Support Groups

At Risk Support Groups for Adolescents

Weekly therapy groups for adolescents ages 13 to 18 who have had problems with alcohol or drugs, but are not chemically dependent. This is a low-intensity therapy group to get adolescents back on the right track. The group is covered by most insurance providers. All participants must have a formal evaluation before joining the group.

Boys Group
Hours: Mondays: 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Girls Group
Hours: Mondays: 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Kathleen Alcorn, LISW, LICDC
Phone: 216.444.3998
800.223.2273, ext. 43998 (toll-free)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

For patients, families and friends to learn about ALS and share information.

Location: 2500 E. 22nd St., Cleveland, Ohio, 44115
First Monday of every other month:
Time: 1:00 p.m.

• ALS Association

Northeast Ohio Chapter
Phone: 216.592.2572

Bone Marrow Transplantation and Post-Transplant Preparation

The post-transplant preparation group is an educational group to help current inpatients and their caregivers prepare for care and treatment after a bone marrow transplant.

Location: G110 lounge
Meets monthly
Contact: Jane Dabney, LISW-S, OSW-C
Phone: 216.445.2483
800.223.2273, ext. 52483 (toll-free)

Living with Bone Marrow Transplant

For adult patients or family members who have been through or are anticipating having a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. This group is sponsored jointly with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Location: Gathering Place East (23300 Commerce Park Drive, Beachwood, OH 44122)

Contact: Linda McLellan, LISW-S
Phone: 216.444.5079

Brain Cancer (Brain Tumor) 

For patients, families and friends to share resources on coping with brain tumors.

Location: Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center conference room R3-027
3rd floor of building R
Fourth Wednesday of the month

Free parking at either 90th Street visitor’s garage (P4) or Euclid Avenue visitor’s garage (P1)

Hours: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Contact: Kathy Lupica, RN, MSN, CNP
Phone: 216.445.6910
800.223.2273, ext. 56910 (toll-free)

• Learn more about the brain tumor support group.

Breast Cancer

For patients at any stage of breast cancer.

Location: Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center conference room R3-002
3rd floor of building R, directly across from elevators to the right
Third Monday of the month

Free parking at either 90th Street visitor’s garage (P4) or Euclid Avenue visitor’s garage (P1)

Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Contact: Rene Barrat-Gordon, LISW-S
Phone: 216.444.2260
800.223.2273, ext. 42260 (toll-free)

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mothers, bring your babies and share concerns and information with a lactation consultant.

Location: Hillcrest Hospital
Hours: Tuesdays: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Phone: 440.312.5332

Location: Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center
Meeting Room A, lower level.
Hours: Tuesdays: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Phone: 216.445.7919

Location: Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center
Hours: Fridays: 11 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Phone: 216.312.5332

Cancer Caregiver

"Circle of Friends" is a support group offering a series of educational and supportive sessions for adults caring for loved ones with cancer. Each meeting offers information to help Caregivers in adapting to their roles.

Contact: Christa Poole, LISW-S, OSW-C

Phone: 216.445.4557.

Look Good, Feel Better

For patients with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy treatments. Skin care and make up tips are some of the of the topics discussed. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the National Cosmetology Association, the American Cancer Society and the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center sponsor this program. All participating patients receive a complimentary gift bag of skin care and cosmetic products.

Location: Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center conference room R3-027
3rd floor of building R, follow signs
Hours: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Phone: 216.444.7923
800.862.7798 (toll-free)

Chiari Malformation & Syringomyelia Support Group

For any adult or parent of a pediatric patient affected by Chiari malformation and/or syringomyelia. Family members are welcome.

Location: Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center
Kick-off meeting on Tues., December 2, 2010
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Future meetings third Tuesday of each month
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Cathy Poznik
Phone: 330.425.8476
Email: cpoznik@CSFinfo.org

Ostomy Association Support Group

Every Thursday
Coleen Potts
Phone: 440.257.7699

Ostomy Association Support Group

Every Thursday
Coleen Potts
Phone: 440.257.7699

Ostomy Association Support Group

Every Thursday
Coleen Potts
Phone: 440.257.7699

Pediatric Epilepsy Support Group

The mission of our Pediatric Epilepsy Support Group is to meet and address the needs of families who are caring for children afflicted with difficult-to-control epilepsy.

