please contact the Lurie Center for Autism at 781-860-1700 to register.

This group is offered by the Lurie Center for Autism, in Lexington.


Autism 101: A 6-Session Support Group for Parents of Newly Diagnosed Children

For parents or caregivers of young children, aged 7 and under, who have been diagnosed with autism

What: The Autism 101 parent support group series provides interactive lessons, question and answer sessions, and the opportunity to connect with other families with newly diagnosed children. If you’ve found yourself typing “my child diagnosed with autism” into the Google search bar, this group will help address that ‘now what’ feeling that you may have been experiencing. Attendance at all six sessions is recommended.

When:  TIME: 12:00pm - 1:30pm. This 6-session series is held four times per year starting on the first Friday of November, February, May and August.

Where: Online (Zoom). In order to protect the safety and privacy of our members, the Zoom link is not public. You must register to receive the link. 

Contact:  Please contact the Lurie Center for Autism at 781-860-1700 to register.

This group is offered by the Lurie Center for Autism, in Lexington.

Diabetes

Diabetes Self-Management Education Program

For Mass General patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

The Diabetes Self-Management Education program offers a comprehensive education program for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics and their family/friends who support them.

For more information, please visit: http://www.massgeneral.org/endocrinology/diabetes/treatments-and-services/dsme

Intimate Partner Abuse

De Mujer a Mujer (Woman to Woman)

Group is Spanish-speaking, free and confidential

What: A 6-week Spanish language group for women who have experienced abuse and control in their intimate relationships. The program is designed to help Latina women better understand domestic violence specifically as it pertains to them as a cultural group. The group is facilitated by HAVEN advocates. Groups are held at various times during the year.

When
: Groups are held at various times during the year. Please call if interested.

Where
: Mass General Chelsea

Contact
: Call HAVEN at Mass General Chelsea: 617-887-3513

This group requires a pre-group screening interview.

This group is offered by the HAVEN Program.


HAVEN Support Groups

Groups are held at different times during the year, in English and Spanish. Groups are free and confidential.

What: HAVEN runs several short-term support groups and workshops. The goals are to break isolation, provide information and connection to community resources and provide a supportive network between women with common experiences of abuse and control by an intimate partner.

When
: Groups are 90 minutes, held at various times during the year. Please call for meeting times.

Where
: Groups are held in Boston on the main campus and at the Revere and Chelsea Health Centers.

Contact
: Call the HAVEN program line for more information, 617-724-0054.

A brief screening interview is required for membership.

This group is offered by the HAVEN Program.


HAVEN Intimate Partner Abuse Topic-focused Workshops

For anyone who has been or is currently in an abusive or controlling relationship

What: HAVEN provides two part topic focused workshops covering such issues as "Impacts of Abuse on Children," "Life after Abuse," and "Mindfulness."

When/Where
: Time, location and topics vary so please contact HAVEN at 617-724-0054 for more information.

Contact
: HAVEN advocate at 617-724-0054

This group is offered by the HAVEN Program.

Eating Disorders
No groups currently available. Please check-back for updates.

 

Gastro-intestinal

Unfortunately no groups running at this time. Please check back.

 

 

LGBTQ

Unfortunately no groups running at this time. Please check back.

Mental Health


SMART Program: Stress Management and Resiliency Training

For Mass General patients who have chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and stress related disorders.

What: An 8-week group program that provides skills to more effectively cope with depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and other concerns that frequently accompany medical issues and stress related illness. There is a strong emphasis on the benefits of relaxation and meditation in managing health concerns and becoming mindful of how thoughts impact feelings and symptoms. The group also helps patients increase resiliency and positive communication with providers, family members, and significant people in their lives.

When: Occurs three times a year. Please call for more information and for specific dates.

Where
: Online on Zoom

Facilitated by
: Miriam Nelson Oliver, LICSW

Contact: Call 781-485-6100 for more information

This group is offered by the MGH Revere Health Care Center. First priority enrollment is for MGH Revere patients, however patients with an MGH Primary Care Provider (PCP) are welcome to inquire.


Visit the Group Psychotherapy Center home page.
Neurological Disorders

Care Partners of individuals living with Parkinson's Disease 

The Ruth Sleeper Nursing Center for Clinical Education and Wellness at the MGH Institute of Health Professions invites care partners of individuals with Parkinson’s to participate in a monthly virtual support group.  

What: This group will provide a safe and supportive processing space for navigating the challenges and life transitions of care partners. Care partners will be encouraged to connect and share regarding shared lived experiences. Topics covered may include coping strategies, self-care, and healthy relationships. The group will be facilitated by psych/mental health nurse practitioner students and licensed faculty. 