Location: Children’s Hospital, M Building, Cleveland Clinic’s main campus
Hours: Weekly, please call for times.
Deepak Lachhwani, MBBS, MD
Phone: 216.445.9818

• Learn more about the Pediatric Epilepsy Support Group.

Individuals who are seeking weight loss, weight loss surgery or who have already had weight loss surgery are invited to participate in any of the following programs.

General Bariatric Surgery Support Group

These groups are informal, interactive discussions led by one of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute's healthcare team members encouraging patient-to-patient dialogue and support. The meetings follow a monthly theme, such as nutrition, exercise, additional weight loss tips and resources, and co-morbidities common to bariatric patients.

Location: Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute
9500 Euclid Avenue
6th floor
M Building, M61
Second Thursday of every month
Hours: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m

• Visit: clevelandclinic.org/bariatricsurgery

Binge-eating Group Session

Binge eating can be a very serious disorder common in candidates for bariatric surgery. This group supports you in making changes in your attitude toward food, and enhancing your ability to find new skills to cope with your stress and eating habits.

4 sessions:
Location: Mondays M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Monday: 9 a.m. - 10:30 am or 3 pm - 4:30 pm
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

MASTERY
(Managing After Surgery: Tools, Eating, Relationships & You)

This series of group sessions is designed to help optimize your success and adjustment after surgery by addressing multiple changes and challenges you may be facing. Topics include: grieving the loss of food as a source of pleasure/comfort; enhancing coping skills; increasing pleasurable activities; overcoming barriers to exercise; assertive communication; social skills for social eating; body image and changes; personal relationship and mindfulness.

Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Thursdays: 3 pm - 4:15 pm
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Substance Risk Reduction Group

This group is designed for bariatric patients (pre and post-surgery) with an established pattern of problematic drinking or previous history of addictive behaviors.

Fourth Thursday of every month:
Hours: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Life After Surgery Group

Life After Surgery gives post-surgical patients the opportunity to explore the benefits they have experienced and address the obstacles they are facing. Such barriers may include poor body image, changes in relationships, and unrealistic expectations.

Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Wednesdays: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

GET SET
(Getting Expertise Today for a Successful Experience Tomorrow)

Learn how to increase your benefits of bariatric surgery. Preparing for surgery involves changing your current everyday patterns, which requires hard work and commitment. Getting more support and information will help you succeed. We will address eating behaviors, body image, stress and coping, and expectations before and after surgery.

4 Sessions:

Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Bereavement Support Groups

Hospice of The Cleveland Clinic offers regular support groups.

Locations: Fairview Wellness Center
South Pointe Hospital
Second Thursday of the month
Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Phone: 216.444.9819

Love Lives On

For parents who have experienced pregnancy loss due to miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy; Family members welcome.

Location: Hillcrest Hospital
Third Thursday of the month
Hours: 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Phone: 440.312.4692

Heaven and Earth

For families who have experienced the loss of an infant twin or triplet.

Location: Hillcrest Hospital
Third Wednesday of the month (except near holidays)
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Phone: 440.312.8267

Hearing Update Support Group

Learn about how we hear, what happens when we lose our hearing and recent advancements in hearing aid technology.

Location: Solon Family Health Center
Tina Anthony, AUD for information and details
Phone: 440.519.6950

Hearing Update Support Group

Learn about how we hear, what happens when we lose our hearing and recent advancements in hearing aid technology.

Location: Solon Family Health Center
Tina Anthony, AUD for information and details
Phone: 440.519.6950

Mended Hearts Support Group

Mended Hearts is a national organization dedicated to providing support and inspiring hope in heart disease patients and their families for more than 60 years. Mended Hearts of Greater Cleveland is a chapter of this national nonprofit organization. Mended Hearts helps people understand that there can be a rich, rewarding life after a heart event. They bring bring patients, families and caregivers together to form a network of caring individuals. Members listen, share their experiences and learn from healthcare professionals.

For dates of upcoming support group meetings and more information, visit MendedHearts138.org or email info@mendedhearts138.org.

For our national office, visit MendedHearts.org.