When: The upcoming meeting dates are Monday September 23rd, Monday October 21st, Monday November 18th.

Where: Care Partners is held virtually via Zoom.  

Contact: Sleeper Nursing Center- Phone: (857) 270-3101 Email: nursingcenter@mghihp.edu 

The program is free to attend, but registration is limited. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Ruth Sleeper Nursing Center.


Mass General Brain Aneurysm/AVM Support Group

For patients diagnosed with a brain aneurysm or an AVM, survivors, family members and friends. 

What: This is a free open discussion format group, mixed with a variety of speakers from different departments including social work, speech pathology, neurosurgery, neurology, occupational health and psychiatry. 

When
: The group meets virtually via Zoom the first Tuesday evening of every month from 6:00PM to 7:30 PM. 

Where
: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (currently virtual)

Contact
 : Amanda Scott, NP at acscott@partners.org 

Pain Management

SMART Program: Stress Management and Resiliency Training

For Mass General patients who have chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and stress related disorders.

What: An 8-week group program that provides skills to more effectively cope with depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and other concerns that frequently accompany medical issues and stress related illness. There is a strong emphasis on the benefits of relaxation and meditation in managing health concerns and becoming mindful of how thoughts impact feelings and symptoms. The group also helps patients increase resiliency and positive communication with providers, family members, and significant people in their lives.

When: Occurs three times a year. Please call for more information and for specific dates.

Where
: Online via Zoom

Facilitated by
: Miriam Nelson Oliver, LICSW

Contact: Call 781-485-6100 for more information

This group is offered by the MGH Revere Health Care Center. First priority enrollment is for MGH Revere patients, however patients with an MGH Primary Care Provider (PCP) are welcome to inquire.

Parenting

NICU Parent Support Group 
Please note this group is NOT currently meeting

For parents of current NICU patients.

What: Emotional support offered to assist with the often unexpected adjustment to having a baby in the NICU as well as the transition to parenting.

When: This is ongoing group is held every the 2nd Monday of each month at 1:00PM and Pizza is served.

Where: In the NICU Conference Room on Blake 10
Contact: Marisa Iacomini, LICSW, at 617-726-2611

Pediatrics

See Bereavement and Developmental Disabilities sections above

Pulmonary


No groups at this time. Please check back for updates.

Smoking Cessation

Living TOBACCO-FREE:  Smoking Cessation

Open to MGH patients and non-MGH patients

What: Quit-Smoking Coaches offer free one-on-one coaching for patients interested in quitting or talking about quitting smoking or other forms of tobacco. Coaching is available in English, Spanish and Russian.

Where: Coaches see patients at multiple health center locations:

  • MGH Revere HealthCare Center
  • MGH Broadway Primary Care-Revere
  • MGH Charlestown HealthCare Center
  • MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center
  • MGH Everett Family Care

When:  Hours vary by location.  

Support groups:  Please call us to find out if we are currently offering support groups.

Contact: Living TOBACCO-FREE:  781-485-6210.

These services are provided by MGH Community Health Associates

Substance Use

Recovery Group for Veterans and Service Members

A support group for veterans and/or active-duty service members.

What: This is a recovery group for veterans and service members interested in reducing or discontinuing their use of alcohol and/or other drugs. Abstinence from all substances is not a requirement. This is a treatment group requiring attendance of at least 8 consecutive sessions.

When: This group is held on Tuesdays from 10:00 am-11:15 am.

Where: This group meets virtually.

Contact: Dr. Rene' Lento, and Karissa Peoples, LICSW. For registration or information, call Home Base at 617-724-5202. First-time attendees, please call to schedule a phone intake


West End Clinic for Substance Use Disorders 

The West End Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation of alcohol and other substance use disorders, and offers diverse modalities for group therapy. Groups offering examples: Relapse Prevention, Mindfulness, Readiness for Change, Men's and Women’s Recovery, Long-Term Support, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. See our full group psychotherapy listings to learn more about the groups we offer. Any patient interested in enrolling in group therapy can contact the West End Clinic at (617)724-2480. 

See group psychotherapy listings on the Mass General West End Clinic website.

Transplant

Lung Transplant Support Group

Pre- and post-lung transplant patients and families/caregivers

What: Support to facilitate adjustment to transplant/chronic illness and information about the lung transplant process.

When
: This ongoing drop-in group is held the 2nd Friday of each month at 1:00 PM.

Where
: This group meets via Zoom. Please reach out to the group contact before each meeting to get the zoom ID number for the group..

Contact
: Kate Guditz, MSW, LCSW at 617-643-3001

This group is offered by the Department of Clinical Social Work.