Location: Mended Hearts office

Phone: 216.444.4190

800.223.2273, ext. 44190 (toll-free)

• Visit: National Mended Hearts
• Visit: Local chapter Mended Hearts

Family Resource Group (Cardiothoracic Surgery)

Provides family members the opportunity to ask questions and receive information about the what you need to know before you travel home.

Location: Building J, Room J5, Family Education Room
Hours: Wednesday mornings, 9 a.m
Rosemarie Pierson RN BA

TRIO-Transplant Recipient International Organization

This support group is for transplant candidates, recipients and their families.

Fourth Wednesday of every other month (even numbered months)
Phone: 440.473.8979

Hydrocephalus Group

For any adult or parent of a pediatric patient affected by hydrocephalus. Family members are welcome.

Locations: Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center
Monthly on Wednesdays
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Hilary Rossen, LISW
Phone: 216.445.3495
800.223.2273, ext. 5-3495 (toll-free)

The ITP Support Group

For education and for patients and families to provide one another support.

Location: Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center
Conference Room B
Second Thursday, every other month
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Barb Hise
Phone: 216.752.8051

Caroline Kruse
Phone: 440.526.0629

Support for Couples Experiencing Infertility: Resolve

A holistic educational program for women or couples experiencing infertility.

Locations: Various
First Tuesday of every other month
Hours: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Phone: 440.312.4692

Kidney Cancer

For patients, families, and friends to share their experiences in coping with kidney cancer.

Contact: Karen Fireman, LISW-S, OSW-C
Phone: 216.444.0945

TRIO-Transplant Recipient International Organization

This support group is for transplant candidates, recipients and their families.

Fourth Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October, December.
Phone: 440.473.8979

Leukemia

Provides support for adults diagnosed with or whose children have been diagnosed with any type of leukemia. Family members and friends are welcome. Gain information, share concerns, and gather for support.

Location: The Gathering Place in Beachwood
First Monday of each month

Life After Transplant

Quarterly group for individuals and family members of individuals who have gone through bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. The focus is on providing education and support. The group is co-sponsored by The Gathering Place and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Cleveland West Side Family Support Group

Location: Moll Cancer Center at Fairview Hospital
Third Wednesday of each month

Akron/Canton Family Support Group

Location: Stewart’s Caring Place in Akron
Third Thursday of each month

Youngstown Family Support Group

Location: Forum Health Cancer Care Center in Youngstown
Third Thursday of each month

Lymphoma Family Support Group

Provides support for adults who have been diagnosed with or whose children have been diagnosed with any type of lymphoma. Family members and friends are welcome. Join others going through similar experiences to gain information, share concerns, and gather for support.

Location: The Gathering Place in Beachwood
Fourth Monday and Thursday of each month

Location:Taussig Cancer Institute
Contact:Christa Poole, LISW-S, OSW-C

Phone: 216.445.2148.

Short-Term Committed Support Group

An educational program provided in a supportive environment for adults diagnosed with a blood cancer and their loved ones. The program offers six weekly courses that are designed to educate, inform and inspire participants.

Teen Talk
Open to teens ages 13 - 18 who are currently in treatment or post treatment.
Location: The Gathering Place in Beachwood
Fourth Thursday of each month

For information on any of the above listed groups, contact:
Stacey Bene, MSSA, LISW or Debbie Kendig of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 216.910.1234 or 800.589.5721.
Phone: 800.589.5721
Pre-registration is required

American Liver Foundation Meetings

This group features physician updates, adjustment issues by transplant social workers, quarterly dinners (beginning at 6:30 p.m.) and informational speakers.

Open to pre- and post-transplant patients, families and friends as well as visitors wishing for information.

Location: Bunts Auditorium, Room 102
Jennings Building (TT)Third Monday of each month
Time: 7 p.m.

Quarterly dinners
Location: Doctor’s dinner room
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Annette Humberson, LISW
Phone: 216.444.6271
Lisa Sutkus, LSW
Phone: 216.444.2852
800.223.2273, ext. 46271 (toll-free)

TRIO-Transplant Recipient International Organization

For transplant candidates, recipients and their families.

Fourth Wednesday of every other month (even numbered months)
Phone: 440.473.8979

Lupus Foundation of America Support Group

An informal monthly group designed to provide education, information and support to people with lupus, their families and friends. The group is funded in partnership with the Ohio Commission on Minority Health.

Phone: 440.717.0183

Love Lives On

For parents who have experienced pregnancy loss due to miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy; Family members welcome.

Location: Hillcrest Hospital
Third Thursday of the month
Hours: 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Phone: 440.312.4692

Heaven and Earth

For families who have experienced the loss of an infant twin or triplet.

Location: Hillcrest Hospital
Third Wednesday of the month (except near holidays)
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Phone: 440.312.8267

Mitochondrial Disease Support Group

For patients and families affected by mitochondrial disease.

Four times per year.
Hilary Rossen, LISW
Phone: 216.445.3495
800.223.2273 ext. 53495 (toll-free)

Multiple Myeloma

For patients, families, and friends affected by multiple myeloma. Meets quarterly.

Location: Taussig Cancer Institute

Contact: Barb Savage, LISW-S, CASWCM
Phone: 216.444.6465
800.223.2273, ext. 46465 (toll-free)

Multiple Sclerosis Educational Series

A lunchtime educational series for all MS patients and families. This series provides information on a variety of topics and will show how good medicine, sound knowledge, and a healthy lifestyle can help a patient manage disease. Light refreshments are served, and parking is free the first hour. This program is supported by an educational grant from Teva Neuroscience.

Location: Multiple Sclerosis Learning Center located in the front lobby of the Mellen Center
Third Tuesday of every month
Hours: 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Phone: 216.444.8609
800.223.2273 ext. 48609 (toll-free)

Individuals who are seeking weight loss, weight loss surgery or who have already had weight loss surgery are invited to participate in any of the following programs.

General Bariatric Surgery Support Group

These groups are informal, interactive discussions led by one of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute's healthcare team members encouraging patient-to-patient dialogue and support. The meetings follow a monthly theme, such as nutrition, exercise, additional weight loss tips and resources, and co-morbidities common to bariatric patients.

Location: Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute
9500 Euclid Avenue
6th floor
M Building, M61
Second Thursday of every month
Hours: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m

• Learn more about bariatric surgery at Cleveland Clinic.

Binge-eating Group Session

Binge eating can be a very serious disorder common in candidates for bariatric surgery. This group supports you in making changes in your attitude toward food, and enhancing your ability to find new skills to cope with your stress and eating habits.

4 sessions Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Mondays: 9 a.m. - 10:30 am or 3 pm - 4:30 pm
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

MASTERY

(Managing After Surgery: Tools, Eating, Relationships & You)

This series of group sessions is designed to help optimize your success and adjustment after surgery by addressing multiple changes and challenges you may be facing. Topics include: grieving the loss of food as a source of pleasure/comfort; enhancing coping skills; increasing pleasurable activities; overcoming barriers to exercise; assertive communication; social skills for social eating; body image and changes; personal relationship and mindfulness.

Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Thursdays: 3 pm - 4:15 pm
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Substance Risk Reduction Group

This group is designed for bariatric patients (pre and post-surgery) with an established pattern of problematic drinking or previous history of addictive behaviors.

Fourth Thursday of every month
Hours: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Life After Surgery Group

Life After Surgery gives post-surgical patients the opportunity to explore the benefits they have experienced and address the obstacles they are facing. Such barriers may include poor body image, changes in relationships, and unrealistic expectations.

Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Wednesdays:11 a.m. – 12 p.m
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

GET SET
(Getting Expertise Today for a Successful Experience Tomorrow)

Learn how to increase your benefits of bariatric surgery. Preparing for surgery involves changing your current everyday patterns, which requires hard work and commitment. Getting more support and information will help you succeed. We will address eating behaviors, body image, stress and coping, and expectations before and after surgery.

4 Sessions

Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Young Onset Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Support for those with young onset Parkinson’s disease and for their caregivers.

Location: See complete schedule for location information.
Hours: Tuesdays: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Email: Janera Scott, PA-C
Phone: 216.444.8860

• Learn more about Young Onset Parkinson's Disease Support Group.

Parkinson Educational Program of Cleveland

An educational support group for people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, their families, caregivers and friends.

Location: Cleveland Heights Recreational Center/Senior Center

Corner of Mayfield and Monticello Boulevard
First Wednesday of each month
Hours: 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Phone: 216.691.7377

Prostate Cancer

A group offering information and support for men facing prostate cancer. Family members are welcome to all meetings.

Locations: The Gathering Place East (23300 Commerce Park Drive, Beachwood, OH 44122)
Contact: Ellen Heyman, RN, MSN, CS Phone: 216.595.9546

Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group

A support group for pulmonary fibrosis patients, their families, caregivers, and anyone interested in sharing and learning about the disease.

Location: Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center
Conference Room A and B in the lower level
Scott Marlow
Phone: 216.444.3708
Email: marlows@ccf.org

Cynthia Sears
Phone: 216.444.4725
Email: searsc@ccf.org

Look Good, Feel Better

For patients with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy treatments. Skin care and make up tips are some of the of the topics discussed. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the National Cosmetology Association, the American Cancer Society and the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center sponsor this program. All participating patients receive a complimentary gift bag of skin care and cosmetic products.

Location: Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center conference room R3-027
3rd floor of building R, follow signs
Hours: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Phone: 216.444.7923
800.862.7798 (toll-free)

Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence

Supports sarcoidosis patients and family members.

Phone: 216.692.7515

Smokeless in Cleveland

Taught by specially trained respiratory therapists and psychologists, this program offers behavioral interventions, social support and motivation to quit smoking. We encourage you to bring a buddy!

Locations: South Pointe, Hillcrest and Euclid Hospitals several times a year.
Four week sessions

For more information, dates for upcoming classes and to register, call 440.312.6741.

Pediatric Stroke Support Group

For children who have suffered strokes their parents, siblings, extended family, and educational and healthcare providers.

Locations: Call or email Diane Zabukovec for additional information on meeting location and times.

Phone:216.444.0173

• Learn more about the Pediatric Stroke Support Group.

Ostomy Association Support Group

Every Thursday
Coleen Potts
Phone: 440.257.7699

Individuals who are seeking weight loss, weight loss surgery or who have already had weight loss surgery are invited to participate in any of the following programs.

General Bariatric Surgery Support Group

These groups are informal, interactive discussions led by one of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute's healthcare team members encouraging patient-to-patient dialogue and support. The meetings follow a monthly theme, such as nutrition, exercise, additional weight loss tips and resources, and co-morbidities common to bariatric patients.

Location: Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute
9500 Euclid Avenue
6th floor
M Building, M61
Second Thursday of every month
Hours: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m

• Learn more about bariatric surgery at Cleveland Clinic.

Binge-eating Group Session

Binge eating can be a very serious disorder common in candidates for bariatric surgery. This group supports you in making changes in your attitude toward food, and enhancing your ability to find new skills to cope with your stress and eating habits.

4 sessions
Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Mondays: 9 a.m. - 10:30 am or 3 pm - 4:30 pm
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

MASTERY

(Managing After Surgery: Tools, Eating, Relationships & You)

This series of group sessions is designed to help optimize your success and adjustment after surgery by addressing multiple changes and challenges you may be facing. Topics include: grieving the loss of food as a source of pleasure/comfort; enhancing coping skills; increasing pleasurable activities; overcoming barriers to exercise; assertive communication; social skills for social eating; body image and changes; personal relationship and mindfulness.

Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Thursdays: 3 pm - 4:15 pm
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Substance Risk Reduction Group

This group is designed for bariatric patients (pre and post-surgery) with an established pattern of problematic drinking or previous history of addictive behaviors.

Fourth Thursday of every month
Hours: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

Life After Surgery Group

Life After Surgery gives post-surgical patients the opportunity to explore the benefits they have experienced and address the obstacles they are facing. Such barriers may include poor body image, changes in relationships, and unrealistic expectations.

Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Wednesdays: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)

GET SET
(Getting Expertise Today for a Successful Experience Tomorrow)

Learn how to increase your benefits of bariatric surgery. Preparing for surgery involves changing your current everyday patterns, which requires hard work and commitment. Getting more support and information will help you succeed. We will address eating behaviors, body image, stress and coping, and expectations before and after surgery.

4 Sessions Location: M66-11 Conference Room
Hours: Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Phone: 216.445.3030
800.223.2273, ext. 53030 (toll-free)